Pacific energy SUPER 27 SPECTRUM, Operating Instructions Manual

230514-20 

SUPER-SD1 5

Creosote

Formation and Need for Removal

When wood is burned slowly, it produces tar and other 
organic vapours, which combine with expelled moisture 
to form creosote.  The creosote vapours condense in the 
relatively cool chimney fl ue of a slow burning fi re.  As a 
result, creosote residue accumulates on the fl ue lining.  
When ignited, this creosote makes an extremely hot fi re.  
The chimney connector and chimney should be inspected 
periodically (at least once every two months) during the 
heating season to determine if a creosote buildup has 
occurred. If creosote has accumulated (3 mm. or more), 
it should be removed to reduce the risk of a chimney fi re.

1.    Highest smoke densities occur when a large amount of 

wood is added to a bed of hot coals and the air inlet is 
closed.  The heated wood generates smoke, but without 
ample air, the smoke cannot burn.  Smoke-free, clean 
burning requires small fuel loads, two or three logs at 
a time or 1/4 to 1/2 of fuel load and leaving the air inlet 
relatively wide open, especially during the fi rst 10 to 30 
minutes after each loading, when most of the smoke 
generating reactions are occurring.  After 30 minutes 
or so, the air inlet can be turned down substantially 
without excessive smoke generation.  Wood coals 
create very little creosote-producing smoke.

2.   The cooler the surface over which the wood smoke is 

passing, the more creosote will be condensed.  Wet 
or green wood contributes signifi cantly to creosote 
formation as the excess moisture that is boiled off 
cools the fi re, making it difficult for the tars and gases 
to ignite, thus creating dense smoke and poor combus-
tion.  This moisture-laden smoke cools the chimney, 
compounding the problem by offering the smoke the 
ideal place to condense.

In summary, a certain amount of creosote is inevitable 
and must be lived with. Regular inspection and clean-
ing is the solution.  The use of dry, seasoned wood 
and ample combustion air will help to minimize the 
buildup.

Chimney Fires

The result of excessive creosote buildup is a chimney fi re.  
Chimney fi res are dangerous. Chimney inside tempera-
tures can exceed 1100°C.  This causes much higher than 
normal temperatures in the chimney and on its exterior 
surfaces.  Thus ignition of nearby or touching combusti-
ble material is more likely during a chimney fi re.  Proper 
clearances are critical during such a fi re.
Chimney fi res are easy to detect; they usually involve one 
or more of the following:
 

-Flames and sparks shooting out of the top of the 
chimney

-A roaring sound

-Vibration of the chimney

In Case of a Chimney Fire

1.  Prepare to evacuate to ensure everyone's safety.  Have 

a well understood plan of action for evacuation. Have 
a place outside where everyone is to meet.

2.  Close air inlet on stove.

3.  Call local fi re department.  Have a fi re extinguisher 

handy.  Contact your local municipal or provincial fi re 
authority for further information on how to handle a 
chimney fi re.  It is most important that you have a 
clearly understood plan on how to handle a chimney 
fi re.

4.  After the chimney fi re is out, the chimney must be 

cleaned and checked for stress and cracks before 
starting another fi re.  Also check combustibles around 
the chimney and the roof.

- The services of a competent or certifi ed installer are 
strongly recommended.

Avoiding a Chimney Fire

There are two ways to avoid chimney fi res:
1.  Do not let creosote build up to a point where a big 

chimney fi re is possible.

2.  Do not have fi res in the heater that may ignite chim-

ney fi res.  These are hot fi res, such as when burning 
household trash, cardboard, Christmas tree limbs, or 
even ordinary fuel wood; (e.g.. with a full load on a hot 
bed of coals and with the air inlet excessively open.)