There is soot in the chimney

Soot is a product of incomplete combustion of fuel. The main causes of soot formation are insufficient combustion temperature and insufficient oxygen supply. To achieve more complete combustion of firewood, it is necessary to maximize the temperature in the furnace. To do this, cooling of the fuel chamber by the cooking stove, boiler, etc. should be excluded. A significant amount of soot is formed in metal long-burning stoves. In addition to the fact that the metal walls of the stove significantly cool the fuel chamber, they also restrict the air supply, causing the firewood to smolder rather than burn. Such stoves often experience problems due to soot accumulation in the chimney. The completeness of fuel combustion can be judged by the color of the smoke coming from the pipe. The lighter the smoke, the more complete the fuel combustion. Black smoke indicates that soot particles are being expelled along with the flue gases. Most of the soot settles on the walls of the chimneys. With complete combustion, smoke is not visible at all from the pipe, and at temperatures below -30, steam is emitted.

Soot accumulation in the chimney worsens the heating of the stove, as soot is a thermal insulator, and the thicker the layer of soot, the less the stove wall heats up and more heat escapes through the pipe. Continuous soot formation leads to a narrowing of the chimney and, consequently, a decrease in draft. In this case, smoke begins to enter the room.

Most soot forms at the bends of the chimneys. In these places, provisions should be made for cleaning. It is essential to provide for cleaning under the pipe. Through it, soot can be removed during mechanical cleaning of the chimney.

To reduce soot formation in the stove, it is also necessary to ensure smooth channels during construction to minimize irregularities where soot can settle. It is also advisable to insulate the pipe. If soot is not cleaned for a long time, it will compact over time, making it more difficult to clean later.

It is not allowed to burn garbage in the stove, such as plastic bottles and bags. Additionally, plywood and particleboard contain substances that contribute to soot formation.

To minimize soot in the stove, it is necessary to burn well-dried firewood. It is recommended to occasionally burn dry aspen firewood and dried potato peels. After burning the peels, during the next 2-3 firings, flakes of soot will be expelled from the pipe along with the smoke.

Ignition and combustion of soot is the biggest problem for owners of wood-burning fireplaces and boilers. One should never rely on "maybe" and allow the ignition to occur - therefore, timely inspection of the flue and periodic cleaning of soot accumulations are always necessary.

Chimney cleaning from soot is carried out based on operating conditions, but no less than once a year.

Since the beginning of this year, Braslaŭ firefighters have already responded to extinguish soot ignitions. What should be done if soot ignites in the chimney? Try to limit (close) the air supply to the fireplace/stove as much as possible (close the damper or tightly close the valve, door, air supply regulator), do not open doors or windows to avoid additional air supply to the fire. Timely detect flying sparks and burning pieces of soot. Call the firefighters, as it is not always possible to cope with the escaping genie from the pipe on your own.

Take care of yourselves!