DO YOU NEED TO REMOVE CREOSOTE FROM THE FIREPLACE?
If you have not cleaned the chimney for a long time, creosote may be impregnating its ducts, which will not only prevent the good combustion and performance of it, but will generate dangers during the use of the chimney.
If this is the case, you should remove creosote from the fireplace as soon as possible, as it can be the cause of the production of unwanted fires and its elimination is vital for the proper functioning of your fireplace and the safety of yours.
• But what is creosote and how is it formed?
Creosote is a waste that is generated when we light the fireplace.
During the combustion of firewood, acids are generated that combine with the humidity that occurs during the burning of the logs, and generate the residue that we know as creosote.
Among all the waste generated during the combustion of firewood, creosote is the most dangerous, as it is a toxic waste. This adheres to the walls, doors, ducts and smoke outlet of the chimney, which can cause various problems.
• Dangers of not removing creosote from the fireplace
The greatest danger of creosote is its toxicity. Being in contact with it can cause irritation of the mucous membranes and skin.
It is also a very flammable chemical, so if it is not removed from the chimney it can generate annoying explosions or even serious fires.
Without reaching these dangerous situations, the accumulation of creosote in the smoke outlet and the ducts of the fireplace or stove, will prevent proper combustion and worsen the energy efficiency of the system.
• How to reduce the amount of creosote in a fireplace
Although we cannot avoid the generation of this waste when using the chimney, we can reduce its quantity.
If we open the draft of the chimney to the maximum when introducing the wood, we will achieve that the ignition and combustion occurs faster and the vapors are burned.
Avoiding moisture in the fireplace or stove can also help us. Avoid water leaks, place doors that insulate the fireplace and reduce humidity inside and, above all, use dry firewood.
• Chimney sweep, the best way to prevent creosote from building up
The best way to ensure that creosote is not a danger is to do a professional cleaning of the chimney.
Chimney sweeps have professional tools that ensure the maximum guarantees in your installation.
The use of descaling brushes facilitates the elimination of soot and creosote adhered to the ducts of the chimneys and collect the residues as they fall with a powerful suction system, avoiding dirt and contact with toxic products.
So you know, removing creosote from your fireplace at least once a year is critical to ensure maximum energy efficiency of your fireplace and to avoid dangers to the safety of yours.