Flue temps vs creosote build up

  • Active since 1995, Hearth.com is THE place on the internet for free information and advice about wood stoves, pellet stoves and other energy saving equipment.

    We strive to provide opinions, articles, discussions and history related to Hearth Products and in a more general sense, energy issues.

    We promote the EFFICIENT, RESPONSIBLE, CLEAN and SAFE use of all fuels, whether renewable or fossil.
Chas0218

Chas0218

Minister of Fire
Sep 20, 2015
539
Beaver Dams New York
I have a Vogelzang defender epa certified tube stove. I have been watching the flue temps via the magnetic style pipe thermometer. I put it at the 18" above the stove all seems good when she is shut down, no smoke, secondaries firing nicely, 2 year seasoned ash and hard maple. The issue is the thermometer is reading really low likeright around 300 or a touch lower. It is cranking out the heat when she is shut down. Do you think I'm building lots of creosote being that cool or thermometer isn't really positioned right? I figured the thermometer is pretty fool proof if you follow the directions. I do have a step on the top of the stove maybe ill try moving it down to 18"off the lower step. d059e8fedcdcfe8216c3e3698a1450c0.jpg

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk
 
Last edited:
Is that a surface thermometer or a probe?
 
general rule of thumb for a surface thermometer is the actual internal temp is one and a half, to two times what it shows on the exterior of the pipe. for actual internal temps a probe thermometer on double wall pipe would be needed.
 
edyit said:
general rule of thumb for a surface thermometer is the actual internal temp is one and a half, to two times what it shows on the exterior of the pipe. for actual internal temps a probe thermometer on double wall pipe would be needed.
Click to expand...
I agree but as long as it is single wall pipe a surface thermometer gives you the info you need
 
Okay thanks. Just needed some reassurance that I was working the stove correctly. Its been a great little stove and heats our cottage great actually a little too great at times.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk
 
Another rule of thumb is to sweep the flue frequently on a new stove, until you build confidence in your operation of it. Many start with twice per season cleanings, backing down to once a year thereafter.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Alpine1 and bholler
I get a lot of creosote in my NC-30 stove in the flue pipe from the stove to where it enters the chimney. I was surprised by that cuz that should be the hottest part of the flue. Single wall pipe runs 350 out of the stove to 250 where it enters the chimney ,stove top 600. Stove works great,puts out loads of heat and wood very dry. That said im installing a brand new chimney and flue as im worried the old brick one is just not up the the job and hard to clean, never had a chimney fire but im probably pushing my luck with it.
 
  • Like
Reactions: chance04 and bholler
Correct, what Ashful said. Run a brush down it and see what comes out. Increase the cleaning interval as you get confidence how and what your burning is not creosoting up the chimney.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

R
Exit Gas temps on alternative stoves?
Replies
6
Views
619
The Hearth Room - Wood Stoves and Fireplaces
rashomon
R
E
Strong Draft and Flue Temps
Replies
11
Views
675
Travis Industries: Lopi, Avalon, FPX
EbS-P
EbS-P
M
can't reduce flue temps
Replies
17
Views
2K
The Hearth Room - Wood Stoves and Fireplaces
begreen
begreen
D
Flue pipe heat reclaimer and Creosote remover
Replies
9
Views
2K
The Hearth Room - Wood Stoves and Fireplaces
begreen
begreen
R
Flue Temp okay to be lower when Cat active and blower on?
Replies
6
Views
1K
The Hearth Room - Wood Stoves and Fireplaces
rashomon
R
Top Bottom
Back