Another BK Chimney Cleaning Question - Creosote Cleaning Log

[Pete16]

Hey guys, in anticipation of the upcoming burn season, and as a first time (second year) BK Princess owner, I'm going to be cleaning my chimney here soon. I've read some (mostly) good things online about these creosote cleaning logs or powders (like Rutland) that help loosen up any caked on creosote.

Just wondering if anyone uses these or what the consensus was. Looks like they are ok to use on catalytic stoves.

My plan was to burn one of these with the bypass open the entire time prior to sweeping my chimney to help the process go a little easier.

Thoughts?

 

[Dieselhead]

It’s been discussed in the past on here and consensus always has been “no”, at least burning any of those items with the catalyst installed. Even in bypass smoke is in contact with the cat.

 

[stoveliker]

And BK says to never burn with the bypass open (once the cat gauge is in the active range).

 

[Pete16]

Ok, beauty. Thanks for the input guys. Saves me a bit of money as well then.

 

[Tron]

Ok, beauty. Thanks for the input guys. Saves me a bit of money as well then.

And honestly, if you've been running your BK as intended, creosote buildup in the flue is going to be minimal. I sweep each fall and I get 1-2 cups of powdery creosote at most.

 

[Pete16]

And honestly, if you've been running your BK as intended, creosote buildup in the flue is going to be minimal. I sweep each fall and I get 1-2 cups of powdery creosote at most.

True. I believe I have been. Everything has been under 20% moisture content, and we only use it to supplement heat in the evening in the winter, with at most maybe 3 or 4 fires a week. Either way, I'll find out when I sweep it in a couple weeks. Thanks!

 

[Tron]

and we only use it to supplement heat in the evening in the winter, with at most maybe 3 or 4 fires a week

Do it like me, do it the other way around.
Keep the stove running 24/7 during the winter and only use your other heat (gas furnace in my case) to supplement.
You can turn down the BK so far that you won't overheat your house even when it warms up to 50F outside. When it gets colder (or overnight) turn it up a little.
And even if the combustor falls out of active range in the wee hours of the morning, doesn't matter as the stove is still hot, just reload, get the load going, close the bypass and dial down. The combustor will catch up within minutes.