Q&A Burning Duraflame in open woodstove

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QandA

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Nov 27, 2012
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Question:

This is a follow-up question about if it is ok to burn artificial firelogs in a woodstove fireplace insert. As suspected the answer is no, because of creosote and heat issues. However, if by leaving the stove doors open and putting the screen in front, does the woodstove act as a normal fireplace? If so, would it not be ok to burn as long as the doors are always open?



Answer:



The main reason a pressed log (Duraflame) is not to be used in a wood stove is it puts out too much concentrated energy (heat) and can damage the stove. Another reason is they produce much more residue (sooty deposits) in the chimney. Interestingly, the deposits contain very little creosote. However, when pressed logs are burned in some fires and real wood is burned during other fires, you have an extra hazard. The smoke from wood fires will rapidly cool, condense and collect upon the pressed log residue and creosote from the cord wood fires will multiply at an alarming rate.


Starting with a clean chimney, it may be acceptable to burn pressed logs only with your doors open and the stove manufacturer's screen in place. You must use a properly supporting grate, and you will need to sweep your chimney more often.


Never burn more than one pressed log at a time. Never poke them or move them. Never mix wood with a pressed log.


Answered by : Brian Dunne

Link: Duraflame Site
 
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