Hi everybody,
Just registered and I am in need for an answer to my problem. I have been using the Jotul 4 for over 30 years now. Two years ago, I neglected to sweep my chimney and, no surprise, got a chimney fire. The insurance paid for the replacement of the chimney (prefab, rated 2000 F, inox steel). For same years now I monitored the flue temperature with a thermometer which is installed about 24 inches above the stove, and tried to maintain the temp at about 400 F, and a bit over. Now I just have the chimney swept and cleaned by a man who works for a legitimate company here (Quebec City) and installed my prefab chimney, and he told me that is some vitrified creosote which does not want to go away, and that I should have a creosote treatment (for about 500$, CDN.) He has been using a soft brush to clean the chimney.
I am a bit surprised by all this, after all these years. The logs that I use are dry.
So some questions:
- What is the proper temperature for burning ? Is 400 F really too low ?
- For the creosote treatment, can I use (read is it safe) the Creosote Sweeping Log (http://www.cleanyourchimney.com/) or something like that; if so, what is the proper way to do it ? I know, there is a FAQ, but I would appreciate the answer from some connaissors here.
- Is it possible that the installation of the prefab chimney be at fault somehow ?
I would to resolve that real soon; the cold season is getting here pretty fast.
Jerry
Just registered and I am in need for an answer to my problem. I have been using the Jotul 4 for over 30 years now. Two years ago, I neglected to sweep my chimney and, no surprise, got a chimney fire. The insurance paid for the replacement of the chimney (prefab, rated 2000 F, inox steel). For same years now I monitored the flue temperature with a thermometer which is installed about 24 inches above the stove, and tried to maintain the temp at about 400 F, and a bit over. Now I just have the chimney swept and cleaned by a man who works for a legitimate company here (Quebec City) and installed my prefab chimney, and he told me that is some vitrified creosote which does not want to go away, and that I should have a creosote treatment (for about 500$, CDN.) He has been using a soft brush to clean the chimney.
I am a bit surprised by all this, after all these years. The logs that I use are dry.
So some questions:
- What is the proper temperature for burning ? Is 400 F really too low ?
- For the creosote treatment, can I use (read is it safe) the Creosote Sweeping Log (http://www.cleanyourchimney.com/) or something like that; if so, what is the proper way to do it ? I know, there is a FAQ, but I would appreciate the answer from some connaissors here.
- Is it possible that the installation of the prefab chimney be at fault somehow ?
I would to resolve that real soon; the cold season is getting here pretty fast.
Jerry