When to clean chimney of creosote

[Skywalker]

How do I tell when it is time to clean my chimney of creasote?

 

[Dustin]

Have a look. IMO, when I see any build up, I clean. Even when it's just fluffy fly ash

Might be overkill, but I clean mine once every three months during the burning season. Although I do it myself, might be different if I had to pay for it.

 

[webby3650]

The rule of thumb used to be 1/4" of build up, now 1/8" is being considered a dangerous amount.
Once a year is recommended, once you know the appliance. It very well could build up quicker than that. A lot depends on your chimney type and the quality of wood that is being burned.
I inspect mine annually and run a broom down it every 3 years or so, wether it needs it or not.

 

[begreen]

It depends also on the type or stage of creosote that is developing. The light fluffy stuff is not a big deal, but the shiny hard stuff needs to be cleaned out right away. If you are new to wood burning then I would do it once a month, especially if the wood seasoning is unknown or from a dealer.

 

[Skywalker]

Have a look. IMO, when I see any build up, I clean. Even when it's just fluffy fly ash

Might be overkill, but I clean mine once every three months during the burning season. Although I do it myself, might be different if I had to pay for it.

Thank you. I was thinking the same. Probably clean every two months or so. I also clean myself

 

[Skywalker]

The rule of thumb used to be 1/4" of build up, now 1/8" is being considered a dangerous amount.
Once a year is recommended, once you know the appliance. It very well could build up quicker than that. A lot depends on your chimney type and the quality of wood that is being burned.
I inspect mine annually and run a broom down it every 3 years or so, wether it needs it or not.

Wasn't quite sure on what the rule of thumb was. Thx for that bit of info. I need to get a moisture meter to make sure I am burning properly seasoned wood.

 

[Skywalker]

Y

It depends also on the type or stage of creosote that is developing. The light fluffy stuff is not a big deal, but the shiny hard stuff needs to be cleaned out right away. If you are new to wood burning then I would do it once a month, especially if the wood seasoning is unknown or from a dealer.

Yes this is my first year of burning. I have been doing a lot of research. Very happy I have found this forum. You guys have been invaluable. Thank you

 

[Sprinter]

Y

Yes this is my first year of burning. I have been doing a lot of research. Very happy I have found this forum. You guys have been invaluable. Thank you

Yup, this is the place to be. This site has saved me no end of potential problems. Now I'm trying to give back a little as I learn.

I'm a believer in using a moisture meter. As I've often said, everything else is guesswork and it's one of the most important aspects of burning. I had a rough start with wood my first season, but made it through. This is the meter I use, but there are others like the General Tool brand at Home Depot and one from Harbor Freight. They all work about the same and you don't need to spend much. http://www.amazon.com/DUSIEC-Handhe...f=lp_553270_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1381726742&sr=1-7
Go for 20%. Up to 25 is manageable. More than that you need to take steps. Let us know what you end up with.

Have fun.

 

[bmblank]

If you're wondering if its time to clean it, you should probably just clean it and remove all doubt. Eventually you'll get comfortable and learn your system and get it optimized, both in burning it cleaner and expending less energy maintaining.

 

[Dakotas Dad]

There are a lot of variables.. you need to check it often, and more so the first year. We can look up our chimney pretty easy. It's not as dirty now as the last time I cleaned it, and that time we got about a cup of junk from a 24 foot run.. so I think it's doing ok. I still plan to run a brush down it this week, but truthfully, I am just going to do it because I am going to be up there anyways..