Expert advice

A receipt from a certified chimney sweep is important for your insurance and also ensures compliance with municipal regulations.

In spring and fall, it’s advisable to create a very hot fire (above 450°F) for short periods, twice a day, instead of accumulating creosote by having small fires over extended periods.

Chimney sweeping is ideally done at the end of the heating season, which is in spring. This is because the deposits are still dry and easier to dislodge. It also allows you some time to repair or replace any damaged elements. Additionally, you avoid the unpleasant odors of creosote during the work. However, it’s worth noting that most people wait until fall to have their chimneys swept. This is when most companies offer their services. If you enjoy fires regularly during the winter, it’s recommended to plan a mid-season chimney sweeping, generally after burning three or four cords of wood. Keep in mind that the frequency of chimney sweeping for a wood stove depends not only on the amount of wood used but also on how the fires are made, the type of wood used, and the moisture content of the logs. (Source: CAA-Quebec, n.d.)

To have an indication if the chimney contains creosote, the glass of the fireplace or stove will tend to become blackened.

The flue thermometer is an essential tool for any wood heating enthusiast. It should be installed on the pipe 18 inches from the stove: the ideal temperature for most chimneys is a minimum of 450°F.

It’s recommended to use dry wood for heating because soft or wet wood tends to burn slowly, which promotes the formation of creosote, especially when the flue temperature is usually below 450°F.

To properly dry firewood, it’s recommended to place it at a distance greater than 4 feet from the fireplace or stove and to maintain a minimum clearance of 18 inches from any combustible material. This helps reduce the risk of fire.

It’s important to clear trees and branches within a 10-foot radius of the chimney and cap, as required by the Quebec Building Code (RBQ). Additionally, this improves the smoke draft outward.

When using the wood stove for the first time of the season, it tends to produce a lot of smoke because the chimney pipes are cold. As a result, the smoke can flow back inside. To address this situation, it’s recommended to start a strong paper fire to warm up the chimney pipes, helping the smoke draw outwards. Additionally, partially opening a window (at least 1 inch) near the installation could help reverse the pressure and enhance the smoke’s draw outward.

In conclusion, it’s normal for your setup to produce more smoke than usual due to the cold chimney pipes. However, if the issue persists, it’s advisable to contact a professional.