Creosote in chimney from a new woodstove

[canfossi]

I was wondering would a brand new woodstove, less than 6 months old create as much cresote as an older woodstove, say 10 yrs old providing they are burned with the same quality fuel (dry hardwood)? I am asking this beacause I had the chimney cleaned today (new house, so it's a different woodstove than my last house). The chimney guy was from a reputable company and said that there was hardly any creosote and I have been using for 4 months straight and burning some greener wood here and there. Thanks Chris

[Cabin Fever]

I couldn't tell you exactly when the new EPA regs kicked in on woodstoves, but it could be something like 10 years ago or so. All new woodstoves must have a method of burning off volatile hydrocarbons (the stuff pollutes the air and that also turns into creosote). There are two methods of reducing hydrocarbon emissions in new woodstoves: (1) secondary combustion and (2) ceramic catylst. These devices will result in less creosote buildup.

So, I am guessing that your older woodstove did not have a catylst or secondary combustion and your newer woodstove does.

[northwinds]

Originally Posted by canfossi

I was wondering would a brand new woodstove, less than 6 months old create as much cresote as an older woodstove, say 10 yrs old providing they are burned with the same quality fuel (dry hardwood)? I am asking this beacause I had the chimney cleaned today (new house, so it's a different woodstove than my last house). The chimney guy was from a reputable company and said that there was hardly any creosote and I have been using for 4 months straight and burning some greener wood here and there. Thanks Chris

It's good news that you have no creosote after four months. There are are a lot of variables here, including the burning temperatures, whether the wood is seasoned, whether you burn 24/7, and whether or not your stove is cat vs. non cat. It doesn't sound like you have a problem.

If you want specialized information from a group of folks who are serious woodburners, you might want to check out:
http://www.hearth.com/econtent/index.php/forums/

Chances are someone on that site has your stove and can offer some helpful tips.

[daytrader]

I would bet that newer wood stove had some fire brick in it.

Also ALWAYS been dry seasoned wood. NEVER green wood. You can not look at wood and tell if it is dry. I know for a fact. I have sold many thousands of cords. I still sell for Indiana Hardwoods. ALWAYS use a moisture meter. That is the only way to tell if it is dry wood.

I can cut wood today. Put it in a kiln for 14 mins and have it looking like two year seasoned. Moisture would be around 24%. Your dry wood NEEDS to be under 15% to even be considered dry "seasoned". 11.22% is just perfect.