Went to visit my cabin in northern Michigan last weekend, for a "wellness check". First visit since last November. The last time I was there, I was awakened by the cold at 2 in the morning. This was the last day I was to stay there before going home. The chimney for the wood burning furnace had clogged with creosote and the fire was going out. I was not prepared to sweep the chimney at 2 in the morning, so I tied a monkey wrench to some rope, climbed on the roof and dropped it down the chimney as a quick fix and left later that morning. So, I swept the chimney before I built a fire, clearing out a large quantity of creosote. The fire was burning well and all was nice and toasty until the next day when smoke started coming out of the pipe that leads from the furnace to the chimney. I was mystified by this and thought the pipe from the furnace to the chimney must be clogged, so I removed it and found that it was not clogged! Mystified, I tied my trusty monkey wrench to a rope and dropped it down the chimney and was astonished to find it clogged again, in less that one whole day!! Had to sweep the chimney again. I have owned this place for over 20 years and usually clean the chimney twice a year in spring and fall. Last year I repaired the furnace replacing the gasket that goes around the doors as they were leaking and the furnace is quite a bit more efficient using much less wood. I only burned about 10 pieces of fire wood about 30 inches long before the chimney clogged. The wood is class "A" oak and was just a little damp on the outside. I do not know why this happened, but I have some guesses.
1. The chimney has a cap to prevent water from rain and snow getting in. It only cleared the top by 6 inches and I raised it to be about 10 inches of clearance. I am thinking it was preventing a good draft through the chimney. I also think this is an unlikely cause.
2. I have not tried this yet, but I am going to open the draft at the furnace that comes into play providing air when the furnace reaches temp and the damper shuts down the air flow. Most likely cause.
3. The chimney flue had moisture in it??
Any recommendations or clues?
1. The chimney has a cap to prevent water from rain and snow getting in. It only cleared the top by 6 inches and I raised it to be about 10 inches of clearance. I am thinking it was preventing a good draft through the chimney. I also think this is an unlikely cause.
2. I have not tried this yet, but I am going to open the draft at the furnace that comes into play providing air when the furnace reaches temp and the damper shuts down the air flow. Most likely cause.
3. The chimney flue had moisture in it??
Any recommendations or clues?
