Why does a solid fuel boiler smoke?

Heating during cold weather always takes up a large part of our attention! From time to time, users of solid fuel equipment face a situation where the boiler is smoking. This is a kind of malfunction that requires intervention. What exactly contributes to this? Why does a solid fuel boiler smoke? How to avoid such situations? It is important to understand this to protect yourself from undesirable consequences.

Often, the chimney is the cause of smoke, or rather, its leakage or clogging. But this is not all that matters. Therefore, it is worth considering this issue in more detail.

The boiler smokes and smoke enters the room

An improperly designed or installed chimney can cause smoke to enter the room during equipment operation. As a result, there may be insufficient draft to get all the smoke out.

To prevent this problem, it is important that the chimney is installed by a specialist. He or she will be able to correctly calculate the diameter, height, and angle of the chimney, and select the appropriate materials. Smoke can also enter the room because the chimney is clogged with soot. This can happen if the equipment is connected incorrectly.

So, the reasons can be completely different, but they can be divided into several groups.
The main reasons why a solid fuel boiler smokes:

1. Improper operation of the boiler
2. Technical violations during the installation of equipment
3. Insufficient traction

Let's take a closer look...

Improper operation of the boiler

• Does the solid fuel boiler smoke during loading? Often among the malfunctions of a solid fuel boiler is improper ignition. For example, there are top-burning and bottom-burning boilers. Therefore, it is necessary to burn fuel from the upper layer - in upper-burning boilers, and the lower layer - in lower-burning boilers, respectively.
• When the boiler is running, the slide gate must be open. This must be checked every time, because it is also periodically forgotten.
• Smoke can also appear due to excessive or, conversely, a lack of oxygen. In this case, it is worth reviewing the automation settings and correcting the situation using the "Regulator" parameter "fan performance".
• One of the causes of boiler smoke can be an unheated pipe. There is one proven way. For example, you can make the first fire with something that is easy to ignite. These are old magazines, newspaper, unnecessary waste paper, paper or wood chips. Then the stream of warm air will easily "break through" the cold stream. After that, you can make the main volumetric fuel layout. In order to avoid this reason, it is necessary to follow the operating rules, perform timely maintenance and regular cleaning from the formation of a large amount of soot with the help of special means, such as chemicals or manual cleaning with a scoop and brush (poker). This will ensure good draft and the absence of smoke in the room.

It is also not recommended to heat the boiler with wet wood or resinous wood. This is the cause of smoke and frequent chimney clogging.

There are cases when the boiler smokes when you add firewood - this is more likely due to the moisture content of the firewood.

Often, when purchasing equipment, the new owner does not even open the operating manual. And during use, a number of issues arise that could have been avoided. Conclusion: read the manual! It is important!

Technical violations during the installation of equipment

• Chimney leaks (in this case, only a complete replacement of the chimney with high-quality sealed seams will help) and incorrect height of the chimney above the roof. Sometimes the diameter of the pipes is smaller than necessary with a sufficient height, in which case adding another meter or two to the height will be the solution. This will stabilize the train.
• Lack of exhaust ventilation.
• Uninsulated chimney (from the outside). The chimney is in great need of thermal insulation. The temperature of the smoke in the chimney should not be lower than the dew point - 70 degrees.
• An additional flue can be connected to the chimney, which is also connected to the solid fuel boiler.

Insufficient traction

• Smoke can escape into the room where the cauldron is installed because there is insufficient air flow.
• An excellent solution for optimal draft is to minimize the length of horizontal sections of the pipe. Smooth transitions of chimneys at an angle of 45 are better than 90.
• Weather conditions can also cause the boiler to smoke. In the event of sharp gusts of wind, the draft may deteriorate. In this case, you can install a cone at the end of the pipe, which has a protective function against the wind. And when installing a weather vane, you can increase the draft.

Do not try to be an expert in all matters, and involve a master installer who knows exactly how to properly install the boiler, make a chimney and other works. After all, it's about your safety!

Reverse draft in the chimney

What is backdraft in a solid fuel boiler? What is the cause of backdraft in the chimney?

When the boiler is operating properly, the smoke goes up and out. If the smoke enters the house or other premises where the solid fuel boiler is installed, it indicates a malfunction. This violation is a back draft.

Backdraft is the downward movement of flue gases, in short. This is how the room becomes smoky! And if you do not respond to such phenomena in a timely manner, there can be serious consequences.

So why does a chimney backdraft occur? It can be caused by the lack of supply ventilation, weather conditions, and wind.

To eliminate backlash, you need to create the right ones. View the automation parameters or set them manually. Make sure the slide valve is open. Check the chimney for leaks.

What to do if the boiler smoke enters the house

Is the boiler smoking into the room? If the boiler is smoking into the house, the first thing to do is to create an air supply! Deal with the reasons described above! And if you can't do it yourself, call a technician!
People often ask "Why does a long-burning boiler smoke?" or "Why does a wood-burning boiler smoke?". It doesn't matter what type of boiler you choose. What matters is the quality of the installation and the rules of operation!

Take precautions and carefully read the instructions before using the solid fuel boiler! This will help prevent many issues and be proactive!
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