How to improve the draft of a solid fuel boiler

How to improve the draft in a solid fuel boiler, why there is no draft in the chimney, weak draft in the chimney, and other similar questions may arise when heating a house or other premises with a solid fuel boiler. What is the reason? It is important to understand this issue, since good draft is the key to the productive operation of the boiler. There is also an expression "if there is no draft, there will be no heat"! And it is true! Let's analyze this issue!

Why is there no draft in the boiler?

Why did the boiler lose draft? In fact, good draft directly depends on the temperature of the flue gases, seasonal and weather conditions, wind strength, and the difference in temperature conditions indoors and outdoors. Is the chimney made of high quality? There are actually many factors. Heating has always been one of the most difficult and expensive issues in construction.

Poor draft in a solid fuel boiler may indicate technical reasons:

• Narrow or low chimney;
• Chimney leakage;
• The slide valve is closed during boiler operation;
• No forced ventilation;
• There are taller buildings or trees in the vicinity of the chimney pipe. The chimney is located in a "windbreak" zone;
• Clogged chimney and large accumulation of soot, coking.

That is, if you are faced with the issue of "poor chimney draft," first of all, start checking the equipment malfunction. And the first sign may be that the boiler is smoking.

How to increase the draft in the chimney?

Increasing the draft in the chimney is possible.We share with you some successful actions:

• There is a boiler draft regulator device - an anemometer. This is a chimney draft regulator. Checking the chimney draft with this device will make life easier!
• It is also a good idea to install a deflector. This device is installed at the top of the chimney. It is effective in the presence of wind. It is also a kind of chimney draft stabilizer.
• To increase the draft, you can install a smoke exhauster. These are electric ventilation units.
• Consider replacing the chimney if it does not produce sufficient draft and there are no other reasons.

Preventive measures to ensure that the boiler draft does not drop

It is important to remember that prevention is always cheaper. What are the minimum steps to take to avoid poor traction?

• Periodically check the boiler and the connection system for damage;
• Check whether the slide gate is closed or open when the boiler is in operation;
• Adjust the traction using automation or manually;
• Create supply air or install forced ventilation;
• Monitor fuel quality and moisture content;
• Periodically clean the boiler and chimney.

What determines the draft in the chimney, if everything has been technically ruled out? In the summer, some people use a solid fuel boiler to heat water. Since the weather conditions in summer make it very difficult to create a good draft, you can use a very old-fashioned way! You can stick a vacuum cleaner with a blower into the blower, or any other fan, and put it on for a couple of minutes until it fires up.

What should be the draft in the chimney?

For example, a fireplace or stove should have an average of 10 Pascals, which is considered the norm for draft in this equipment.
And don't forget. There is also a reverse thrust!

When the boiler is fired up and the chimney is not yet heated, the air has a higher pressure in the upper part than in the room. The smoke flows according to the principle of "much lighter", it looks like a reverse process! In simple words, the principle of reverse draft is that the movement of flue gases is directed downward from the area of high to low pressure.

A solid fuel boiler requires a little bit of your attention and timely maintenance! In this case, it will thank you by saving money on heating and a comfortable temperature in the house!