Many homeowners will agree that using the HVAC system
all winter long is too expensive. In fact, your HVAC usage is going to account for nearly half, if not more, of your energy bill. This is why a lot of consumers go to extra steps to find alternatives. Using the chimney for a fire is a great way to heat your home.
The fireplace is comfortable, relaxing and far more cost-effective than the alternatives. The only downside is that you’re going to be dealing with creosote. Unless you clean the flue frequently, the risk of a house fire is going to be increased. So, will a creosote sweeping log help? You’ll find out below.
Creosote Sweeping Log Effectiveness
When it comes to getting your chimney cleaned, you have several options. You can fork over the money to a professional and let them handle the mess. This is obviously the most convenient, but also the most expensive. Alternatively, you can take matters in your own hands and do it yourself.
This is the most difficult, but it means that you won’t have to pay for anything. Finally, you can purchase a creosote sweeping log. These products are designed to reduce dangerous creosote when they’re burned in the fireplace.
So, do they actually work? According to the experts, the answer is yes. However, you need to be realistic. When you use a creosote sweeping log, it is going to dry out the creosote. In return, that will cause the particles to fall down into the firebox.
The Chimney Safety Institute of American tested these products and gave them their Accepted Product Status. With that being said, you should definitely think about taking advantage of them.
Creosote Sweeping Log Directions
Now, you need to find out how to use one of these products. The truth of the matter is that it is going to be much easier than you could ever imagine. However, you must first take the time to find out how many logs you’re going to need. If you have a smaller fireplace with a smaller flue, you should be fine with a single log.
However, if the fireplace and flue are bigger, you’ll need at least two and they’ll need to be burned at the same time. Remember to never place the logs on hot embers. This could result in the fire burning way too intensely.
Even when you’re using these products, you should have your chimney inspected regularly. After all, the log is not going to tell you whether or not your flue is obstructed and that can be risky. Inspections and professional cleanings cannot be replaced by creosote sweeping logs.
Creosote Sweeping Log Ingredients
In order to gain a better understanding of creosote sweeping logs, you should learn more about their ingredients. Are they safe? What ingredients make these products effective? First and foremost, you should know that these logs utilize a mixture of special additives.
During the burning process, these additives are going to be released into the fireplace and the flue. They’re actually released through the smoke. Then, they’ll attach to the creosote. Here, a chemical reaction is going to take place. It will carry on for one or two weeks. If everything goes well, the creosote will become brittle and this will make it much easier to clean.
During this period of time, you will still be able to use your appliance. Just remember that the creosote may eventually be dispersed in the form of a fine powder. These particles may fall back into the firebox, but they’re nothing to worry about. By all means, creosote sweeping logs are completely safe.
What To Expect After CSL Usage
Using a creosote sweeping log can be a little awkward at first. In fact, you might believe that you’ve done something wrong. The good news is that you probably have not. It is nearly impossible to make mistakes. If you see that the CSL is still smoking, you shouldn’t worry about too much.
This is completely normal. The smoke will continue to flow into the flue and this will dry the creosote. Just remember to keep the damper fully open. Keep it this way until the smoke has stopped completely. Be cautious of falling creosote. You probably won’t be able to tell the difference between the creosote and ash. Just deal with both as you would normally.
It is generally a good idea to wait a few hours before starting another fire after using the CSL. Then, you should try to start fires every few days for the next week or so. This will ensure that all of the additives are released and the creosote is dealt with. Before doing a medical sweeping, you should wait at least one or two weeks after using the CSL. As long as you take these precautions and plan ahead, you should be just fine and the CSL should be effective.
Precautions When Using CSLs
Now, you should know that CSLs are not suitable for all situations. For instance, they should never be used for propane or gas stoves. You should use them for oil-only burning furnaces. Doing so could be incredibly dangerous. You’ll also want to avoid using these products when cooking.
When using these logs, you should never break them apart. If you do, there is a great risk that the fire is going to burn too intensely. Either way, you should always keep an eye on the fireplace when the CSL is burning.
Creosote Sweeping Log Review
The Pine Mountain Creosote Buster Safety Firelog is definitely a good investment for homeowners with chimneys. With these logs, you just need to use one every 40 fires and that will greatly reduce the risk of fires. Another great thing about these logs is the fact that they’re so easy to use.
You just need to add the log to an existing fire and you’ll be good to go. These logs are capable of removing 2 times the amount of creosote as the alternatives. For the price and because of the quantity, you’ll definitely want to consider buying these logs! They can be found on Amazon here, Pine Mountain Creosote Buster Safety Firelog.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, you should definitely think about using creosote sweeping logs to clean up your fireplace. It is not the ultimate solution, but it can make a huge difference in the long run. With one of these products, you’ll be able to dry out the creosote and that will make it much easier to clean in the long run.
Use CSL and then get your chimney professionally cleaned a few weeks later. This will decrease the likelihood of a fire and keep your family safe.
