Soot is the enemy of stoves and chimneys

Soot is formed during the combustion of all types of carbon fuels: gas, oil, coal, and firewood. However, solid fuels produce the most soot when burned. The combustion of coal and firewood involves the mechanical disintegration of fuel chunks, accompanied by the familiar crackling sound. This process results in the formation of large and fine fuel residues, akin to dust. The light particles carried away by the smoke stream are soot. And all would be well if soot simply flew away: it accumulates on the surfaces of chimneys and boilers.

Soot accumulated in the chimney reduces the chimney's flue diameter and can completely block it. Consequently, the draft in the stove or boiler will be weak, or smoke will enter the room. The most dangerous aspect is that accumulated soot in the chimney can ignite from sparks from the fireof the heating season. Subsequent cleaning is performed no less often than:

— once every 3 months — for heating stoves;

— once every 2 months — for stoves and continuous-operation hearths;

— once a month — for kitchen stoves and other appliances.

Soot ignition and combustion is one of the biggest problems for homeowners. One should not rely on luck and allow such cases, as cleaning a chimney can cost you your entire house.