black on my wood heater?

Why is the glass going black on my wood heater?

A blackening of the glass on any wood heater is a sign of poor or incomplete combustion.

Good draft is key. A fire that is run too cool or on low too much of the time will not draft well and the excess smoke naturally builds up on the glass since this is the coolest part of the firebox.

A taller flue will provide better draft on a wood heater. Running the flue liner all the way up the chimney cavity on an insert heater will also improve draft.

A partially blocked flue will restrict airflow, impede draw and cause lower temperatures and incomplete combustion, contributing to a blackening of the glass. Wet wood - There is no surer way to cause dirty glass and creosote build-up in your flue than to burn unseasoned or high moisture content wood. The moisture in the wood condenses as creosote inside the flue.

Wood moisture meters costing from $30 can give you quick peace of mind.

Clean your glass regularly and have a very hot fire in the morning to help burn it off.

The SmartBurn combustion enhancing device triggers a lower ignition temperature of the flammable material within the firebox, allowing unburned smoke to combust within the firebox, rather than passing up the flue, or settling on your glass.

Tip

Glass Cleaning - Wet Newspaper and ash generally works to clean your glass door. Adding a SmartBurn will continually do this for you without the physical effort.