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[slimchance]

I have a basic question to see if anybody can answer.  Is there any negative effects of having a rather tall chimney/stack?  Stove is pretty close to house and when the wind is blowing the right direction, it can get pretty smoky all around the house.  I'd like to try to get the exhaust up a little higher to see if it helps.  It's already up about 10 feet, the top of the house is about 25 feet.  Any suggestions? 

[E Yoder]

Tall chimney may condense moisture and creosote near the top. Plus could cause boiling issues during warmer weather with the vacuum created sucking air when the draft fan is off.
One more reason I'm liking the gasser units, no smoke complaints.

[slimchance]

Thanks E. Yoder, yes a gasser would make life easier and more efficient, I'll ask Santa for one this year...I'm pretty sure I know what she..I mean he will say!  Being that this is the hand I've been dealt and working with what I have, what would you suggest?  I know you have a lot of knowledge on this stuff so I'm all ears.  Do you think it is worth trying to extend the chimney another 4 or 8 feet, and just see how it responds?  One concern I have is that I'm not real sure that I'll achieve anything at all unless the top of the chimney is completely above the top of the roof line of the house.  What do you think?

[E Yoder]

I see what you're saying. I'd probably get some cheap galvanized duct pipe and try another 10' and see what it does for a month or so before investing in stainless. If it doesn't help you might be looking at moving the stove.

[fireboss]

I think it dosen't matter how high you go . Some days the smoke just comes straight back down.

[mlappin]

I think it dosen't matter how high you go . Some days the smoke just comes straight back down.

Temperature inversions

[slimchance]

OK, thanks for the info guys.  I think I will take your advice and get some cheap galvanized pipe, go pretty tall with it and see what it does.  I would have to add 14' to what I already have to just get even with the peak of the house.  I don't kn ow if I will get that tall or not, but hopefully whatever I do will be an improvement. 

[OTR]

Plus could cause boiling issues during warmer weather with the vacuum created sucking air when the draft fan is off.

I wouldn't think that would be an issue if the OWB is in good working order - solenoids working properly and gaskets in good shape, etc.

I've only had one OWB, though, so not a lot of experience with different models.

[E Yoder]

Some models have an air hole for controlled air leakage to keep the fire lit. With a tall chimney it leaks way to much. But you're right, good gaskets help. You have no forgiveness with a tall chimney.