ARTE MENTOR hydro Series, Installation & User Manual

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INSTALLATION & USAGE MANUAL FIREPLACE | MENTOR Hydro
27 | Page
9.3. Cleaning the fireplace and the flue
When wood is burned slowly, it produces tar and other organic vapors, which combine with emitted moisture to form
creosote. When the fire is low, the creosote vapors condense in the relatively cool chimney flue. As a result, creosote
residue accumulates on the flue lining. When ignited this creosote makes an extremely hot fire, which can destroy the
flue/chimney.
Initially, do a monthly check for the presence of soot above the deflector plate and around the outlet flue. If the
fireplace suddenly start operating slowly check for intense presence of soot around the flue collar or in the
flue/chimney.
Clean the flue/chimney all the way from the fireplace to the flue end point above the house. A good practice is to
clean the flue after each operating season and to inspect it prior to the start to ensure that bird’s nests or other
blockages have not occurred during the off season.
Chimney sweeping
Inspect the fireplace regularly during the operating season as part of a regular maintenance schedule.
To inspect the chimney, let the fireplace cool completely. Then, remove the baffles (Pic. 9.4.1 & 9.4.2) and the
diaphragm of the central water tank pipe (Pic. 9.4.7) , place a mirror in the upper area of the combustion chamber
and turn it upwards, in order to inspect the chimney.
Clean the chimney using a brush with the same size and shape as the flue. Run the brush up and down the flue,
causing any deposits to fall to the bottom of the fireplace where they can be removed the same way as the ash.
ΑΤΤΕΝΤΙΟΝ !!! The central water tank pipe ( Φ 150 mm) is smaller than the flue. The flue is Φ 200 mm for fireplaces with
width 80cm and 90cm, and 250mm for fireplaces with width 100cm.
If you cannot inspect or clean the chimney by yourself, contact your local ARTE ® dealer or a professional chimney
sweep.
If you experience a chimney fire, act promptly and:

Close the air regulation (either setting to function OFF or power failure)

Evacuate the house

Call the fire department
- Cleaning of heating water tubes
Inspect regularly the heating water tubes, in order to remain clean and right flow of the gases to be ensured. In case
that they need cleaning, remove the diaphragm of the central water tank pipe
(Pic. 9.4.7) and the flue gas baffles
which are locat ed at front line of tank’s tubes (Pic. 9.4.8 & 9.4.9).
Use a common wire brush for the main tube. For the rest ones, use a cylindrical wire brush, which must be suitable for
cleaning 6cm diameter tubes. Also, you can clean through the main tube, the area that is above the tubes of the
tank.
- Annual maintenance
Before the operating season starts, perform a thorough cleaning, inspection and repair:

Thoroughly clean the chimney and flue connector

Inspect the chimney for damage and deterioration. In case of prefabricated chimney, replace any weak sections.
In case of a masonry chimney, have a mason make any needed repairs

Check the ceramic glass for any cracks and replace if needed

Check if the door is airtight and the handle tight. Fix any problems.
The flue, the water heating tubes and the flue gas baffles must be inspected at least
once every two months during the operating season to determine if a creosote buildup
has occurred. In that case, clean the:
1) flue gas baffles
2) flue, ensuring the for fire avoidance
3) water heating tubes, ensuring right function and high performance