CHIMNEY CLEANING
a.
Creosote Formation
– When any wood is burned slowly, it produces tar and other organic vapors, which
combine with expelled moisture to form creosote. The creosote vapors condense in the relatively cool
chimney flue or a newly started fire or from a slow-burning fire. As a result, creosote residue accumulates on
the flue lining. When ignited, this creosote makes an extremely hot fire, which may damage the chimney or
even destroy the house. Despite their high efficiency, pellet stoves can accumulate creosote under certain
conditions.
b.
Soot and Fly Ash: Formation and Need for Removal
- The products of combustion will contain small
particles of fly ash. The fly ash will collect in the exhaust venting system and restrict the flow of the flue
gases. Incomplete combustion, such as occurs during startup, shutdown, or incorrect operation of the room
heater will lead to some soot formation which will collect in the exhaust venting system. The exhaust
venting system should be inspected at least once every year or ton of pellets burned to determine if cleaning
is necessary.
c.
Inspection and Removal
– The chimney connector and chimney should be inspected annually or per ton to
determine if a creosote or fly ash build-up has occurred. If creosote has accumulated, it should be removed
to reduce the risk of a chimney fire. Inspect the system at the stove connection and at the chimney top.
Cooler surfaces tend to build creosote deposits quicker, so it is important to check the chimney from the top
as well as from the bottom.
The creosote should be removed with a brush specifically designed for the type of chimney in use. A qualified
chimney sweep can perform this service. It is also recommended that before each heating season the entire
system be professionally inspected, cleaned and, if necessary, repaired.
To clean the chimney, detach the vent at the combustion blower transition where it is attached to the blower.
RECOMMENDED MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
Use this as a guide under average-use conditions.
Daily
Weekly
Annually or per Ton
Burn Pot
Stirred
Emptied
Glass Wiped
Cleaned
Combustion Chamber
Brushed
Ashes
Emptied
Interior Chambers
Vacuumed
Heat Exchange Tubes
Two passes
Combustion Blower Blades
Vacuumed / Brushed
Convection Blower Impeller
Vacuumed / Brushed
Vent System
Cleaned
Gaskets
Inspected
Hopper (end of season)
Emptied and vacuumed
Gasket around door and door glass should be inspected and repaired or replaced when necessary.
(See “
REPLACEMENT PARTS
”)
REMOVAL AND REPLACEMENT OF BROKEN DOOR GLASS
While wearing leather gloves (or any other gloves suitable for handling broken glass), carefully remove any
loose pieces of glass from the doorframe. Dispose of all broken glass properly. Return the damaged door to
your Breckwell Dealer for repair or replacement.
Neither the appliance owner nor any other unauthorized person(s) should replace the door glass. An authorized
Breckwell dealer must perform all repairs involving door glass.
MAINTENANCE
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