MAINTENANCE
PAGE 18
CREOSOTE FORMATION AND NEED FOR RE-
MOVAL
What is Creosote -
When 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 of a
slow-burning fire. As a result, creosote residue accumu-
lates on the flue lining. When ignited this creosote
makes an extremely hot fire. Also, creosote deposits
tend to form in long runs of venting where gases be-
come too cool prior to exhausting. Note: Single wall
pipe cools rapidly, therefore installations using this type
of flue are more susceptible to creosote deposits.
To inhibit the build up of creosote, adjust the primary air
control to a medium-high or high setting for a 10-minute
period each day. Do not attempt to burn out heavy
creosote accumulations in this manner. This must be
removed from the chimney by scraping or brushing to
reduce the risk of a chimney fire.
Burn Approved Fuel Only
- This stove is approved for
burning dry seasoned natural wood only. Using green
or inadequately seasoned wood may increase creosote
buildup.
Inspection Frequency -
The chimney connector and
chimney should be inspected at least twice monthly dur-
ing the heating season to determine if a creosote
buildup has occurred. If creosote has accumulated it
should be removed to reduce the risk of a chimney fire.
Cleaning -
Remove the catalytic combustor and open
the bypass damper prior to having your chimney
cleaned (should be done by a qualified chimney
sweep). See Maintenance,
Catalytic Combustor
, on
page 19 for instructions on removing catalytic combus-
tor.
IMPORTANT: MAKE SURE THE BYPASS DAMPER
IS IN THE OPEN POSITION PRIOR TO CHIMNEY
CLEANING.
In the event of a chimney fire -
Make sure the fuel
door is securely closed. Adjust the primary air control to
the lowest (most closed) setting. Call the fire depart-
ment immediately. After a chimney fire, the complete
chimney system should be checked by a qualified tech-
nician before further use.
Consult your dealer for suggestions on proper chimney
care. Contact your local municipal or provincial fire au-
thority for information on how to handle a chimney fire.
Have a clearly understood plan for handling a chimney
fire.
CATALYST REPLACEMENT
The normal expected life of a catalytic combustor is
10,000 to 12,000 hours (if appliance is operated cor-
rectly and proper fuels are used). If the catalyst has
been deactivated, it should be replaced. Symptoms of
deactivation include – noticeably darker smoke exiting
chimney and less heat output. If these symptoms re-
main after normal maintenance or a major cleaning
(soak in heated vinegar/water solution, see page 19),
the catalyst probably needs replacement. Also, if the
catalyst is broken and/or missing large pieces, it should
be replaced.
Note: The catalyst does not need to be glowing to be
working. It will glow at times, but it can work very effec-
tively at temperatures well below the 1000
°
F level at
which it will begin to glow.
CLEANING BLOWERS
The blowers require inspection and cleaning annually to
remove lint, dust, etc. If there are pets in the dwelling,
the blowers should be cleaned at least twice a year To
access, remove blower cover (remove the two ¼” hex
head screws), then inspect propellers (replace if
cracked, or broken) and vacuum out lint, dust, and de-
bris.
f i r e - p a r t s . c o m