„Installation and operation manual for fireplace insert”
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of the fireplace and cooperating elements. Only original parts supplied by the fireplace insert
manufacturer may be used as spare parts. Moreover, the duct supplying fresh outdoor air for
combustion must be kept in a passable condition.
NOTE! Access from outside of the fireplace insert enclosure must be ensured for cleaning
the fireplace insert and connecting pipe, i.e. the connecting element between the insert and
the chimney
.
2.4.1 Chimney
The foundation of proper and safe fireplace operation is properly cleaned and maintained
chimney. Polish regulations require cleaning and inspection of the chimney at least four times
a year. However, experience shows that the frequency may increase in case of a chimney
without sufficient thermal insulation or if non-seasoned wood with the humidity over 20% is
used as fuel, or wood of coniferous trees. In that case, the risk of soot ignition in the chimney
increases considerably as a result of build-up of a thick layer of inflammable creosote
deposit, which needs to be removed on a regular basis. A similar phenomenon occurs inside
the fireplace insert, especially if it is operated for a long time at a considerably reduced
power. Although depositing of creosote inside the fireplace insert is not dangerous, it ought to
be avoided because of the risk of corrosion and premature wear of gaskets which
– while
absorbing creosote
– become glued and lose their properties fast.
Cleaning of the chimney ought to be performed by a qualified chimneysweep. Along with
maintenance of the chimney, fixed pipes connecting the fireplace insert with the chimney
ought to be cleaned. The connecting pipes ought to have cleaning holes, accessible through
grates or doors in the fireplace enclosure.
2.4.2 Fireplace insert glass pane
Both because of esthetical and operational reasons, particular attention ought to be paid to
the ceramic heat-resistant glass pane equipped with an air supply system to protect it against
contamination (so-called vitroceramic glass pane with an air curtain). The vitroceramic glass
pane with an air curtain requires periodic cleaning (every couple of days), depending on the
quality of fuel and usage of the insert. Special products may be used for cleaning the glass
pane, but it can also be cleaned with ash using a damp newspaper or a cloth.
CRACKING OF THE GLASS PANE: vitroceramic glass panes are resistant to the
temperature of
750ºC and they are resistant to thermal shocks. Cracking may only be caused
by a mechanical shock (impact, violent closing of the door, etc.).
2.4.3 Fireplace insert
Inspection and cleaning of the whole fireplace is required before each heating season. The
inspection ought to include disassembly of internal insert elements (ceramic panels,
deflector, etc.), cleaning from soot and ash
– especially the insert body surface under the
chamotte panels (accumulated creosote hinders the flow of heat which, in turn, reduces
heating efficiency of the insert). The condition of gaskets should also be checked; in case of
damage, replace gaskets with new ones remembering not to tension the cord excessively as
it will lose its flexibility and the gasket will not play its role. After thorough cleaning and visual
inspection of the insert interior, all checked elements may be fitted again, with particular
attention to correct fitting, i.e. keeping proper expansion distances. At the end of inspection,
grease movable elements of the insert, including the damper levers, closures of the door and
door lifting mechanism, if installed. To do that, a heat resistant lubricant should preferably be
used (recommended by the fireplace insert manufacturer); do not allow excess lubricant flow
out of the insert. Afterwards, the insert is ready for further use, but the whole system requires
some more work.
