W415-2796 / C / 10.06.20
EN
32
maintenance
7.2 creosote formation and removal
7.3 runaway or chimney fire
7.4 chimney cleaning
50.3
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 cooler chimney fl ue or a slow-burning fi re. As a
result, creosote residue accumulates on the fl ue lining. When ignited, this creosote makes an extremely hot fi re.
The chimney connector and chimney should be inspected at least once every two months during 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 fi re.
50.5
Both the chimney and the appliance must be inspected and cleaned if necessary at least once a year.
For serious wood burners, chimney cleaning must be done as needed to avoid chimney fi res; the venting
systems for controlled combustion appliances may need cleaning as often as once a month. These rates,
however, depend on the burning habits of the individual operating the appliance. For example, it is possible to
clog a solid fuel appliance chimney in a few days if slow, smoldering fi res are burned and the chimney is cold.
Certain items and considerations are important in chimney cleaning:
•
Proper tools should be used, including a brush specifi cally designed for chimney cleaning.
•
The chimney connector and dampers as well as the chimney should be cleaned.
•
The appliance’s fi rebox and baffl e system should be cleaned if needed.
•
The chimney should be inspected and repairs made if needed, preferably by a qualifi ed chimney sweep
or mason.
note:
Appliances burned consistently without hot fi res may result in signifi cant creosote accumulations in the
chimney.
!
WARNING
50.4A
• A chimney fi re can permanently damage your chimney system. This damage can only be repaired by replacing
the damaged component parts. Chimney fi res are not covered by the lifetime limited warranty.
CAUSES:
• Using incorrect fuel, or small fuel pieces which would normally be used as kindling.
• Creosote build up in chimney.
• Leaving the door ajar too long and creating extreme temperatures as the air rushes in the open door.
• If equipped, burning your appliance with the ash plug not securely seated.
SOLUTIONS:
• Do not burn treated, painted, artifi cial, paper or processed wood logs, coal, charcoal, coloured paper or
cardboard.
• Have chimney regularly cleaned.
• Be careful not to over-fi re the appliance by leaving the door open too long after initial start-up. A
thermometer on the chimney connector and/or appliance top helps to indicate the appliance operating
temperature.
• If equipped, always operate the appliance with the ash plug properly installed.
IN CASE OF A CHIMNEY FIRE:
• Close glass door and air control (and damper, when equipped).
• Have a well understood plan for evacuation and a place outside for everyone to meet. Prepare to evacuate
to ensure everyone’s safety.
• Call local fi re department. Have a fi re extinguisher handy. Contact local authorities for further information on
how to handle a chimney fi re.
• After the chimney fi re is out, clean and inspect the chimney or chimney liner for stress and cracks prior to
lighting another fi re. Also check combustibles around the chimney and the roof.
