March 26, 2020
7039-804B
18
B. General Maintenance
1. Creosote (Chimney) Cleaning
• Frequency:
Every 2 months during heating season or
as recommended by a certified chimney sweep; more
frequently if chimney exceeds or is under 14-16 ft.
(measured from bottom of appliance)
• By:
Certified Chimney Sweep
Remove all ash from the firebox and extinguish all hot
embers before disposal. Allow the appliance to cool
completely. Disconnect flue pipe or remove baffle and
ceramic blanket from appliance before cleaning chimney.
Otherwise residue can pile up on top of the baffle and
ceramic blanket and the appliance will not work properly.
(See
Baffle Removal
). Close the door tightly.
The creosote or soot should be removed with a brush
specifically designed for the type of chimney in use. Clean
out fallen ashes from the firebox.
It is also recommended that before each heating season
the entire system be professionally inspected, cleaned and
repaired if necessary.
Inspection:
Inspect the system at the appliance 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.
Formation and Need For Removal:
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 newly-started or a slow-burning fire. As
a result, creosote residue accumulates on the flue lining.
When ignited, this creosote creates an extremely hot fire
which may damage the chimney or even destroy the house.
The chimney connector and chimney should be inspected
once every 2 months during the heating season to
determine if a creosote or soot buildup has occurred. If
creosote or soot has accumulated, it should be removed to
reduce the risk of a chimney fire.
2. Disposal of Ashes
• Frequency:
When ash is within 1-3/4 in. (44mm) of
firebox lip
• By:
Homeowner
WARNING
Fire Risk.
Prevent creosote buildup.
• Inspect chimney connector and
chimney once every two months during
heating season.
• Remove creosote to reduce risk of
chimney fire.
• Ignited creosote is extremely HOT.
Fire Risk.
•
Do not use chimney cleaners or flame
colorants in your appliance. Will corrode
chimney pipe.
WARNING
Fire Risk. Disposal of Ashes
• Ashes should be placed in metal container
with tight fitting lid.
• Do not place metal container on
combustible surface.
• Ashes should be retained in closed
container until all cinders have
thoroughly cooled.
WARNING
Ashes should be placed in a metal container with a tight
fitting lid. The closed container of ashes should be placed
on a non-combustible floor or on the ground, well away
from all combustible materials, pending final disposal. If the
ashes are disposed of by burial in soil or otherwise locally
dispersed, they should be retained in the closed container
until all cinders have thoroughly cooled.
Fire Risk.
Ashes could contain hot embers.
WARNING
3. Appliance Inspection
• Frequency:
Every 2 months at the same time the
chimney and chimney connector are inspected.
• By:
Homeowner
Check for:
• Cracks in glass
• Door handle - smooth cam operation
•
Baffle and ceramic blanket correct placement
•
Baffle for warp-age
• Firebrick for cracks, broken or crumbly
• Door gasket (Dollar bill test): Place a dollar bill between
the stove and the door and then shut the door. If you
can pull the dollar bill out, replace the door gasket.
• Glass frame for loose screws
