11
IMPORTANT NOTES
1.
Do not block the hot air vents to the fireplace as this will cause the fireplace to overheat.
2.
Never start a fire using gasoline, kerosene, charcoal lighter fluid or any other combustible liquid.
3.
Do not burn coal. The sulphur in coal will corrode the firebox.
4.
Do not burn driftwood which has been in the ocean or salt water. The salt will corrode the firebox and chimney.
5.
Do not operate the unit with the doors partly open or with one door open, since this may cause smoke to be drawn
into the room.
6.
Do not burn wood in the area in front of the grate.
7.
Do not abuse the unit by burning paper, or cardboard or construction material such as pressed wood, plywood or
lumber.
8.
Do not allow the wood to smoulder or burn without flame, since this will produce excessive creosote in the unit.
MAINTAINING YOUR BIS ULTR
A
Creosote
When wood is burned slowly, it produces tar and other organic vapors which combine with expelled
moisture to form a black deposit called creosote which accumulates on the flue lining. When
ignited, this creosote makes an extremely hot fire. If the creosote accumulation is large, a creosote
fire in the chimney can damage the chimney and overheat the surrounding wood framing. Creosote
formation in a chimney can be minimized by making small hot fires rather than slow burning,
smoldering fires and by proper refueling techniques.
Chimney maintenance
Regular chimney inspection and maintenance combined with proper operation will prevent chimney
fires. Keep your chimney clean. Do not allow more than 1/16" creosote build up in your chimney.
The amount of creosote will depend on variables such as frequency of use and type of fire. We
recommend that you:
1.
Initially inspect the chimney system weekly. From this, you will learn how often it will be necessary to clean your
chimney.
2.
Have your chimney cleaned by a qualified chimney sweep. If you wish to clean it yourself, we recommend using a
stiff plastic or non-metallic brush. If a metal brush is used, its size should be slightly smaller than the flue to avoid
damaging the chimney. Do not use a brush that will scratch the stainless steel interior of the chimney.
3.
Do not expect chemical cleaners to keep your chimney clean. The rain cap can be removed for inspection and/or
cleaning of the chimney. Using gloves, firmly grip the lower portion of the rain cap. Turn the cap 1/8 of a turn
counterclockwise and lift it off the chimney.
Dealing with a chimney fire
Regular chimney maintenance and inspection can prevent chimney fires. If you have a chimney fire, follow these steps:
1.
Close the fireplace doors and the combustion air damper.
2.
Alert your family of the possible danger.
3.
If you require assistance, alert your fire department.
4.
If possible, use a dry chemical fire extinguisher, baking soda or sand to control the fire. Do not use water as it may
cause a dangerous steam explosion.
5.
Check outside to ensure that sparks and hot embers coming out of the chimney are not igniting the roof.
