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6 MAINTENANCE
6.1 Disposal of Ashes
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 on soil or otherwise locally dispersed, they should be retained in
the closed container until all cinders have been thoroughly cooled. It is good practice to leave a bed of ashes on
the hearth approximately ½
” thick.
CAUTION: Always wear heat resistant gloves when removing the ashes
from the firebox.
a) Let the firebox cool to ambient temperature before removing the ashes. It is recommended to remove the
ashes once the bed has exceeded a height of 4 inches.
b) Slowly open the door to prevent ashes from coming into the room.
c) Place an ash bucket (metal container) near the fireplace, onto the non-combustible hearth.
d) Using a shovel and brush, remove the bulk of the ashes from the firebox into the ash bucket. Note that it
is not necessary to keep a thin bed of ashes for the next fire.
e) Store the ash bucket (with the tight-fitting lid) on a non-combustible surface, away from any combustible
materials, pending final disposal.
6.2 Chimney Maintenance
Creosote
– 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 vapor condenses in the relatively
cool chimney flue of a slow-burning fire. As a result, creosote residue accumulates on the flue lining. When
ignited, this creosote makes an extremely hot fire. The chimney connector and chimney burning wood or coal
should be inspected at least once every two months during the heating season to determine if creosote buildup
has occurred. If creosote has accumulated, it should be removed to reduce the risk of a chimney fire. Note that
continuously operating the unit with green or wet wood will result in premature creosote buildup.
Never use
chemical cleaners for your chimney.
WARNING: In the case of a chimney fire:
1. Close the door of the fireplace.
2. Set the burn rate of the Combustion Air Control to minimum (Section 4.3
).
3. Call the local fire department (if assistance is needed).
4. Use a dry chemical fire extinguisher (baking soda or sand) to control the fire.
5. Get out of the house.
CAUTION: Never use water to extinguish a fire as it may result to dangerous steam explosions. Do not
use the unit until the chimney is inspected and repaired (if needed) by a qualified technician.
NOTE: Do not clean the chimney when the unit is in operation/hot. Follow the instructions below for sweeping
the chimney of a FLAIR fireplace insert:
a) Open the door of the unit.
b) From within the firebox, displace the chimney sweeping cap located in the baffle by lifting and moving it
to the side.
c) Close the door of the unit.
d) Using an appropriate sized chimney sweeping brush, clean the chimney from any creosote buildup and
other residues.
e) Remove all the fallen/loose creosote/residues from the firebox and baffle system (a shop vacuum cleaner
can be used for a thorough cleaning).
