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.
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.
b) Slowly open the door to prevent ashes from coming into the room.
c) Place an ash bucket (metal container) near the insert, onto the non-combustible hearth.
d) Using a shovel and brush, remove the bulk of the ashes from the firebox into the ash bucket.
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
– Fomation 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 creososte 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.
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.
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 FUSION 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).
f) Place back the chimney sweeping cap.
CAUTION: Operating the unit without the chimney sweeping cap in position will result in over
firing and void the warranty.
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