Valcourt Saguency FP8, Installation And Operation Manual, Page: 22 / 31

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CREOSOTE
When wood is burned slowly without a flame, it produces tar and other organic vapours which combine
with expelled moisture to form creosote. The creosote vapors condense 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 shall be inspected at least twice a year during the heating season to determine when a creosote
build-up has occurred.
When creosote has accumulated it shall be removed to reduce the risk of a chimney fire.
CHIMNEY FIRE SAFETY PROCEDURES
Regular chimney maintenance and inspection can prevent chimney fires. If you have a chimney fire,
follow these steps:
1. Close the fireplace door and the combustion air controls;
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;
6. Do not use the fireplace again until your chimney and fireplace have been inspected by a qualified chimney
sweep or a Fire Department Inspector;
FEEDING AND CONTROLLING COMBUSTION
Once the wood has been consumed (or partially consumed) and you have obtained a good bed of embers, you
should reload the unit. In order to do so, open the air control to its maximum for approximately 15 seconds
prior to opening the fireplace door. Then, proceed by opening the door very slowly. Open it by 2" to 4" (52 to
104 mm) for 10 seconds before opening it completely. This procedure will increase the draft and thus eliminate
the smoke which is stagnant in a state of slow combustion in the fireplace. Then, bring the red embers to the
front of the stove and reload the unit.
Your Saguenay fireplace will work best if a thick bed of hot embers is maintained in the bottom of the firebox,
and a minimum of two large pieces of seasoned fuel are added. Combustion efficiency is largely related to
establishing a hot ember bed, and hot firebox temperatures. The quicker the fireplace and chimney (flue) get
up to normal operating temperatures, the better. A small intense fire is preferred to a large smouldering fire,
both to improve combustion efficiency and to reduce the amount of creosote build-up. The best performance
will be obtained by adding relatively small amounts of fuel to a well established ember bed, and then operating
with the air inlet control open long enough to achieve a hot fire. Use a poker to make an air channel in the
embers below the wood. This will allow air to flow under the wood for a more efficient burn. Once you have
reached the desired temperature, the primary air can be set to a medium setting. You know you have reached the
desired temperature when, closing the primary air control, you can see a flame at the top of the firebox. The
benefit of this technique will be cleaner glass, less creosoting, greater efficiency and the most pleasing fire for
your enjoyment.