15
WinterWarm Fireplace Insert or System
2000941
and chimney connector on a regular schedule. Clean
the system if necessary. Failure to keep the chimney
and connector system clean can result in a serious
chimney fire.
When wood is burned slowly, it produces tar, organic
vapors and moisture which combine to form creosote.
The creosote vapors condense in the relatively cool
chimney flue of a slow-burning fire. As a result, creo-
sote residue accumulates on the flue lining. When
ignited, this creosote makes an extremely hot fire within
the flue system that can damage the chimney and
overheat adjacent combustible material. If a significant
layer of creosote has accumulated —1/8" (3mm) or
more — it should be removed to reduce the risk of a
chimney fire.
If you do experience a chimney fire, act promptly to:
•
Close the damper and thermostat lever.
•
Get everyone out of the house.
•
Call the Fire Department.
You should inspect the system every two weeks during
the heating season as part of a regular maintenance
schedule. To inspect the chimney, let the WinterWarm
cool completely. Then, using a strong light, sight up
through the flue collar into the chimney flue. If it is not
possible to inspect the flue system in this fashion, the
firechamber must be removed to provide better viewing
access.
If it is necessary to remove the firechamber to inspect
or clean the chimney, this is how to do it:
•
Let the WinterWarm cool.
•
Disconnect the fan power cord.
•
Remove the load door, grate bar, grate and ash
door.
•
Retract all four levelling screws until they bear no
weight.
•
If you installed the CFM Specialty Home Products
Flex Connector System, bend the four retaining tabs
on the Starter Piece until they are straight. Push the
Starter Piece upward until it is clear of the shroud.
•
Slide the firechamber forward until you have access
to the fireplace opening.
•
Remove any sealing plates and the chimney con-
nector from the fireplace damper frame area.
You can now inspect the smoke shelf area and the
chimney. Before replacing the WinterWarm, this area
should be inspected for signs of deterioration and
cleaned thoroughly with a chimney brush.
Clean the chimney using a specially designed brush the
same size and shape as the flue liner. Flexible fiber-
glass rods are used to run the brush up and down the
liner, causing any deposits to fall to the bottom of the
chimney where they can be removed through the clean-
out door.
The chimney connector should be cleaned by discon-
necting the sections, taking them outside, and removing
any deposits with a stiff wire brush. Reinstall the
connector sections after cleaning, being sure to secure
the individual sections with sheet metal screws.
If you can't do the chimney inspection yourself, contact
your local Vermont Castings' Authorized Dealer, or
engage a professional chimney sweep to perform the
inspection and cleaning of the chimney.
If you are the owner of a WinterWarm Fireplace Sys-
tem, the prefabricated chimney used with your fireplace
should be cleaned from above using an 8" round brush
and the appropriate number of extension rods for
complete access.
The chimney cap first must be removed following the
procedure recommended by the manufacturer. After
thoroughly cleaning the chimney, reinstall the chimney
cap according to the manufacturer’s directions.
WinterWarm Maintenance Schedule
Fireplace:
Daily:
•
Ash should be removed before the level reaches the
top of the pan. Check each time you re-load, or at
least once a day.
•
Keep the area around the fireplace clear of any
combustible material.
Yearly Spring Cleaning:
•
Remove ash from the fire box and replace with a
moisture-absorbing material (such as Kitty Litter) to
keep the interior of the fireplace dry.
•
Touch up painted surfaces with black paint.
Flex Connector:
Two Weeks:
•
Inspect the chimney and flex connector. Clean the
system if necessary.
YEARLY SPRING CLEANING:
•
Disassemble the flex connector and take it outdoors
for inspection and cleaning. Replace weak sections
of connector.
•
Inspect the chimney for signs of deterioration.
Repairs to a masonry chimney should be made by a
professional mason. Replace damaged sections of
prefabricated chimney. Your local Vermont Castings’
dealer or a chimney sweep can help determine
when replacement is necessary.
