TWICE A YEAR CHECK-UP
Normally, twice a year, you should inspect your fireplace following this list:
1.Inspect the opening in your chimney top and remove any debris that could clog it. The cap is usually held in place by four (4) screws, which remove easily for checking or cleaning the full length of the flue from above. Remove the chimney top while wearing gloves to guard against any sharp metal edges.
2.Inspect the entire flue from the top down for obstructions such as birds nests, leaves, etc. This may be done by using a flexible handled chimney cleaning brush. If the chimney con- tains offset/return elbows; a soft brush cleaning from the top down to any elbow and then from the firebox up to the offset/return section is the proper method. The beam from a powerful flashlight will help in this inspection, (removal of the flue strainer may be needed).
3.Look up from inside the fireplace to see if any obstructions are in the lower flue area. If present, shut the glass doors (if installed) to seal the firebox and contain any soot that might fall.
If your fireplace does not have glass doors installed, a damp sheet covering the fireplace opening and sealed with masking tape will do. Then clean the flue from the top down (if an offset system, clean per Step 2) using a proper size chimney brush with flexible pole sections. Don’t open the doors or remove the sheet until all soot has settled. Vacuum, don’t sweep.
Note: Removal of the flue strainer may be required to clear any obstructions inside the flue.
4.Check the metal flashing and seals around your chimney. Seal any cracks or loose nail- head openings to prevent roof leaks.
5.Clean the firebox thoroughly by using a soft brush or equivalent.
6.Check outside air inlet and free from any obstructions.
7.Exposed stainless steel face may be cleaned with a solution of baking soda and water:
Mix a tablespoon of baking soda in a cup of water and spray on the exposed stainless steel face. Wipe with a clean cloth.
CLEANOUT PANEL (DOOR SUPPORT FRAME)
The Cleanout Panel provides an outlet for water that may enter the fireplace during rain- ing or melting snow. Therefore it is important to keep it clear from ashes and debris.
Remove the Cleanout Panel by removing the screw at each end and lift (see Figure 5 ). Check inside and clean if necessary.
Make sure the area is free of any debris and reattach the panel with the screws previously removed.
Note: The hearth area can be vacuum cleaned. Larger debris must be removed manually. It is recommended to clean the hearth area while the cleanout panel is removed to make sure that no ashes will fill the cleanout panel area upon reattachment.
Screw
Figure 5
Stainless Steel Outdoor Weather Cover (P/N H0321)
An optional Stainless Steel Outdoor Weather Cover can be purchased to provide additional protection against leaves and other objects that wind can carry which can accumulate inside your fireplace or damage your fireplace Glass Doors. Complete instructions for use are provided with the cover.
WARNING: CONTINUED OVERFIRING CAN PERMANENTLY DAMAGE YOUR FIREPLACE SYSTEM. SOME EXAMPLES OF OVERFIRING ARE:
•BURNING QUANTITIES OF SCRAP LUMBER, PINE BRANCHES, PAPER OR CARDBOARD BOXES WHICH EXCEED THE VOLUME OF THE NORMAL LOG FIRE.
•USE OF ARTIFICIAL WAX BASE LOGS, TRASH OR OTHER CHEMICALS OR CHEMICALLY TREATED COMBUSTIBLES.
NOTE: DIAGRAMS & ILLUSTRATIONS NOT TO SCALE.
CREOSOTE FORMATION AND REMOVAL
When wood is burned slowly, it produces tar and other organic vapors, which combine with expelled moisture to form creosote. The creo- sote 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 should be inspected at least twice yearly during the heating season to de- termine if a creosote build-up has occurred.
If creosote has accumulated, it should be removed to reduce the risk of a chimney fire.
If creosote build-up is found, do not use chemi- cal chimney cleaners that are poured on a hot fire. The chemical cleaners can be dangerous and generally only work on the flue section nearest the fire, leaving the rest of the flue unaffected. It is best to take the time to clean the flue as previously described or have the chimney professionally cleaned by a qualified chimney sweep.
TROUBLESHOOTING
Note: "Smoke Free" operation is not warranted nor are we responsible for inadequate system draft, general construction conditions, inad- equate chimney heights, adverse wind condi- tions and/or unusual environmental factors or conditions beyond our control.
If you do experience a problem, here are sev- eral things to check:
1.Remember – always check to ensure that the flue strainer and air inlet are clear from obstructions before lighting a fire!
2.Is your fire too far forward? Move it toward the back with your poker. Keep the fire well within the confines of your fuel grate.
3.Keep your fire up on the grate and the refrac- tory below free of excessive ashes. The fire needs plenty of air movement around the logs.
4.Is a breeze or wind blowing? This can cause negative pressure and an unwanted downdraft
– and smoking.
5.Is your wood fuel too wet or unseasoned? Or does it contain some chemical substance that causes sputtering, smoking and toxic fumes?
