Heart & Home Collectables MHC36 H. Maintenance Instructions, Disposal of Ashes, Creosote and Soot

MHC36 AND MHR36 INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

H. MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS

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 noncombustible floor or on the ground, well away from all combustible materials, pending final disposal. If the ashes are disposed of by burial in soil or otherwise locally dispersed, they should be retained in the closed container until all embers have thoroughly cooled.

WARNING!

A chimney fire can permanently damage your chimney system. This damage can only be re- paired by replacing the damaged component parts. Chimney fires are not covered by the Lim- ited Warranty and Buyer Protection Plan.

2.Creosote and Soot

Inspect the chimney internally for obstructions and construction damage. Flue pipe joints and seams must be continuous and mechanical tight. In a used chimney, additional inspection is needed for creosote buildup, which is the formation of a flammable sediment.

When wood is burned slowly, it produces tar and other organic vapors, 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 should be inspected at least twice a year 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.

Figure 24

Chimney & Termination Cap Cleaning

3.Chimney Cleaning

If you do detect a buildup of creosote, contact a qualified chimney sweep or clean it yourself. To do this, perform the following steps:

a.Open the damper.

b.Hang a damp sheet across the fireplace opening to stop dirt and soot from entering the room.

c.Remove the termination cap or housing top. See Figure 24.

d.Clean with a stiff nylon brush attached to a pole OR tie a small burlap bag filled with straw and several small stones or sand. Work up and down the flue until the flue is clean.

e.Replace the termination cap or housing top.

4.Clear Space Near the Fireplace

Combustible materials must not be stored on the hearth extension. Room furnishings such as drapes, curtains, chairs, or other combustibles must be at least four feet from the open front of the fireplace.

26 31072 Rev G 08/04