Refractories; Creosote Formation And Removal - Lennox MP-360D Homeowner's Care And Operation Instructions Manual

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
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
yearly during the heating season to determine
if a creosote build-up has occurred.
If creosote has accumulated, it should be re-
moved 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.
8

reFractories

All fireboxes contain a furnace refractory floor,
back, and sides. Even though these refractories
are reinforced with steel, they can be broken
from improper use. Dropping logs on the floor
refractory or building fires directly against the
refractories can cause premature burnout of
these components. Refractories may easily be
repaired or replaced at costs far below repair
and maintenance for traditional masonry
fireplaces.
Proper care and "burn-in" of the firebox will
prolong refractory life without extensive main-
tenance. For the first few uses, build small fires;
not roaring infernos. The materials used in the
refractories contain and absorb moisture. It is
important to "cure" the refractories by buildng
only modest fires. Under normal usage, it is
expected that hairline cracks will appear in
the refractory surface; however, these hairline
cracks do not affect the safe operation of the
fireplace.
Refractories must be replaced when any of the
following conditions occur:
• a 1/4" (19 mm) or larger crack appears; or
• extensive surface pitting occurs (pits deeper
than 3/16" (4.76 mm)); or
• any piece of refractory larger than 2" (51 mm)
in radius and 3/16" deep becomes dislodged.
NOTE: DIAGRAMS & ILLUSTRATIONS ARE NOT TO SCALE.
stainLess steeL outdoor weather
coVer
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.
oVerFirinG
• The fire must always be confined within the
boundaries of the fuel grate.
• Do not build excessively large or hot fires.
• Extreme temperature changes can cause
glass breakage — do not build a hot fire and
close the glass doors if the doors are cold.