Appliances Without Ash Pan (1450); Creosote Formation And Removal; Runaway Or Chimney Fire; Chimney Cleaning - Napoleon EPA 1100 Installation And Operating Instructions Manual

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8.2

APPLIANCES WITHOUT ASH PAN (1450)

Since these models have no ash pan, shovel some ashes out through the door into a metal container with a
tight fi tting lid. Keep the closed container on a noncombustible fl oor or ground, well away from all combustible
materials. The ashes should be retained in the closed container until all cinders have thoroughly cooled. Cold
wood ashes can be used on the garden or in the compost.
8.3

CREOSOTE FORMATION AND REMOVAL

When wood is burned slowly, it produces tar and other organic vapours which combine with expelled moisture
to form creosote. These vapours condense in the relatively cooler chimney fl ue of a slow burning fi re and when
ignited, make an extremely hot fi re. So, the smoke pipe and chimney should be inspected monthly during the
heating season to determine if a buildup has occurred. If creosote has accumulated it should be removed to
reduce the risk of a chimney fi re.
8.4

RUNAWAY OR CHIMNEY FIRE

Runaway fi res can be the result of three major factors:
• Using incorrect fuel, or small fuel pieces which wood normally be used as kindling.
• Leaving the door ajar too long and creating extreme temperatures as the air rushes in the open door.
• Burning your appliance with the ash plug not securely seated.
SOLUTIONS:
• Do not burn treated or processed wood, coal,charcoal, coloured paper or cardboard.
• Be careful not to over-fi re the appliance by leaving the door open too long after initial start-up. A
thermometer on the chimney connector and/or appliance top helps.
• Always operate the appliance with the ash plug properly installed.
IN CASE OF A CHIMNEY FIRE:
• Have a well understood plan for evacuation and a place outside for everyone to meet. Prepare to
evacuate to ensure everyone's safety.
• Close air control on appliance.
• Call local fi re department. Have a fi re extinguisher handy. Contact local authorities for further
information on how to handle a chimney fi re.
• After the chimney fi re is out, clean and inspect the chimney for stress and cracks prior to lighting
another fi re. Also check combustibles around the chimney and the roof.
8.5

CHIMNEY CLEANING

For serious wood burners, chimney cleaning must be done as needed to avoid chimney fi res; the venting
systems for controlled combustion appliances may need cleaning as often as once a month. These rates,
however, depend on the burning habits of the individual operating the appliance. For example, it is possible to
clog a solid fuel appliance chimney in a few days if slow, smoldering fi res are burned and the chimney is cold.
NOTE: Appliances burned consistently without hot fi res may result in signifi cant creosote
accumulations in the chimney.
Certain items and considerations are important in chimney cleaning:
• Proper tools should be used, including a brush specifi cally designed for chimney cleaning.
• The chimney connector and dampers as well as the chimney should be cleaned.
• The appliance's fi rebox and baffl e system should be cleaned if needed.
• The chimney should be inspected and repairs made if needed, preferably by a qualifi ed chimney
sweep or mason.
W415-0763 / 03.04.10