Lexington Forge SAVANNAHSSW40 Owner's Manual page 17

CREOSOTE
When wood is burned slowly, it produces tar and other organic vapors. These combine with
moisture to form creosote. 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 regularly during
the heating season to determine if a creosote build-up has accumulated. If this is the case, the
creosote should be removed to reduce the risk of chimney fire.
WARNING:
Things to remember in case of chimney fire:
1. CLOSE DRAFT CONTROL
2. CALL THE FIRE DEPARTMENT
kEEP UNIT FREE OF CREOSOTE
1. Burn with air control open for several minutes at numerous intervals throughout the day
during the heating season, being careful not to over-fire unit. This removes the slight film of
creosote accumulated during low burn periods.
2. Burn stove with draft control wide open for several minutes every time you apply fresh wood.
This allows wood to achieve the charcoal stage faster and burns wood vapors which might
otherwise be deposited within the systems.
3. BURN ONLY SEASONED WOOD. Avoid burning wet or green wood. Seasoned wood has
been dried for at least one year.
4. A small hot fire is preferable to a large smoldering one that can deposit creosote within the
system.
5. Establish a routine for the fuel, wood burner and firing technique. Check daily for creosote
build-up until experience shows how often you need to clean to be safe. Be aware that the
hotter the fire, the less creosote is deposited and weekly cleaning may be necessary in mild
weather even though monthly cleaning may be enough in the coldest months. Contact your
local municipal authority for information on how to handle a chimney fire. Have a clearly
understood plan to handle a chimney fire.
ASH DISPOSAL
Ashes should be placed in a metal container with a tight-fitting lid. The closed container of ashes
should be placed on a non-combustible 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 cinders have thoroughly
cooled. Other waste should not be placed in the ash container.
63D4002
MAINTENANCE
17