General Maintenance - Quadra-Fire EXPLORER II Series Owner's Manual

Explorer II
B. General Maintenance
1. Creosote (Chimney) Cleaning
• Frequency: Every 2 months during heating season or
as recommended by a certified chimney sweep; more
frequently if chimney exceeds or is under 14-16 ft.
(measured from bottom of appliance)
• By: Certified Chimney Sweep
Remove all ash from the firebox and extinguish all hot
embers before disposal. Allow the appliance to cool
completely. Disconnect flue pipe or remove baffle and
ceramic blanket from appliance before cleaning chimney.
Otherwise residue can pile up on top of the baffle and
ceramic blanket and the appliance will not work properly.
(See Baffle Removal on page 23). Close the door tightly.
The creosote or soot should be removed with a brush
specifically designed for the type of chimney in use. Clean
out fallen ashes from the firebox.
It is also recommended that before each heating season
the entire system be professionally inspected, cleaned and
repaired if necessary.
Inspection:
Inspect the system at the appliance connection and at
the chimney top. Cooler surfaces tend to build creosote
deposits quicker, so it is important to check the
chimney from the top as well as from the bottom.
Formation and Need For 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 newly-started or a slow-burning fire. As
a result, creosote residue accumulates on the flue lining.
When ignited, this creosote creates an extremely hot fire
which may damage the chimney or even destroy the house.
The chimney connector and chimney should be inspected
once every 2 months during the heating season to
determine if a creosote or soot buildup has occurred. If
creosote or soot has accumulated, it should be removed to
reduce the risk of a chimney fire.
WARNING
Fire Risk.
Prevent creosote buildup.
• Inspect chimney connector and chimney
once every two months during heating
season.
• Remove creosote to reduce risk of
chimney fire.
• Ignited creosote is extremely HOT.
WARNING
Fire Risk.
• Do not use chimney cleaners or flame
colorants in your appliance. Will corrode
chimney pipe.
18
2. Ash Removal System (ARS) Operating and
Cleaning
• Frequency: As necessary
• By: Homeowner
1. The appliance and ashes must be completely cooled
down before using the Ash Removal System. Reach
down and locate the ash removal door handle under
the left side of the appliance in the center. Grasp the
handle with your fingers and place your thumb on the
latch release (Figure 18.1). Press the latch release
inward. Keep the latch release pressed in and lower
the handle gently. Take your thumb off the release once
the handle is clear of the latch and guide the handle
back until it stops.
2. Remove cast iron cap from inside the firebox using
tools supplied. Clean ash down through the ash
removal system channel into the drawer below.
Inspect the top of the ARS door to ensure all ash has
been removed. You can rapidly move the ARS latch
handle up and down to help remove any ash from the
door. Use a small brush to clean off the top of the door
if any ash remains.
Be sure to replace the cap before operating the
appliance. It is recommended to leave 1/4 to 1/2 inch
(6-13mm) of ash on the firebox floor to allow air to flow
freely underneath wood.
3. Close the door handle, you will hear a "click" when it
closes. Wear gloves to remove the drawer. Dispose
of the ashes following the directions on the next page.
Figure 18.1
Injury Risk.
• Gloves recommended
• May have sharp edges
Fire Risk. Injury Risk.
Make sure Ash Removal System door is
sealed tight against the gasket.
Air leakage may cause:
• Over-fire condition.
• Flame and/or smoke spillage.
• Wood to burn too fast.
7061-196J
CAUTION
WARNING
April 24, 2019