Maintaining Your Fp7Cb Antoinette Wood Fireplace; Creosote - Formation And Need For Removal; Chimney Maintenance; Fire Baffles Removal Prior To Cleaning The Chimney - Valcourt ANTOINETTE FP7CB Installation And Operation Manual

7.0

MAINTAINING YOUR FP7CB ANTOINETTE WOOD FIREPLACE

7.1 Creosote – Formation and Need for Removal
When wood is burned slowly without a flame, it produces tar and other organic vapours which
combined with expelled moisture will form creosote. The creosote vapours 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 build-up
has occurred. When creosote has accumulated it must be removed to reduce the risk of a
chimney fire.
7.2

Chimney Maintenance

Regular chimney inspection and maintenance combined with proper operation will prevent
chimney fires. Keep your chimney clean. Do not allow more than 1/8" (3 mm) creosote build
up in your chimney. The amount of creosote will depend on variables such as frequency of use
and type of fires. We recommend that you:
A. Initially inspect the chimney system weekly. From this, you will learn how often it will
be necessary to clean your chimney.
B. Have your chimney cleaned by a qualified chimney sweeper. If you wish to clean it
yourself, we recommend using a stiff plastic or non-metallic brush. If a metal brush is
used, its size should be slightly smaller than the flue to avoid damaging the chimney.
Do not use a brush that will scratch the stainless steel interior of the chimney.
C. Do not expect chemical cleaners to keep your chimney clean. The rain cap can be
removed for inspection and/or cleaning of the chimney.
7.3

Fire Baffles Removal Prior to Cleaning the Chimney

Before starting to clean your chimney, we recommend that you remove the fire baffles to avoid
creosote dust collection on top of the baffle. Follow the steps below to remove the fire baffle:
1. To remove the first fire baffle, move the piece towards the left and it will come off of its
brackets. Figure 40.1
2. Put the baffle vertically in the fireplace to remove. Figure 40.2
3. To remove the second fire baffle, take it in your hands, move towards the front of the
fireplace and it will fall from its brackets. Figure 40.3
4. Put the piece vertically to take out of the out of the fire box. Figure 40.4
5. You now have access to the chimney.
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