Maintaining Your Me300 Wood Fireplace; Creosote - Formation And Need For Removal; Chimney Maintenance; Dealing With A Chimney Fire - Ventus ME300 Installation And Operation Manual

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7 MAINTAINING YOUR ME300 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 Dealing With a Chimney Fire

Regular chimney maintenance and inspection can prevent chimney fires. If you have a chimney fire, follow

these steps:

1. Close the fireplace glass door and the exhaust damper;

2. Alert your family of the possible danger;

3. If you require assistance, alert your fire department;

4. If possible, use a dry chemical fire extinguisher, baking soda or sand to control the fire. Do not use water

as it may cause a dangerous steam explosion;

5. Check outside to ensure that sparks and hot embers coming out of the chimney are not igniting the

roof;

6. Do not use the fireplace again until your chimney and fireplace have been inspected by a qualified

chimney sweeper or a Fire Department Inspector.

ME300 ‐ Installation and Operation Manual

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