Napoleon Fireplaces NZ6000 - Manual (Page 28)

W415-0442 / A / 12.13.04
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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 flue of a slow burning fire and when ig-
nited, make an extremely hot fire. Check your chimney for
creosote and soot build-up monthly until a safe frequency
for cleaning is established (minimum once a year). If ac-
cumulation is excessive, clean the chimney. You may want
to call a professional chimney sweep to clean it. Both the
chimney and the fireplace have to be cleaned at least once
a year or as often as necessary.
CREOSOTE FORMATION AND REMOVAL SELECTING WOOD
Burn only dry, clean unpainted wood that has been sea-
soned. It produces more heat and less soot or creosote.
Freshly cut wood contains about 50% moisture while after
proper seasoning only about 20% of the water remains. As
wood is burned, this water boils off consuming energy that
should be used in heating. The wetter the wood, the less
heat is given off and the more creosote is produced. Dry
firewood has cracks in the end grain.
Both hardwood and softwood burn equally well in this fire-
place but hardwood, which is denser, will weigh more per
cord and burn a little slower and longer.
Firewood should be split and stacked in a manner that air
can get to all parts of it and covered in early spring to be
ready for burning that fall.