Archgard 60-1600I - Manual (Page 18)

Chalet 1600I 18
CREOSOTE AND CHIMNEY FIRES
“CREOSOTE—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 slow-burning fire. As a
result, creosote residue accumulates on the flue lining.
When ignited, this creosote makes an extremely hot fire.
The chimney and chimney connector should be in-
spected at least once every two months during the heat-
ing season to determine if a creosote buildup has oc-
curred. If creosote has accumulated, it should be re-
moved to reduce the risk of a chimney fire.
Chimney fires result from poor firing techniques com-
bined with a lack of maintenance. If unseasoned wood
(wood that hasn't been dried enough) is burned slowly in
an old "airtight" heater, creosote can build up quickly and
the risk of a chimney fire increases. When you operate
wood-burning appliances properly, some creosote may
still be deposited, but it will be less combustible. Instead
of the black, tarry, highly flammable creosote from smol-
dering fires, proper firing may create small amounts of
soft, flaky and dark brown deposits.
You can prevent chimney fires. Have your chimney
checked for creosote deposits regularly, until you find out
how quickly it builds up in the system. Conventional
wood heaters can produce creosote quickly because they
can't burn the wood as completely as advanced combus-
tion designs. In severe cases of smoldering, it may take
only a few days for enough creosote to build up to sustain
a chimney fire. The new, low-emission wood inserts, like
the ARCHGARD CHALET 1600I Wood Fireplace Insert
burn the wood so completely that, when operated prop-
erly, their chimneys normally need cleaning only once a
year.
Never assume that the chimney is clean. Check it regu-
larly to be sure, especially during the spring and fall. If you
do have a chimney fire, have the chimney inspected and
repaired, if necessary, before using the system again. A
chimney fire is a clear sign of a problem with the appliance,
the fuel or the way the system is operated. Make changes
to avoid chimney fires in the future. Using an energy-
efficient wood-burning appliance, like the Archgard CHA-
LET 1600I Wood Fireplace Insert , coupled with good in-
stallation and proper burning techniques, dramatically low-
ers the chance of a chimney fire.
AVOIDING A CHIMNEY FIRE
There are two ways to avoid chimney fires:
1. Do not let creosote build up to a point where a chim-
ney fire is possible.
2. Do not have fires in the insert that may ignite chim-
ney fires. These are hot fires, such as when burning
household trash, cardboard, Christmas tree limbs,
etc.
Remember, the Archgard CHALET 1600I WOOD Fire-
place Insert, is not a garbage burner.
IN CASE OF A CHIMNEY FIRE
1. Prepare to evacuate to ensure everyone's safety.
Have a well understood plan of action for evacuation.
Have a place outside where everyone is to meet.
2. Close the air inlet on the insert.
3. Call local fire department. Have a fire extinguisher
handy. Contact your local municipal or provincial fire
authority for further information on how to handle a
chimney fire. It is most important that you have a
clearly understood plan on how to handle a chimney
fire.
4. After the chimney fire is out, the chimney must be
cleaned and checked for stress and cracks before
starting another fire. Also check combustibles around
the chimney and the roof.
The services of a competent or certified installer,
(certified by the Wood Energy Technical Training pro-
gram (WETT) – in Canada, National Fireplace Institute
(NFI) - in U.S.A.) are strongly recommended.
SAFETY EQUIPMENT
All homes with a fuel burning appliance should have at
least one fire extinguisher in a central location known to all
in the household along with a smoke detection device in-
stalled to the smoke detector manufacturer’s placement
and installation instructions, and maintained on a regular
basis.
We also recommend all dwellings be equipped with a Car-
bon Monoxide Detector and have a practiced evacuation
plan.
FAILURE TO INSPECT AND CLEAN YOUR CHIMNEY SYSTEM REGULARLY CAN RESULT
IN A CHIMNEY FIRE, WHICH COULD DAMAGE THE CHIMNEY OR CAUSE A HOUSE FIRE.