Martin Fireplaces 400BWBIA - Manual (Page 5)

61D0008 5
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES
CHIMNEYS
All fireplace chimneys are in direct contact with cold air on the
exterior of the structure. Consequently, when the fireplace is
not in use, cold air can fall down the chimney of the fireplace
to cool off the fireplace chase. Therefore, the fireplace chase
must be insulated to minimize the risk of cold coming into
the home. Even if the fireplace chase is adequately insulated,
this cannot completely ensure that cold air coming into the
structure will be eliminated. Cold air coming inside is a pos-
sibility with any fireplace or device that freely uses air on the
outside of the structure. Todayʼs homes are more energy-effi-
cient and, therefore, better insulated and tightly constructed.
Unfortunately, when air is removed from the house (by a
bathroom fan or consumed by a furnace) additional air is
needed to replace the air consumed. Unless the additional air
is supplied, this can cause a negative pressure in the home.
When this happens, the house will draw in outside air from
the cracks in the windows, down the fireplace flue or other
locations of air leakage in the home. Because cold air coming
in may be unavoidable in some structures, Martin Hearth
and Heating is not responsible for heat loss or air infiltration
through or around the fireplace.
FLUE DAMPER
The fireplace also is equipped with a flue damper which must
be open when the fireplace is in use. The flue damper control
lever is located inside the fireplace. The counterweighted
damper is operated by simply unlocking up to open or pulling
and locking down to close the damper. When the fireplace is
not in use, the damper should be closed to prevent cold air
form entering the chimney as well as preventing warm air in
the room from escaping up the chimney.
Note: It is normal for a small amount of smoke to
be released from the upper portion of the
fireplace the first few times you use your
new Martin Hearth and Heating fireplace.
This results from an oil residue on the metal.
Open a door or window to allow the smoke
to escape.
GRATE
The grate included with this fireplace helps to appropriately
locate and contain the burning wood.
Failure to use this grate may cause
overheating of parts of the fireplace
and allow large pieces of burning
wood to roll forward out of the firebox.
Replace warped or damaged grate
only with a Martin Hearth and Heating
grate.
W
ARNING