OM-AF20.1 E V1.02
May 15, 2015
Page 33
AF20
.1
MAINTENANCE
RUN-AWAY OR CHIMNEY FIRE
A CHIMNEY FIRE CAN PERMANENTLY DAMAGE YOUR CHIMNEY SYSTEM. THIS DAMAGE CAN
ONLY BE REPAIRED BY REPLACING THE DAMAGED COMPONENT PARTS. CHIMNEY FIRE
DAMAGE IS NOT COVERED BY THE LIMITED WARRANTY.
CAUSES:
1. Using incorrect fuel, or small fuel pieces which would normally be used as kindling.
2. Leaving the door ajar too long and creating extreme temperatures as the air rushes in the open door.
3. Improperly installed or worn gaskets.
4. Creosote build up in the chimney.
SOLUTIONS:
1. Do not burn treated or processed wood, coal, charcoal, colored paper or cardboard.
2. Be careful not to over fi re the appliance by leaving the door open too long aft er the initial start-up.
3. Replace worn, dried out (infl exible) gaskets.
4. Have your chimney cleaned regularly.
WHAT TO DO IF A RUN-AWAY OR CHIMNEY FIRE STARTS:
1. Close the draft fully (lowest position) by shutting off thermostat, and make sure fi rebox is closed tightly.
2. Call the local fi re department.
3. Examine the chimney, attic and roof of the house, to see if any part has become hot enough to catch fi re.
If necessary spray with a fi re extinguisher or water from a garden hose.
4. Do not operate the appliance again until you are certain the chimney has not been damaged.
CREOSOTE FORMATION AND REMOVAL
When wood is burned slowly, it produces tar and other organic vapors which combine with expelled moisture
to form creosote. Th
ese vapors condense in the relatively cooler chimney fl ue of a slow burning fi re and when
ignited, make an extremely hot fi re. Check your chimney for creosote and soot regularly, until a safe frequency
for cleaning is established. Th
e chimney connector and chimney should be inspected regularly during the
heating season to determine if a creosote build up has occurred. Be aware that the hotter the fi re, the less
creosote is deposited.
If accumulation is excessive, clean the chimney. You may want to call a professional chimney sweep to clean it.
Both the chimney and the appliance have to be cleaned at least once a year or as oft en as necessary.
Have a clearly understood plan to handle a chimney fi re.
