Loading ...
Loading ...
Loading ...
Page 17
Installation and operation manual - Atlas woodburning cookstove
ENGLISH
6. Chimney Maintenance
6.1 Why Sweep the Chimney?
Wood smoke can condense inside the chimney and the chimney connector, forming a flammable
deposit called creosote. If the creosote builds up in the evacuation system, it can combust when
the fire is very hot. An extremely hot fire can progress to the extremity of the chimney. Severe
chimney fires can damage even the best chimneys.
Smouldering fires can quickly cause a thick layer of creosote. When those are avoided, the gases
coming out of the chimney are almost transparent. Creosote is therefore formed more slowly.
Your new cookstove has the necessary characteristics to help you make clean fires producing
little or no smoke. Therefore, less creosote will accumulate in the chimney.
6.2 Cleaning Frequency
It is not possible to predict how long or how much creosote will form in the chimney. It is
important, therefore, to check monthly for deposits in the chimney until the rate of creosote
formation is known.
The chimney must be inspected regularly during the heating season to determine if creosote
buildup has occurred. If a significant layer of creosote has accumulated (3 mm or more), remove
it to reduce the risk of a chimney fire.
Weekly cleaning may be necessary in mild weather, while monthly cleaning may be sufficient in
the colder months. Even though creosote is slowly forming in the system, the chimney should
be inspected and cleaned at least once a year.
Contact the municipal or provincial fire department for information on how to handle a chimney
fire. Have a clearly understood plan for managing a chimney fire.
It is recommended to clean the chimney system at the end of each heating season. During
summer, the air is more humid and with minimum air circulation in the appliance, creosote or the
soot left in the pipes can produce an acid that will accelerate the corrosion process of steel and
may perforate it prematurely. Consequently, this will not be covered by the warranty. Have the
chimney system cleaned by a professional sweeper.
6.3 Chimney Sweeping
Chimney sweeping can be difficult and dangerous. If you don’t have any experience sweeping
chimneys, you may want to hire a professional sweeper to inspect and clean your system the
first time. After seeing how the sweeping is done, you will know if it is a job you can do yourself.
The most commonly used equipment includes fiberglass rods with threaded connections and
plastic brushes. The brush is forcibly moved from top to bottom of the chimney to remove the
creosote by rubbing.
The chimney connector and its components should always be cleaned at the same time as the
chimney.
When the chimney is clean, open the access panel in front of the cookstove and remove the
accumulation of creosote and soot. Also clean accumulation inside the combustion chamber,
over the baffle.
Loading ...
Loading ...
Loading ...