Valcourt FP9 Installation and operation manual - page 20
20
CREOSOTE
When wood burns slowly, it produces tar and other organic vapors which combine with humidity to
produce creosote. Creosote vapor condenses in the chimney left relatively cool by the slow fire and coats the
inside of the flue with residue. When creosote ignites, it produces a red-hot, extremely dangerous fire.
It is therefore recommended to make small, brightly burning fires rather than lazy, smoldering fires. Not
only will it keep your glass doors and flue cleaner but, what is most important, it will lessen the likelihood of
chimney fires.
CHIMNEY FIRE SAFETY PROCEDURES
What to do if you suspect a chimney fire has started:
1. Close the fireplace doors.
2. Alert everyone in the house.
3. Call the Fire Department if necessary.
4. Put out the fire in the fireplace with a dry-chemical extinguisher, baking soda, sand or ashes.
(Never use
salt because it is corrosive, nor water because it could cause a steam explosion.)
5. Make sure the sparks coming from the chimney do not set fire to the roof.
6. Before reusing the fireplace, have it inspected by the Fire Department.
FEEDING AND CONTROLLING COMBUSTION
The best fuel for a fireplace is wood that has dried for a year (15% to 20% humidity). Preferably use
hard wood since it has a greater heating capacity than softwood. Hard wood takes longer to burn and,
consequently, you need to feed the fire less often. Wet or very damp wood is more difficult to burn and leaves
more creosote in the flue and on the glass doors than dry wood. In addition, it is not a very effective heating
material.
The fireplace provides its optimal performance when a temperature of 572 ºF (300 ºC) or more is
maintained in the upper part of the combustion chamber. The firestone will whiten and the glass will be clear,
both of which are indications of proper combustion.
To reach the ideal temperature, the air intake damper must remain fully opened during fire start-up for
15 to 30 minutes, depending on the intensity of the fire and the humidity of the wood. At least three logs are
required to cover the bed of embers and maintain a brightly burning fire. The greater the air space between the
logs in the fire, the quicker the wood will burn.
In order to achieve an optimum efficiency from your unit, we suggest that you operate it with the air control
completely closed. Make sure that you have a good fire going and an adequate ember bed before you
completely close the air control. Closing the air control too soon will lower combustion efficiency and may
cause the fire to die out. The addition of a blower (if not already included) is highly recommended to maximize
your unit’s efficiency.