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26 31072 Rev G 08/04
MHC36 AND MHR36 INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
H. MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING!
A chimney fire can permanently damage your
chimney system. This damage can only be re-
paired by replacing the damaged component
parts. Chimney fires are not covered by the Lim-
ited Warranty and Buyer Protection Plan.
Figure 24
Chimney & Termination Cap Cleaning
2. Creosote and Soot
Inspect the chimney internally for obstructions and
construction damage. Flue pipe joints and seams must
be continuous and mechanical tight. In a used chimney,
additional inspection is needed for creosote buildup,
which is the formation of a flammable sediment.
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 should be inspected at least twice a year
during the heating season to determine if creosote
buildup has occurred.
If creosote has accumulated, it should be removed
to reduce the risk of a chimney fire.
3. Chimney Cleaning
If you do detect a buildup of creosote, contact a
qualified chimney sweep or clean it yourself. To do this,
perform the following steps:
a. Open the damper.
b. Hang a damp sheet across the fireplace opening
to stop dirt and soot from entering the room.
c. Remove the termination cap or housing top. See
Figure 24.
d. Clean with a stiff nylon brush attached to a pole
OR tie a small burlap bag filled with straw and
several small stones or sand. Work up and down
the flue until the flue is clean.
e. Replace the termination cap or housing top.
4. Clear Space Near the Fireplace
Combustible materials must not be stored on the hearth
extension. Room furnishings such as drapes, curtains,
chairs, or other combustibles must be at least four feet
from the open front of the fireplace.
1. Disposal of Ashes
Ashes should be placed in a metal container with a
tight-fitting lid. The closed container of ashes should
be placed on a noncombustible floor or on the ground,
well away from all combustible materials, pending final
disposal. If the ashes are disposed of by burial in soil
or otherwise locally dispersed, they should be retained
in the closed container until all embers have thoroughly
cooled.