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Your
vent–free gas fireplace must be cleaned and serviced a minimum
of once per year. Prior
to the burning season, and additional cleaning in the middle of
the season is recommended if the appliance is used heavily or it
is located in an area of heavy traffic, dust, dirt, or pet hair.
Failure to do so may result in unwanted odors, wall
discoloration and malfunctions. Regular maintenance and cleaning
is the key to years of trouble–free enjoyment of your new vent–free
gas fireplace.
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The
firebox and damper area must be cleaned thoroughly prior to use,
especially
if your vent–free gas log is installed in a previously
used wood–burning fireplace. Failure to do so may result in
unwanted odors and wall discoloration.
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A
vent-free gas fireplace must be "broken-in" to cure
the logs and burn off any oils that were used during the
manufacturing process. The "break-in" procedure
consists of burning the unit at its highest setting for 5 to 6
consecutive hours. During this "break-in" procedure
you may notice some light smoke and a strong smell similar to
burning paper. Your home smoke/fire detector may activate during
the first hour or two. If your vent-free gas log is installed in
a wood-burning fireplace you may want to open the fireplace
damper during this "break-in" procedure. If your
fireplace can not be vented, you may want to open some doors or
windows during this procedure.
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Your
vent-free gas fireplace is equipped with a safety pilot and
oxygen depletion system. The
safety pilot is designed to stop the flow of gas if the
pilot flame extinguishes. The Oxygen Depletion System, or
O.D.S., is designed to shut the unit down if the oxygen level
drops below about 18.5%. This is well in advance of a dangerous
level, however, homes with any fuel burning appliances should
have a carbon monoxide alarm installed. For proper
placement of a carbon monoxide alarm, refer to the alarm
manufacturers instructions.
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Your
vent-free gas fireplace is NOT INTENDED TO BE USED AS A PRIMARY
HEAT SOURCE! Vent-free gas hearth appliances are
designed as a convenient, attractive, supplemental heat
source. Use your vent-free fireplace only to warm the area in
which it is located. Most vent-free gas logs can be burned with
the damper open, if you desire ambiance rather than heat. This
is only possible when the unit is installed in a fireplace with
a functional damper and working chimney flue. Never burn your
gas fireplace unattended or when nobody is home.
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Your
vent–free gas fireplace may raise the humidity level when
burning.
Because humidity levels are usually lower in the winter
months, this added humidity is usually welcomed. Over use or
using a vent–free unit as primary heat can cause an unsafe
moisture level which can lead to unwanted problems such as mold
and mildew.
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What’s
that smell? After the "break-in" procedure is
completed, the odor should gradually diminish with the first 10
to 20 hours of use. There are a few circumstances that can cause
additional odors and possibly wall discoloration:
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Frequent burning of candles
or oil lamps (can also cause dark spots on walls and ceilings
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Burning incense
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Painting or staining anywhere in the home
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Pet odors and pet dander
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Hairspray, aerosols, and cleaning products (can also
cause a white powder like residue on fireplace front and logs)
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Cigarette, cigar or pipe smoke (can also cause a
brownish discoloration on walls and ceiling)
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Air fresheners and potpourri
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Fans or drafty conditions that disturb the normal
flame pattern (can also cause sooting on the logs, fireplace,
walls and ceiling)
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Objects placed in or near the flames (can also cause
sooting on the logs, fireplace, walls and ceiling)
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Dirty or improperly cleaned damper/ flue/ or
fireplace (can also cause sooting on the logs, fireplace,
walls and ceiling)
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Logs improperly positioned on the burner assembly
(can also cause sooting on the logs, fireplace, walls and
ceiling)
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Dirty air inlets or pilot assembly
(can
also cause sooting on the logs, fireplace, walls and ceiling)
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SUMMARY-
Your vent-free gas fireplace will provide many years of warmth,
ambiance, and enjoyment if properly maintained and used as
intended. Killian Fireplace Centre offers in-home service
and maintenance; we also
offer the HearthSmart® Vent-Free Gas Log
Tune-Up and Service Kit. This "do-it-yourself" kit
will enable the home owner to perform regular cleaning and
maintenance.
We
thank you for choosing Killian's. If you ever have any questions or
problems please feel free to call us.
To
download a copy of these tips in PDF format, please click
here.
© Copyright
Killian Fireplace Centre/HearthSmart® 2002-2007.
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