TIPS FOR SAFE HEATING

Follow the Manufacturer's Instructions

Carefully follow the Manufacturer's Written Instructions for installing your chimney or appliance. If you do not have instructions, call the manufacturer. For masonry chimneys, call the builder or a qualified mason. Or have the unit and chimney installed by a WETT Certified Chimney Professional

Inspect and Clean Your Chimney Regularly.

The ONTARIO FIRE CODE requires homeowners to maintain the safety of their chimneys and inspect them at least once a year. No matter what the fuel, your chimney could have a problem you cannot see. If in doubt, consult a WETT (Wood Energy Technical Training) Certified Chimney Sweep.

Check Stovepipes and Connections

Ensure 3 screws are located at every joint. Also look for leaching (dark staining or white powder) at every joint. This could be a sign of chimney trouble - consult a WETT certified chimney sweep.

Check for Creosote

Creosote can form quickly and is a major cause of chimney fires. Check chimney and flue pipes often and clean when necessary - never let creosote or soot build up.

Check Walls for Excessive Heat

If the wall is very hot it could be a sign of improper installation of the chimney, stove or stove pipe. Check with a WETT Certified Chimney Sweep. They are trained to know the proper clearances to combustibles required by Code and the Manufacturers specifications.

Install a Rain Cap

A Rain Cap should be installed on top of all metal and masonary chimneys. The cap should be the same sizing at the flue tile or steel pipe/chimney. If you have a spark screen around the chimney cap inspect it regularly for blockage.

Watch for Smoke coming into the Room

This could indicate a blockage in the chimney or a faulty damper control mechanism. Call a WETT Certified Chimney Sweep and Check it out!

Protect Floors and Walls from Heat and Sparks

Keep Combustibles safely away from your appliance. Always use a properly fitting screen for your fireplace. If you are using a set of fitted glass doors, always burn with the doors wide open and the screen mesh shut.
Ensure that your hearth extention or pad is the proper size for your unit.

Regularly check for signs of problems.

Your heating appliance flue pipes and chimney can deteriorate over time. Look for dents, corrosion or rust stains on the outer shell of a metal chimney and check for bulges or corrosion in its liner.

Loose or flaking bricks, crumbling mortar, broken tile liners, deteriorating crown, dark stains or white powder indicate problems with masonary chimneys. These should be fixed immediately by a qualified mason or chimney technician.