Heating

1. Follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Carefully follow the manufacturer's instructions for installing and
maintaining your chimney or appliance. If you do not have
instructions, call the manufacturer. For masonry chimneys, call the
builder.

2. 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. Your
chimney could have a problem you cannot see. If in doubt, consult a
WETT (Wood Energy Technical Training) certified chimney sweep.

3. Check stovepipes and connections.
Ensure 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.

4. 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.

5. Check walls for excessive heat.
If the wall is very hot, it could be a sign of improper installation of the
chimney or stove pipe. Check with a WETT certified chimney sweep.

6. Install a rain cap.
A rain cap should be installed on top of all metal and masonry
chimneys. If you have a spark screen around the chimney cap,
inspect it regularly for blockage.

7. Watch for smoke coming into the room.
This could indicate a blockage in the chimney or a faulty damper
control mechanism. Check it out!

8. Protect floors and walls from heat and sparks.
Keep combustibles safely away from your appliance. Always use a
properly fitting screen for your fireplace.

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

Loose bricks, crumbling mortar, broken liners, dark stains or white
powder indicate problems with masonry chimneys. These should be
fixed immediately by a qualified mason.