Fireplace Instructions
Very important - Please read before use
When in use the glass door of the fireplace is extremely hot - please use extreme caution when children are in the house
La Maison de la Vieille Vigne is equipped with a very efficient fireplace called an "insert' . This is VERY different from a regular fireplace, and along with its heat efficiency, comes along a very important list of do's and don'ts. Please read these over carefully, and abide by them to the letter:
Never operate with the glass door open. This must always remained CLOSED. When in use, this door is very hot.
Never attempt to cook anything inside the fireplace.
Never burn anything besides the dried, bundled wood you can purchase at any of the local grocery stores.
Never remove the ashes from the fireplace until you are sure they are completely cold.
Do not go and forage for your own wood! It will not be dry enough and probably won't be the right type, so could start a fire or seriously damage the fireplace and chimney.
Instructions for Use
- This fireplace is extremely efficient so you do not need to use many logs. Indeed, it can be dangerous to use too many, so start very small and build up until you get the desired heat.
- Start the fire with the matches and fire starters supplied.
- Close the door firmly.
- There is an old yellow and green paint bucket in the lean-to off the courtyard (for which you have been given the key). You may use this to deposit ashes. However, for the sake of safety, please make sure that the ashes are completely cold before you clean them out.
Cleaning the fireplace glass
Do not try to clean the glass when it is hot, as the contact to cold water could make it explode to pieces.
Every now and then the glass on sealed fireplace units get cloudy from the smoke. Here is a bit of New England lore that was passed on to us by guests Ron & Patty to clean the fireplace glass - it works great!
To clean the glass, simply soak a piece of newspaper and dip it into the ash in the fireplace and rub the door. Then follow with a few sprays of glass cleaner and voila! the glass is wonderfully clean. Merci Ron & Patty :)
