Expert: James Ball - 12/26/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hello.  I recently got a wood burning fireplace insert. (Vermont Castings Montpelier medium insert) Everything seems to work great execept my view of the fire.  The smoke (soot?) seems to attach itself to glass viewing area - with the exception of 1 inch around the parameter of the glass.  It's like watching the fire through frosted glass.  Is this a bad design, it is a bad install, or is it there something I can put on the glass to treat this.
Thanks for your help!  
Rob

ANSWER: Hello Robert, you might need to adjust the vents (that will wash the front and glass with fresh air to help keep the soot from building up) you will need to read the owners manual and follow it. also if the unit is not installed correctly that can do it also. I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep (www.csia.org, there you can look up by zip code to find one near you) take a first hand look at what you have. It might need cleaning or re installation.
James

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: James - the place that sold me the insert (season's in ivyland pa) is claiming that either my vent isn't opened enough, I need special glass cleaner with silicon or most likely - my wood must not be seasoned. They suggested throwing some different wood in there.   The company that sold me the firewood claimed it was seasoned and ready to go. The chimney professional who installed it suggested I call the company (vermont castings).   It appears vermont castings has no customer sercive accessibility at all... ugghh.  I will try different wood.  It would be ashamed to have to sit on my existing chord for a year. Thanks again for your help.

Answer
Welcome back Robert, try adjusting the vents and see if that helps, also try other wood that might make a difference. and as far as your wood goes most wood guys do not let the wood "season" for one year...the idea is to let as must moisture as possible dry out of the wood and some times that means keeping your cord for another year.
James