Expert: James Ball - 12/12/2010

Question
Mr. Bell,

  We just moved into our house and it has an Elco fire place. I'm looking for operating instructions. Do you know where I can find any? I've downloaded the patent and it does not help. The damper handle or least I think it damper handle does not turn. Have called in a chimney sweep but he did not know this particular model.

thanks, john

Answer
Hello John I checked the NAtional Chimney Sweep Guild web page (Over 300 manuals) and this unit is not even listed.
if you live in a condo/town house contact the board to contact every home owner to try to find one and every one should get a copy and ready it and follow it.
you can also check your local wood stove stores (they might have sold it)
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, they should be able to help with the damper and basic operation.
Hope this helps
James