HVACopedia

Napoleon · Gas fireplace troubleshooting

Carbon / soot buildup (service flowchart)

What is going on

Sooting in the firebox - work through altitude, air shutter, venting, orifice and impingement.

Likely causes

  • Not derated for altitude
  • Air shutter dirty or not open enough
  • Vent parameters exceeded (direct vent)
  • Blocked air intakes (natural vent)
  • Wrong orifice
  • Seal leaks
  • Logs/panels out of place (flame impingement)

Check in this order

  1. If installed above the tested altitude, follow local authority orifice sizing or derate 4% per extra 1,000 ft.
  2. Clean dust/debris from the air shutter (venturi).
  3. Direct vent return venting to manufacturer spec if limits are exceeded. Natural vent: clear blocked air intakes.
  4. Fit the correct main burner orifice for the application.
  5. Open the air shutter enough to remove dark sooty flame tips (see installation manual default setting).
  6. Check seals at vent, door, relief doors, burner and pilot assembly.
  7. If soot is localized, look for impingement (heavy black deposits, direct flame contact): reposition logs, reseat/replace brick panels.

Applies to: Napoleon gas fireplaces - direct vent, natural vent and vent-free (general service manual)

More gas fireplace guides

Related

Napoleon error codes · Calculators and reference tables

Take it to the job

All guides, error codes and tips work offline in the HVACopedia app.

Open the app

Source: Napoleon (Wolf Steel) Service Manual W415-0118, Part 4 Other Issues, Carboning Flowchart, p.27. Written in our own words; check the manual for your exact model.

For licensed technicians. Gas, electrical and refrigerant work must be done by a qualified, licensed person. Shut off power and gas before servicing, never bypass a safety control, and follow the manufacturer’s manual for the exact model; it and local codes always take priority. HVACopedia is not affiliated with any manufacturer; brand and model names only identify the equipment.