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Replacing the Door Gaskets
•
Remove the door by lifting it straight up from its hinge
pins.
•
Lay it face down on a padded surface.
•
Remove the glass. Follow the instructions for remov-
ing and replacing glass which start on Page 14.
•
Replace gaskets. Follow steps 1-4, above.
•
Replace the glass.
•
Replace the door.
The Chimney System
A Clean Chimney System is Safer
and Works Better
Although the non-catalytic combustion system in your
Merrimack Large Insert can reduce creosote formation
dramatically, it is not a substitute for regular inspection and
cleaning of the chimney and chimney connector.
Learn to Recognize —
And Avoid — Creosote
Your Merrimack Large Insert has been designed to mini-
mize creosote build-up. Regular chimney inspection and
maintenance, however, must still be performed. For safety,
good stove performance, and to protect your chimney and
chimney connector, inspect your chimney and chimney
connector on a regular schedule. Clean the system if
necessary. Failure to keep the chimney and connector
system clean can result in a serious chimney fire.
Creosote - Formation and Need for Removal - When wood
is burned slowly, it produces tar and other organic vapors,
which combine with expelled moistue to form creosote. The
creosote vapors condense in the relatively cool chimey flue
of a slow-burning fire. As a result, creosote residue accumu-
lates on the flue lining. When ignited, this creosote makes
an extremely hot fire. The chimney and chimney connector
should be inspected at least once every two months dur-
ing the heating season to determine if a creosote buildup
has occurred. If creosote has accumulated, it should be
removed to reduce the risk of a chimney fire.
If you do experience a chimney fire, act promptly to:
•
Close the primary air control lever (fully to the
right).
•
Get everyone out of the house.
•
Call the Fire Department from a nearby house.
You should inspect the system every two months during the
heating season as part of a regular maintenance schedule.
To inspect the chimney, let the Merrimack Large Insert cool
completely. Then, using a strong light, sight up through the
flue collar into the chimney flue. The fiber baffle will need to
be removed gently to view inside the connector pipe.
30004671
If it is necessary to remove the firechamber to inspect or
clean the chimney, this is how to do it:
•
Let the Merrimack Large Insert cool.
•
Disconnect the fan power cord.
•
You may wish to lighten the firebox by removing the
load door and andiron.
•
Retract the two levelling screws until they bear no
weight.
•
Remove the front air tube and fiber baffle.
•
Disconnect the flue collar or vent connector from the
top of the stove.
•
Slide the firechamber forward until you have access
to the fireplace opening.
•
Inspect the flue.
You can now inspect the smoke shelf area of the fireplace
and the chimney. Before replacing the Merrimack Large
Insert, this area should be inspected for signs of deteriora-
tion and cleaned thoroughly with a chimney brush.
Clean the chimney using a specially designed brush the
same size and shape as the flue liner. Flexible fiberglass
rods are used to run the brush up and down the liner, caus-
ing any deposits to fall to the bottom of the chimney where
they can be removed through the clean-out door.
The chimney connector should be cleaned by disconnect-
ing the sections, taking them outside, and removing any
deposits with a stiff wire brush.
Reinstall the connector sections after cleaning, being
sure to secure the individual sections with sheet metal
screws.
If you can't do the chimney inspection yourself, contact
your local Vermont Castings' Authorized Dealer, or engage
a professional chimney sweep to perform the inspection
and cleaning of the chimney.
Reverse the procedure to re-install the firechamber.
Fireplace System Maintenance Schedule
Fireplace:
Daily:
•
Ash should be removed before the level reaches
the top edge of the front brick. Check each time you
re-load, or at least once a day.
•
Keep the area around the fireplace clear of any
combustible material.
Yearly Spring Cleaning:
•
Remove ash from the firebox and replace with a
moisture-absorbing material (such as kitty litter) to
keep the interior of the stove dry.
•
Touch up painted surfaces with black paint.
Merrimack Large Insert
15
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