Vogelzang International VG150 Owner's Manual page 17

RELOADING
Once you have obtained a good bed of embers, you should reload the unit. In order to do so, open the air
controls to maximum a few seconds prior to opening the stove's door. Then proceed by opening the door
very slowly; open it one or two inches for 5 to 10 seconds, before opening it completely to increase the draft
and thus eliminate the smoke which is stagnant in a state of slow combustion in the stove. Then bring the red
embers to the front of the stove and reload the unit.
For optimal operation of your wood stove, we recommend you to operate it with a wood load approximately
equivalent to the height of fire bricks.
It is important to note that wood combustion consumes ambient oxygen in the room .In the case of negative
pressure, it is a good idea to allow fresh air in the room, either by opening a window slightly or by installing a
fresh air intake system on an outside wall.
Creosote - Formation and Need for Removal - When wood is burned slowly, it produces tar and other
organic vapors, which combine with expelled moisture to form creosote. The creosote vapors condense in
the relatively cool chimney flue of a slow-burning fire. As a result, creosote residue accumulates on the flue
lining. When ignited this creosote makes an extremely hot fire. The chimney connector and chimney should
be inspected at least once every two months during the heating season to determine if a creosote build-
up has occurred. If creosote has accumulated (3mm or more), it should be removed to reduce the risk of a
chimney fire.
We strongly recommend that you install a magnetic thermometer on your smoke exhaust pipe, approximately
18" above the stove. This thermometer will indicate the temperature of your gas exhaust fumes within the
smoke exhaust system. The ideal temperature for these gases is somewhere between 275°F and 500°F. Below
these temperatures, the build-up of creosote is promoted. Above 500 degrees, heat is wasted since a too
large quantity is lost into the atmosphere.
WARNINGS:
• Never over fire your stove. If any part of the stove starts to glow red, over firing is happening. Readjust
the air intake control at a lower setting.
• The installation of a log cradle or grates is not allowed in your wood stove. Build fire directly on firebrick.
• Never put wood above the firebrick lining of the firebox.
• Attempts to achieve heat output rates that exceed heater design specifications can result in
permanent damage to the heater.
CAUTIONS:
• Hot while in operation. Keep children, clothing and furniture away. Contact may cause skin burns.
• Do not use chemicals or fluids to ignite the fire.
• Do not leave the stove unattended when the door is slightly opened.
• Do not burn garbage, flammable fluid such as gasoline, naphtha or motor oil.
• Do not connect to any air distribution duct or system.
• Always close the door after the ignition.
TO PREVENT CREOSOTE BUILD UP
• Always burn dry wood. This allows clean burns and higher chimney temperatures, therefore less creosote
deposit.
• Leave the air control full open for about 5 min. every time you reload the stove to bring it back to proper
operating temperatures. The secondary combustion can only take place if the firebox is hot enough.
• Always check for creosote deposit once every two months and have your chimney cleaned at least
once a year.
If a chimney or creosote fire occurs, close all dampers immediately. Wait for the fire to go out and the heater
to cool, then inspect the chimney for damage. If no damage results, perform a chimney cleaning to ensure
there is no more creosote deposits remaining in the chimney.
CAUTIONS:
• Ashes could contain hot embers even after two days without operating the stove.
• The ash pan can become very hot. Wear gloves to prevent injury.
• Never burn the stove with the ash trap open. This would result in over firing the stove. Damage to the
stove and even house fire may result.
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