To Prevent Creosote Build Up; Operational Tips; Ash Disposal; Soot Formation And Need For Removal - U.S. Stove Defender II Owner's Manual

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.

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.

OPERATIONAL TIPS

• Get the appliance hot and establish a good coal bed before adjusting to a low burn rate (this may take 30 minutes or
more depending on your wood)
• Use smaller pieces of wood during start-up and a high burn rate to increase the stove temperature
• Be considerate of the environment and only burn dry wood
• Burn small, intense fires instead of large, slow burning fires when possible
• Learn your appliance's operating characteristics to obtain optimum performance
• Burning unseasoned wet wood only hurts your stoves efficiency and leads to accelerated creosote buildup in your
chimney.

ASH DISPOSAL

Whenever ashes get 3 to 4 inches deep in your firebox or ash pan, and when the fire has burned down and
cooled, remove excess ashes. Leave an ash bed approximately 1 inch deep on the firebox bottom to help
maintain a hot charcoal bed. Ashes should be placed in a metal container with a tight-fitting lid. The closed
container of ashes should be placed on a noncombustible floor or on the ground, away from all combustible
materials, pending final disposal. The ashes should be retained in the closed container until all cinders have
thoroughly cooled. It is strongly recommended that ashes in the metal container are taken outside immediately,
and are not stored within your home.
ASHES COULD CONTAIN HOT EMBERS EVEN AFTER TWO DAYS WITHOUT OPERATING THE STOVE.

SOOT FORMATION AND NEED FOR REMOVAL

When wood is burned, the products of combustion combine with moisture to form a soot residue which
accumulates on the flue lining. When ignited, this soot makes an extremely hot fire. The chimney connector and
chimney should be inspected at least once every two month during the heating season to determine if a soot
buildup has occurred. If soot has accumulated, it should be removed to reduce the risk of a chimney fire.
SMOKE AND CO MONITORS
Burning wood naturally produces smoke and carbon monoxide(CO) emissions. CO is a poisonous gas when
exposed to elevated concentrations for extended periods of time. While the modern combustion systems in
heaters drastically reduce the amount of CO emitted out the chimney, exposure to the gases in closed or confined
areas can be dangerous. Make sure you stove gaskets and chimney joints are in good working order and sealing
properly to ensure unintended exposure. It is recommended that you use both smoke and CO monitors in areas
having the potential to generate CO. MAINTENANCE
Your wood stove is a high efficiency stove and therefore requires little maintenance. It is important to perform
a visual inspection of the stove every time it is emptied, in order to insure that no parts have been damaged,
in which case repairs must be performed immediately. Inspect and clean the chimney and connector pipe
periodically for creosote buildup or obstructions.
CAUTIONS:
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