Ash Removal; Stove Cleaning; Chimney Cleaning - Vermont Castings Defiant Operation Manual

MAIN!'
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ASH REMOV AL STOVE CLEANING
During constant use, ashes should be removed every few Some creosote production often occurs in air-controlled stoves
days, or when they have built up around the air distribution like the Defiant, Vigilant, Resolute and Intrepid precisely because
ports to noticeably affect operation. This is easily done when they are such efficient heat transfer devices. You must learn to
the stove has died down with only a log or so left; as in the watch for creosote, to control it, and to get rid of it.
morning. Improperly seasoned wood and excessive operation with
To empty the ashes, a few shovel scoops is all that is re- low, smoldering fires are two major causes of creosote produc-
quired. They may be taken from any door which allows good tion. Choosing the proper size stove for the space to be heated
access, even with a log or two still left within the firebox. is your best defense against creosote.
In order to achieve the high efficiencies which side draft If the stove is oversized for its heating area, it will not
combustion offers, it is necessary to burn the primary fire mass have the opportunity to burn at a sufficiently high combustion
in as compact and hot a manner as possible. Burning logs rate. As mentioned earlier, the lower end burning rates are
lying directly on a good bed of hot coals, which in turn are less efficient, therefore more chimney deposits will be formed.
insulated from the cooling iron of the bottom, is the best way A smaller stove operating at a higher bum rate will give better
to do this. Grates with relatively cool air circulating heat .distribution, control. and efficiencies than a larger stove
underneath, tend to disperse the high temperatures required by burnmg at too Iowa settmg.
allowing coals to fall from the fire zone. Grates make it more NOTE: In the event that you should have a chimney fire, close
difficult to control oxygen flow to the fire mass. all the doors, the damper and the air intake shutter. Then call
your local fire department for help.
Some creosote deposits in the firebox of a side draft com-
bustion burner are normal and require no attention as they
burn off when the stove is used as a fireplace or in updraft
configuration. During each heating season it is a good idea to
r remove the chimney connector periodically and inspect the
stovepipe and chimney for abnormal build-up. At this time it
is also a good idea to touch the Vacuum cleaner nozzle to each
1"=7CdC:=~~~
distrib~tion port and to the air inlets. . .
- .~ -- ~ With a normal draft-unless the ashes m ~he firebox have
been allowed to build up too high around the ports-these
ports will be self-cleaning and require only an annual check.
C,HIMNEY CLEANING
A wood-fired
heating system requires maintenance of the
NEW STOVES
whole system. Inspection of the chimney and flues should be .. .
performed pripr to every heating season and twice monthly New stoves sh?uld be carefully checked wlthm the first
while the stove is in use. The flaky, crusty lining of creosote month of service.
deposits must be removed periodically. We recommend you 8 Be sure leg bolts are snug.
clean your chimney whenever inspection reveals the build-up
8 Ne.w gasketing may compress quickly at first. Handle
of creosote. Because this build-up is governed by the type of adjustment may be necessary.
wood burned, the manner in which you burn it, and the 8 Inspect chimney connector and flue for signs of creosote
characteristics of the chimney itself, there are no hard and fast build-up. Rapid accumulation of deposits in the stove of
rules as to how the chimney should be cleaned. Generally chimn~y system may indicate a need for changes in stove
speaking, outside chimneys will require more cleaning more operation.
often. Large flue sizes will require more attention than smaller 8 Inspect the ~hole chimney system to ensure all joints are
ones. Check the safety of your chimney during each inspection
8
secure and tight. ..
and repair or replace damaged
or worn
chimney parts when Check to see that glass ~a?els or cast. Iron panels m doors
necessary. are secure. Snug up retammg screws If necessary.
If you clean your chimneys yourself, proper cleaning tools
and safety equipment are essential. If you are at all unsure of your
ability
to dp the job, we
strongly recommend that you hire
a trained chimney sweep.
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