Vermont Castings Encore 2550C Installation And Operating Manual page 26

Encore Woodburning Stove
®
if you do experience a chimney fire, act promptly
to:
•
close the damper and thermostat lever.
•
get everyone out of the house.
•
call the Fire Department.
You should inspect the system every two weeks during
the heating season as part of a regular maintenance
schedule. To inspect the chimney, let the stove cool
completely. Then, using a strong light, sight up through
the flue collar into the chimney flue. If it is not possible
to inspect the flue system in this fashion, the stove must
be disconnected to provide better viewing access.
Clean the chimney using a brush the same size and
shape as the flue liner. Flexible fiberglass rods are used
to run the brush up and down the liner, causing any
deposits to fall to the bottom of the chimney where they
can be removed through the clean-out door.
Clean the chimney connector by disconnecting the sec-
tions, taking them outside, and removing any deposits
with a stiff wire brush. Reinstall the connector sections
after cleaning, being sure to secure the joints between
individual sections with sheet metal screws.
If you cannot inspect or clean the chimney yourself,
contact your local Vermont Castings' Dealer or a profes-
sional chimney sweep.
26
annual Maintenance
Every Spring, at the end of the heating season, perform
a thorough cleaning, inspection and repair. The stove
and chimney system should be inspected and main-
tained by a qualified engineer and include the following:
•
Thoroughly clean the chimney and chimney connec-
tor.
•
Inspect the chimney for damage and deterioration.
Replace weak sections of prefabricated chimney.
Have a mason make repairs to a masonry chimney.
•
Inspect the chimney connector and replace any
damaged sections.
•
Check gasketing for wear or compression, and re-
place if necessary.
•
Inspect and clean the catalytic element, and vacuum
out the ash at the bottom of the back plate after re-
moving the lower fireback. Lightly clean the refracto-
ry assembly that houses the element but be careful
not to damage the refractory material, which is very
fragile.
•
Check door and damper handles for tightness. Ad-
just if needed.
•
Check heat shield screws. Tighten as necessary.
•
Clean dust from the inner sides of bottom, rear and
connector heat shields.
•
Remove ashes from the ash pan and replace with
moisture absorbing material (such as cat litter) to
keep the stove interior dry.
•
Touch up the paint on black stoves.
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