Oakwood Woodburning Stove
Dry Seasoned Wood Only!
Harman® • Oakwood Owner's Manual_R34 • 2004 -___ • 09/15
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3-90-08327
8
Service & Maintenance
Seasonal cleaning
At least once per year, the stove, venting connectors and
chimney should be thoroughly cleaned. If the areas are
found to have an excessive build up of ash or creosote, it
is recommended to increase the frequency of the cleaning.
This will extend the life of the appliance and its components.
A vacuum specifically designed for ash is preferred, however
a standard shop-style vacuum with a HEPA filter may also
work just fine.
During cleaning, caution must be taken not to damage the
white / gray colored ceramic combustion package in the rear
of the firebox. When using a brush in the chimney or venting
connector, the by-pass damper should be placed in the open
position to help prevent ash, creosote or other debris from
falling down onto and around the combustion package. This
also protects the top of the combustion package from tool
or brush damage and diverts most of the removed materials
into the firebox for easy clean-up and removal. Once the
venting system has been cleaned, remove the first section
of connector pipe from the appliance flue collar. Carefully
vacuum the ash and debris from around the sides and top
of the combustion package.
The shoe brick must be removed to allow vacuum access for
cleaning the front portion of the combustion package.
Always use caution when refueling or when vacuuming the
firebox and combustion package. Some users have damaged
their combustion package with vacuum cleaner tools, and
fire pokers.
Solid fuel burning space heaters must be cleaned regularly, as soot,
ash and creosote may accumulate.
CAUTION
!
ALWAYS WEAR FIRE-RESISTANT GLOVES TO
OPERATE THE STOVE. THE AIR CONTROL IS HOT
WHILE IN OPERATION.
When properly maintained, your wood stove will give
you many years of trouble-free service.
Contact your
dealer
to answer questions regarding proper operation,
trouble-shooting and service for your appliance. Visit www.
harmanstoves.com to find a dealer. We recommend annual
service by a qualified service technician.
A.
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 and chimney connector should be inspected
at least once every two months during 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 experience a chimney fire;
Close the air control
and bypass damper and notify the fire department. Do NOT
apply water to the fire, in the firebox or in the chimney. Do not
operate the appliance until the chimney and connector have
been inspected and approved by a chimney professional.
Do not burn any fuel other than wood, such as charcoal,
which can cause increased carbon monoxide production or
overfiring. Never use highly volatile substances in your stove,
such as gasoline, which could cause an explosion.
When solid fuels are burned completely, they produce
water and carbon dioxide. However, in long slow burns, a
substantial amount of carbon monoxide may be produced.
If allowed to build up, carbon monoxide (which is odorless)
can prove fatally poisonous. Proper ventilation and draft will
prevent this from happening. If you smell smoke, turn up
the air control lever setting, and thoroughly ventilate your
dwelling. During future burns, be careful not to overload
the stove with fuel, so you will not be tempted to constantly
operate at a low air control setting.
Other causes of poor ventilation or draft are icing, exhaust
fans, a blocked outside air inlet, and room air starvation. If
your stove is sluggish and you get occasional odor, check
these possibilities and increase the air flow in your home.
IMPORTANT NOTE
The only suitable method for removing creosote from
the venting system is a chimney brush. Creosote
sweeping logs, powders and other products have the
potential to damage the Firedome combustion system,
and are not recommended for use in Harman wood
stoves. Use of chemical creosote removal products
will void the warranty of the Firedome combustion
system.
