9
Windsor High Efficiency Wood Stove
30005128
Creosote
When wood is burned slowly, it produces tar and other
organic vapors. These combine with moisture to form
creosote. 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 should be inspected regularly during the
heating season to determine if a creosote build-up has
accumulated. If this is the case, the creosote should be
removed to reduce the risk of chimney fire.
Ways to Prevent and Keep Unit free of Creo-
sote
1. Burn with air control open for several minutes at
numerous intervals throughout the day during the
heating season, being careful not to over-fire unit.
This removes the slight film of creosote accumulated
during low burn periods.
2. Burn stove with draft control wide open for several
minutes every time you apply fresh wood. This al-
lows wood to achieve the charcoal stage faster and
burns wood vapors which might otherwise be depos-
ited within the system.
3. Burn only seasoned wood. Avoid burning wet or
green wood. Seasoned wood has been dried for at
least one year.
4. A small hot fire is preferable to a large smouldering
one that can deposit creosote within the system.
5. Establish a routine for the fuel, wood burner and
firing technique. Check daily for creosote build-up
until experience shows how often you need to clean
to be safe. Be aware that the hotter the fire, the less
creosote is deposited. Weekly cleaning may be nec-
essary in mild weather even though monthly clean-
ing may be enough in the coldest months. Contact
your local municipal authority for information on how
to handle a chimney fire. Have a clearly understood
plan to handle a chimney fire.
WARNiNG: things to remember in case of chim-
ney fire: 1. Close draft control. 2. Call the fire de-
partment.
Ash Disposal
This unit features a convenient ash lip for easy removal
of ash. During constant use, ashes should be removed
every few days, or whenever ashes get to three to four
inches deep in the firebox. Remove ashes only when
the fire has died down and the ashes have cooled.
Even then, expect to find a few hot embers.
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, well away from
iMPoRtANt
Helpful Hints
1. What is the correct way to start a fire?
a. You will need small pieces of dry wood (kindling)
and paper. Use only newspaper or paper that has
not been coated or had unknown materials glued
or applied to it. Never use coated (typically adver-
tising flyers) or colored paper.
b. Open the door of the wood stove.
c. Crumple several pieces of paper and place them
in the center of the firebox and directly on to the
firebricks of the wood stove. Never use a grate to
elevate the fire.
d. Place small pieces of dry wood kindling) over the
paper in a teepee manner. This allows for good
air circulation, which is critical for good combus-
tion.
e. Light the crumpled paper in 2 or 3 locations:
NotE:
It is important to heat the air in the stove-
pipe for draft to start.
f. Fully open the air control of the wood stove and
close the door until it is slightly open, allowing
for much needed air to be introduced into the fire
box. Never leave the door fully open as sparks
from the kindling may occur causing injury or
property damage. As the fire begins to burn the
kindling, some additional kindling may be needed
to sustain the fire.
Do Not
add more paper after
the fire has started.
g. Once the kindling has started to burn, add some
of the smaller pieces of seasoned (dry) firewood.
NotE:
Adding large pieces at the early stages
will only serve to smother the fire. Continue
adding small pieces of seasoned (dry) firewood,
keeping the door slightly open until each piece
starts to ignite. Remember to always open the
door slowly when placing wood into the fire.
h. Once the wood has started to ignite and the
smoke has reduced, close the wood stove door
fully. The reduction of smoke is a good indication
that the draft in the chimney has started and good
combustion is now possible. Larger pieces of
seasoned (dry) firewood can now be added when
there is sufficient space in the firebox. Adjust the
air control setting to desired setting.
i.
NotE:
The lower the air control setting the longer
the burn time of your firewood.
all combustible materials, pending final disposal. If
the ashes are disposed of by burial in soil or otherwise
locally dispersed, they should be retained in the closed
container until all cinders have thoroughly cooled. Other
waste should not be placed in the ash can.
