Chimney Maintenance
Regular chimney inspection and maintenance
combined with proper operation will prevent
chimney fires. Keep your chimney clean. Do not
allow more than 1/16” (1.6 mm) creosote build
up in your chimney. The amount of creosote
will depend on variables such as frequency of
use and type of fire. We recommend that you:
A. Initially inspect the chimney system weekly.
From this, you will learn how often it will be
necessary to clean your chimney.
B. Have your chimney cleaned by a qualified
chimney sweep. If you wish to clean it
yourself, we recommend using a stiff plastic
or non-metallic brush. If a metal brush is
used, its size should be slightly smaller than
the flue to avoid damaging the chimney. Do
not use a brush that will scratch the stainless
steel interior of the chimney.
C. Do not expect chemical cleaners to keep
your chimney clean. The rain cap can be
removed for inspection and/or cleaning of
the chimney.
Top Baffle Removal Prior to Cleaning The
Chimney
Before starting to clean your chimney, we
recommend that you remove the top baffle to
avoid creosote dust collection at the top of the
baffle. Follow these steps to set the top baffle
out of the way:
1. Remove the side refractory holder. They are
located at the top of the refractory.
2. Lift the front baffle.
3. Slide the back baffle under the front baffle.
You now have access to the chimney.
Figure 2b - Top Baffle Removal
Figure 2a - Top Baffle Removal
OK
Achieving Clean Burns
Check the exhaust in about 15 to 20 minutes
(see below). Large amounts of smoke indicate
an improper burn setting (either too high or too
low). Adjust and recheck in 5 to 10 minutes.
Dealing With a Chimney Fire
Regular chimney maintenance and inspection
can prevent chimney fires. If you have a chimney
fire, follow these steps:
1. Close the fireplace door and the combustion
air controls.
2. Alert your family of the possible danger.
3. If you require assistance, alert your fire
department.
4. If possible, use a dry chemical fire extin-
guisher, baking soda or sand to control the
fire. Do not use water as it may cause a
dangerous steam explosion.
5. Check outside to ensure that sparks and hot
embers coming out of the chimney are not
igniting the roof.
6. Do not use the fireplace again until your
chimney and fireplace have been inspected
by a qualified chimney sweep or a Fire
Department Inspector.
What does “Well-Seasoned” mean?
When a tree is cut down, the wood is green,
full of sap and moisture. This moisture content
can exceed 80%, which must be reduced to
less than 20%. Wood properly seasoned is
then capable of generating the heat the stove
was designed to provide.
Green wood does not burn easily. Attempting to
burn green wood often results in a lot of smoke
and very little fire. Time is the most important
factor in seasoning wood. Ideally the moisture
content should be reduced to 11-20%.
4'
4'
8'
Standard
Cord of
Wood
8 Ft.
(2.4M)
4 Ft.
(1.2M)
4 Ft. (1.2M)
NOTE: The use of a firewood moisture meter is
recommended to ensure the firewood contains
less than 20% moisture.
Seasoning Guide
Softwoods - 6 months to 18 months
Hardwoods - 12 months to 24 months
Logs that are 5” diameter across or larger should
be split in half, three pieces if over 8 inches, and
four pieces when over a foot across. If a tree
has been dead for 2 - 4 years it still needs to
be cut, split, and seasoned for 6 to 24 months
depending on the wood.
Prohibited Fuels
This heater is designed to burn natural wood
only. Higher efficiencies and lower emissions
generally result when burning air dried seasoned
hardwoods, as compared to softwoods or to
green or freshly cut hardwoods. DO NOT BURN:
• Garbage;
• Lawn clippings or yard waste;
• Materials containing rubber, including tires;
• Materials containing plastic;
• Waste petroleum products, paints or paint
thinners, or asphalt products;
• Materials containing asbestos;
• Construction or demolition debris;
• Railroad ties or pressure-treated wood;
• Manure or animal remains;
• Salt water driftwood or other previously salt
water saturated materials;
• Unseasoned wood;
• Christmas tree branches;
• Paper products, colored paper, cardboard,
plywood, or particleboard;
• gasoline;
• naphtha;
• engine oil;
• flammable liquids;
• solvents;
• grease; or
• coal
The prohibition against burning these materials
does not prohibit the use of fire starters made
from paper, cardboard, saw dust, wax and
similar substances for the purpose of starting
a fire in an affected wood heater.
NOTE: DIAGRAMS & ILLUSTRATIONS ARE NOT TO SCALE.
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Summary of Contents for WCT4820WS
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