© 2023 United States Stove Company
15
CHIMNEY MAINTENANCE
accumulates on the flue lining. When ignited this
creosote makes an extremely high temper fire.
The chimney connector and chimney should be
inspected at least once every two months during
the heating season to determine if a creosote build-
up has occurred. If creosote has accumulated (3
mm or more), it should be removed to reduce the
risk of a chimney fire. We strongly recommend that
you install a magnetic thermometer on your smoke
exhaust pipe, approximately 18” above the stove.
This thermometer will indicate the temperature of
your gas exhaust fumes within the smoke exhaust
system. The ideal temperature for these gases
is somewhere between 275°F and 500°F. Below
these temperatures, the build-up of creosote is
promoted. Above 500°F, heat is wasted since a too
large quantity is lost into the atmosphere.
TO PREVENT CREOSOTE BUILD UP
• Always burn dry wood. This allows clean burns
and higher chimney temperatures, therefore less
creosote deposit.
• Leave the air control fully open for about 5 min.
every time you reload the stove to bring it back
to proper operating temperatures. The secondary
combustion can only take place if the firebox is
hot enough.
• Always check for creosote deposit once every two
months and have your chimney cleaned at least
once a year.
•
If a chimney or creosote fire occurs, close all
dampers immediately. Wait for the fire to go out
and the heater to cool, then inspect the chimney
for damage. If no damage results, perform a
chimney cleaning to ensure no more creosote
deposits is remaining in the chimney.
CAUTION:
A CHIMNEY FIRE MAY CAUSE IGNITION OF
WALL STUDS OR RAFTERS WHICH WERE
ASSUMED TO BE A SAFE DISTANCE AWAY
FROM THE CHIMNEY. IF A CHIMNEY FIRE
OCCURS, HAVE YOUR CHIMNEY INSPECTED BY
A QUALIFIED EXPERT BEFORE USING AGAIN.
ASH REMOVAL & DISPOSAL
Whenever ashes get 3 to 4 inches deep in your
firebox or ash pan, and when the fire has burned
down and cooled, remove excess ashes. Leave an
ash bed approximately 1 inch deep on the firebox
bottom to help maintain a hot charcoal bed. Ashes
should be placed in a metal container with a tight-
fitting lid. The closed container of ashes should be
placed on a non-combustible floor or the ground,
away from all combustible materials, pending final
disposal. The ashes should be retained in the closed
container until all cinders have thoroughly cooled.
CAUTIONS:
• ASHES COULD CONTAIN HOT EMBERS EVEN
AFTER TWO DAYS WITHOUT OPERATING
THE STOVE.
• THE ASH PAN CAN BECOME VERY HOT.
WEAR GLOVES TO PREVENT INJURY.
• NEVER BURN THE STOVE WITH THE ASH
TRAP OPEN. THIS WOULD RESULT IN OVER
FIRING THE STOVE. DAMAGE TO THE STOVE
AND EVEN HOUSE FIRE MAY RESULT.
SMOKE & CO MONITORS
Burning wood naturally produces smoke and
carbon monoxide(CO) emissions. CO is a poisonous
gas when exposed to elevated concentrations for
extended periods. While the modern combustion
systems in heaters drastically reduce the amount of
CO emitted out the chimney, exposure to the gases
in closed or confined areas can be dangerous. Make
sure your stove gaskets and chimney joints are in
good working order and sealing properly to ensure
unintended exposure. It is recommended that you
use both smoke and CO monitors in areas having
the potential to generate CO.
GLASS CARE
• Inspect and clean the glass regularly to detect
any cracks. If you spot one, turn the stove off
immediately. Do not abuse the glass door by
striking or slamming shut. Do not use the stove if
the glass is broken.
• If the glass on your stove breaks, replace only with
the glass supplied from your heater dealer. Never
substitute other materials for the glass.
• To replace the glass, remove the screws retaining
the glass moldings inside the door. Remove the
moldings and replace the damaged piece with a
new one. Perform the procedure backward after
replacing it. When replacing the glass, you should
change the glass gasket to make sure you keep it
sealed.
