Vermont Castings • Aspen C3 Owner’s Manual_R5 • 2019 - ___ • 11/19
11
8390-950c
Fuel
:
Even the best stove installation will not perform well if poor
fuel is used. If available, always use hardwood that has been
air-dried (‘seasoned’) 12-18 months. Softwood burns more
rapidly than hardwood and has a high resin content conducive
to creosote production. Decayed wood of any type has little
heat value and should not be used.
All unseasoned (‘green’) wood has a high moisture content.
Much of its heat value will be used to evaporate moisture
before the wood can burn. This significantly reduces not only
the amount of energy available to warm your home, but also
the intensity of the fire and temperature of the exhaust gas.
Incomplete combustion and cool flue temperatures promote
creosote formation and weak draft.
You can judge the moisture content of wood by its appearance
and weight or use a commercially available moisture meter
for an exact measurement. Unseasoned wood will be a third
heavier than dry wood. Also, look for cracks (‘checking’) in
the ends of the log that result from contraction as the wood
dries. The longer and wider the cracks, the dryer the wood
is. Purchase your fuel from a reputable dealer.
Creosote:
Creosote is a by-product of low-temperature stove operations,
weak draft or both. It is a tar that results when unburned gases
condense inside the flue system at temperatures below
290°F. Creosote is volatile and can generate chimney fire. All
of the installation characteristics that adversely affect chimney
draft also promote creosote condensation. Consequently,
you can minimize creosote accumulation with an effective
chimney design and the use of operational techniques that
encourage good draft and complete combustion.
Backpuffing:
Backpuffing is a condition that results when the draft is too
weak to pull flue gases out of the chimney system as fast
as the fire is generating more. Volatile gases build up within
the firebox until reaching a density and temperature at which
they ignite. With this ignition, you may hear a muffled popping
sound and see a bit of smoke forced out of the air inlets.
This condition is most likely to occur in the spring or fall
when moderate outdoor temperatures and low intensity fires
combine to inhibit draft strength. Avoid large loads of firewood
at one time. You should always see lively, dancing flames in
the firebox; a lazy, smoky fire is inefficient and will promote
draft problems.
ALWAYS WEAR FIRE RETARDANT GLOVES WHEN
OPERATING THE STOVE.
CAUTION
!
BURNING COLORED PAPER, CARDBOARD,
SOLVENTS, TRASH AND GARBAGE OR ALTERING
THE STOVE FOR HIGHER HEAT OUTPUT MAY CAUSE
DAMAGE TO THE STOVE AND COULD RESULT IN
A HOUSE FIRE. USE ONLY APPROVED FUELS AND
FOLLOW ONLY THESE OPERATION GUIDELINES.
WARNING
!
Single Venting:
Your stove requires a dedicated flue. Do not connect the
stove to a flue used by any other appliance. Chimney draft
is a natural form of energy and follows the path of least
resistance. If the stove is vented to a flue that also serves
an open fireplace or another appliance, the draft will also
pull air in through those avenues. The additional air flow will
lower flue temperatures, reduce draft strength and promote
creosote development; overall stove performance will suffer.
The effect is similar to that of a vacuum cleaner with a hole
in the hose. In some extreme instances, the other appliance
can even impose a negative draft and result in a dangerous
draft reversal.
C. Fuel Specifications
Select only
dry, seasoned wood
. Wood for burning should
never be exposed to rain or extremely damp conditions.
Hardwoods are favored because they are heavier and
contain more heating capacity (BTU’s) per load than do
softwoods. Fuel wood should be split and stored under cover
for “seasoning” - at least a year is recommended. Your stove
is not an incinerator - do not burn garbage, painted or treated
wood, plastic, or other debris.
Keep the area around the stove free from clutter. Keep
all combustibles, including fuel, beyond the code-required
clearance distance (48” or 1215mm in the U.S., 1525mm or
60” in Canada). Never store fuel in front of the stove where
it could interfere with door operation, safe loading, and ash
removal.
