6
Vermont Castings Stratton
30004508
The chimney System
a clean chimney System is Safer
and works better
Although the non-catalytic combustion system in your
Stratton can reduce creosote formation dramatically, it
is not a substitute for regular inspection and cleaning of
the chimney and chimney connector.
learn to Recognize —
and avoid — creosote
Your Stratton has been designed to minimize creosote
build-up. Regular chimney inspection and maintenance,
however, must still be performed. For safety, good stove
performance, and to protect your chimney and chimney
connector, inspect your chimney and chimney connec-
tor on a regular schedule. Clean the system if neces-
sary. Failure to keep the chimney and connector system
clean can result in a serious chimney fire.
When wood is burned slowly, it produces tar, organic
vapors and moisture which combine 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 within the
flue system that can damage the chimney and overheat
adjacent combustible material. If a significant layer of
creosote has accumulated —1/8” (3 mm) or more — it
should be removed to reduce the risk of a chimney fire.
If you do experience a chimney fire, act promptly to:
• Close the primary air control lever (pulled out
fully).
• Get everyone out of the house.
• Call the Fire Department from a nearby house.
You should inspect the system every two months during
the heating season as part of a regular maintenance
schedule. To inspect the chimney, let the Stratton cool
completely. Then, using a strong light, sight up through
the flue collar into the chimney flue. The fiber baffle will
need to be removed gently to view inside the connector
pipe.
If it is necessary to remove the firechamber to inspect
or clean the chimney, this is how to do it:
• Let the Stratton cool.
• Disconnect the fan power cord (if used).
• You may wish to lighten the firebox by removing
the load door and andiron.
• Retract the two levelling screws until they bear no
weight.
• Remove the front air tube and fiber baffle.
• Disconnect the flue collar or vent connector from
the top of the stove.
• Slide the firechamber forward until you have ac-
cess to the fireplace opening.
• Inspect the flue.
You can now inspect the smoke shelf area of the fire-
place and the chimney. Before replacing the Stratton,
this area should be inspected for signs of deterioration
and cleaned thoroughly with a chimney brush.
Clean the chimney using a specially designed brush the
same size and shape as the flue liner. Flexible fiber-
glass rods are used to run the brush up and down the
liner, causing any deposits to fall to the bottom of the
chimney where they can be removed through the clean-
out door.
The chimney connector should be cleaned by discon-
necting the sections, taking them outside, and removing
any deposits with a stiff wire brush.
Reinstall the connector sections after cleaning, being
sure to secure the individual sections with sheet metal
screws.
If you can’t do the chimney inspection yourself, con-
tact your local Vermont Castings’ Authorized Dealer, or
engage a professional chimney sweep to perform the
inspection and cleaning of the chimney.
Reverse the procedure to re-install the firechamber.
Fireplace System Maintenance Schedule
Fireplace:
Daily:
•
Ash should be removed before the level reaches
the top edge of the front brick. Check each time
you re-load, or at least once a day.
•
Keep the area around the fireplace clear of any
combustible material.
Yearly Spring Cleaning:
•
Remove ash from the firebox and replace with a
moisture-absorbing material (such as kitty litter)
to keep the interior of the stove dry.
•
Touch up painted surfaces with black paint.
Flex connection:
Two Months:
•
Inspect the chimney and flue connection. Clean
the system if necessary.
Yearly Spring Cleaning:
•
Inspect the chimney for signs of deterioration.
Replace damaged sections of prefabricated
chimney. Your local Vermont Castings’ dealer
or a chimney sweep can help determine when
replacement is necessary.
•
Thoroughly clean the chimney.
