Vermont Casting 1655, 1656, 1657, 1658, 1659 Draft Management, Steel Chimney, Flue Sizing

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Vermont Castings Madison

Draft Management

Your stove is only one part of a system that includes the chimney, the operator, the fuel and the home. The other parts of the system will affect how well the stove works. When there is a good match between all the parts, the stove works well.

Wood stove operation depends on natural (unforced) draft. Natural draft occurs when exhaust gas is hotter (and therefore lighter) than the outdoor air at the top of the chimney. The greater the temperature difference, the stronger the draft. As the hot exhaust gas rises out of the chimney it generates suction that draws air into the stove for combustion. A slow, lazy fire with the stove’s air inlets fully open indicates a weak draft. A brisk fire, supported only by air entering the stove through the normal inlets, indicates a good draft. The inlets are passive; they regulate how much air can enter the stove, but they do not move air into it.

The efficiency of a modern woodburning appli- ance, (in which the amount of air available for combus- tion is regulated), depends on the chimney to keep exhaust gases warm all the way outdoors. The charac- teristics of your chimney - whether it is steel or ma- sonry, interior or exterior, matched or mismatched to the stove collar - determine how quickly it will warm up and how well it will sustain the optimum temperatures necessary to maintain strong draft and efficient com- bustion. Here follows a description of various flue system characteristics and related effects on stove performance.

Masonry Chimney

Although masonry is the traditional material used for chimney construction, it can have distinct performance disadvantages when used to vent a controlled-combus- tion woodstove. Masonry forms an effective ‘heat sink’

-that is, it absorbs and holds heat for long periods of time. The large mass, however, may take a long time to become hot enough to sustain a strong draft. The larger the chimney (in total mass), the longer it will take to warm up. Cold masonry will actually cool exhaust gases enough to diminish draft strength. This problem is compounded if the chimney is located outside the home or if the chimney flue has a cross-sectional size larger than the stove outlet.

Steel Chimney

Most factory-made ‘Class A’ steel chimneys have a layer of insulation around the inner flue. This insulation keeps the smoke warm and protects the surrounding structure from the high flue temperatures. Because the insulation is less dense than masonry, the inner steel liner warms up more quickly than a masonry chimney.

Although steel chimneys are not as attractive as their masonry counterparts, they are very durable and generally outperform masonry.

Inside/Outside Location

Because the chimney’s function is to keep the smoke warm, it is best to locate it inside the house. This location uses the house as insulation for the flue and allows some radiant heat release from the flue into the home. Since an interior chimney does not continuously lose its heat to the outdoors, it takes less heat from the stove to get it warm and keep it warm.

Flue Sizing

The flue size for a controlled-combustion appliance should be based on the cross-sectional volume of the stove flue outlet. In this case, more is definitely not better. Hot gases lose heat through expansion; if a stove with a six-inch flue collar (28 square inch area) is vented into a 10” x 10” flue, the gases will expand to over three times their original volume. As gases cool with expansion, draft strength decreases. If an over- sized flue is also outside the house, the heat it absorbs will be conducted to the outdoor air and the flue will remain relatively cool.

It is common for a masonry flue to be oversized for the stove. Such a chimney can take quite a while to warm up and the stove performance will likely be disappointing. The best solution to an oversize flue problem is the installation of an insulated steel chimney liner of the same diameter as the appliance flue outlet. The liner keeps the exhaust gas warm and the result is a stronger draft. An uninsulated liner is a second choice

-although the liner will keep the exhaust restricted to its original volume, the air around the liner will require time and heat energy to warm up.

Check your local codes. You may be required to install a flue liner in any oversize or masonry flue.

Pipe & Chimney Layout

Every bend in the flue will act as a brake on the exhaust as it flows from the firebox to the chimney cap. The ideal pipe and chimney layout is straight up from the stove through a completely straight chimney. Use this layout if at all possible as it will promote optimum stove performance and simplify maintenance.

If the stovepipe must elbow to enter a chimney, locate the elbow about midway between the stove top and the chimney thimble. This configuration lets the smoke speed up before it must turn, keeps some pipe in the room for heat transfer, and allows long-term flexibility for installing a different appliance without relocating the thimble.

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Contents Madison Table of Contents IntroductionSpecifications Madison, Model 1655 SeriesInstallation Masonry ChimneysPrefabricated Chimneys Chimney Connector GuidelinesChimney Size Securing the Single-wall Connector to a Masonry Chimney Double-wall Chimney ConnectorsSingle-wall Chimney Connectors Freestanding InstallationsWall Pass-throughs Connection Above the FireplaceRequirements Canadian Requirements Floor ProtectionClearance to Surrounding Combustible Materials Fireplace Hearth ProtectionSafe Ways To Reduce Clearances Wall Shields = 1 25 mmAlcove Installations Construction RequirementsMadison 1655 Series Clearance Chart Madison 1655 Series Clearance Diagram ST563 Assembly Install the Outside Air Adaptor With Rear Heat ShieldHow the Madison Works Use the Air Control Setting that Works Best for YouOperation Burn Only High-Quality WoodMadison Control Settings Starting and Maintaining a FireAsh Disposal Refuel While the Embers Are Still HotMaintenance Clean the Primary Air Outlet CreosoteInside/Outside Location Draft ManagementSteel Chimney Flue SizingBackpuffing Single VentingFuel Negative PressureMadison Woodburning Stove Madison Woodburning Stove Vermont Castings Madison Warranty Vermont Castings, Majestic Products

1655, 1656, 1657, 1658, 1659 specifications

Vermont Castings has long been synonymous with high-quality cast iron stoves and fireplaces, and models 1655, 1656, 1657, 1658, and 1659 are prime examples of the craftsmanship and innovation that define the brand. Each model showcases a unique combination of features, technologies, and characteristics designed to enhance the home heating experience.

The Vermont Castings 1655, also known as the Defiant wood stove, is revered for its exceptional heating efficiency and classic design. With a large firebox, it can accommodate logs up to 18 inches long, making it an ideal choice for long, uninterrupted burns. Its dual door design not only provides ease of access but also enhances the aesthetic appeal with its elegantly arched glass. The stoves feature the brand's innovative Catalyst technology, which ensures complete combustion of gases, reducing emissions while maximizing heat output.

The 1656 model, known as the Intrepid II, is compact yet powerful. It is perfect for smaller spaces, providing significant heat without compromise. With its traditional styling and hand-crafted quality, it stands as a testament to Vermont Castings' commitment to aesthetics. The stove incorporates a secondary combustion system, which enhances efficiency by reburning flue gases, ensuring a cleaner burning process.

The 1657 model, also recognized as the Vigilant, incorporates radiant and convective heating, which is perfect for larger rooms. This model is equipped with advanced clean-burning technology, facilitating a longer burn time and reducing the frequency of reloads. The stovetop is designed to maintain heat, allowing for cooking or warming food, illustrating its versatility.

In contrast, the 1658 model, known as the Resolute, features an elegant yet rugged design that complements various interiors. Its air-wash system keeps the glass door clean, providing an unobstructed view of the flames. The Resolute is designed for easy operation, with an adjustable damper that tailors airflow, further optimizing efficiency according to user preferences.

Finally, the 1659, or the Encore model, stands out with its revolutionary two-in-one design that allows for top or front loading. This model is known for its exceptional heat retention and long burn times, catering to homeowners who value convenience and performance. Its eco-friendly features include reduced emissions and high-efficiency ratings that meet modern environmental standards.

In summary, Vermont Castings' 1655, 1656, 1657, 1658, and 1659 models offer an array of features that prioritize efficiency, performance, and style. From their unique combustion technologies to their stunning craftsmanship, these stoves represent some of the best options in the market for effective home heating solutions. Each model is a testament to Vermont Castings' enduring legacy of quality and innovation in the world of wood-burning appliances.
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