Vermont Casting 1945 Single Venting, Creosote, Fuel, Back-puffing, Draft Testing

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Defiant Woodburning Stove

There should be no more than eight feet of single-wall stove pipe between the stove and a chimney; longer runs can cool the smoke enough to cause draft and creosote problems. With prefabricated chimney, bring it down to six to eight feet from the stove. With a masonry chimney, arrange the pipe layout to elbow into the chim- ney within eight feet of the stove.

Single Venting

Each ‘airtight’ stove requires its own flue. If an airtight stove is vented to a flue that also serves an open fire- place, or a leakier stove, it’s easier for the chimney draft to pull air in through those channels than it is to pull air through the airtight, and performance suffers. Imagine a vacuum cleaner with a hole in the hose to see the ef- fect here. In some cases the other appliance can even cause a negative draft through the airtight, and result in a dangerous draft reversal.

Creosote

Creosote is a by-product of slow wood-burning. It’s an organic tar that can condense in the flue if it’s dense in the smoke, and slow-moving, and cools off to less than 290°F (130°C). Condensed creosote is volatile, and can generate chimney fires if it gets hot enough. All the features that affect chimney draft also affect creosote condensation - so use whatever combination of installa- tion features and operational steps will encourage good draft and minimize creosote production.

Because letting the smoke cool off and slow down is one of the keys to creosote production, it makes sense to line a chimney to match the stove’s outlet size, for safety reasons as well as performance. Canadian law requires a matching liner to serve any stove or insert vented through a fireplace chimney; in the US, the National Fire Protection Association recommends one if the flue is more than three times bigger (in square area) than the outlet on the stove or insert. Some localities enforce the NFPA guidelines as part of their building codes.

Fuel

Even the best stove installation will not perform well with poor fuel. The best fuel is hardwood that has air- dried 12-18 months. Softwood burns, but not as long as hardwood. Fairly ‘green’ wood has a lot of moisture in it; it will burn, but some of the heat potential is used to drive the remaining moisture off the wood. This reduces the amount of heat that reaches your home and can contribute to a creosote problem. There are moisture meters available for firewood; you can also judge your wood by its appearance and weight. If you get it green, lift a piece and get a sense of its weight; it can lose a third or more of its weight as it dries. Also look at the

ends of a log; as it dries it shrinks and often cracks. The more weathered and cracked a piece is, the drier it is.

Dry wood burns readily with a good chimney draft. But with modern stoves, especially catalytic ones, the wood can be too dry. While extra-dry wood has little creosote in it, the remainder can ‘gas out’ from the wood quickly and densely enough to overload the catalytic burner.

If you hear a rumbling or roaring noise, like a propane torch, from the stove, that is a sign that the catalyst is seriously overfiring. The catalyst is a platinum film on a ceramic base; the metal can get to higher temperatures than the ceramic can take, and overfiring the catalyst can break it. Dry wood can also burn out faster than you want. If your dry wood burns out too quickly or overloads the catalyst you can mix in greener wood to slow the fire down.

Back-puffing

Back-puffing results when the fire produces volatile gases faster than the chimney draft pulls them out of the firebox. The gases back up in the firebox till they’re dense enough and hot enough to ignite. If your stove back-puffs, you should open up the damper to let the smoke rise to the flue more quickly, let more air into the firebox, and avoid big loads of firewood. You should always see lively, dancing flames in the firebox; a lazy, smoky fire is inefficient and can contribute to creosote buildup in the chimney.

Draft Testing

An easy way to test your chimney draft is to close the stove’s damper, wait a few minutes to let the airflow stabilize, then see whether you can vary the strength of the fire by swinging the air control open and closed. Re- sults are not always instant; you may need to wait a few minutes for a change in the air control setting to have an effect on the fire. If there’s no change, then the draft isn’t strong enough yet to let you close the damper, and you’ll need to open it for a while longer and manage the fire with the air inlet until the draft strengthens. If you keep track of your burning habits and relate them to their effects on the stove’s operation, you’ll be rewarded with good performance and a safe system.

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Contents Defiant Welcome Save These Instructions for Future ReferenceStory of the Defiant Table of ContentsInstallation Accessories Specifications Defiant, ModelChimney Height InstallationOutside Air Prefabricated Chimneys What Kind of Chimney to UseMasonry Chimneys Chimney SizeSecuring the Single-wall Connector to a Masonry Chimney Chimney Connector GuidelinesSingle-wall Chimney Connectors Freestanding InstallationsFireplace Installations Above the FireplaceThrough the Fireplace Wall Pass-ThroughsFloor Protection for Fireplace Installation Floor ProtectionWall Shields Keep the Stove a Safe Distance from Sur Rounding MaterialsSafe Ways to Reduce Clearances Fireplace and Mantel Trim Shields Fireplace and Mantel Trim ClearancesDefiant Clearance Chart Stove Clearance Unprotected Surfaces Protected SurfacesDefiant Clearance Diagrams Unprotected Surfaces Protected SurfacesStove Heat Shields Distance from the Center of the Flue Collar to the Wall Defiant With Rear Heat Shield onlyInstall Stove Legs AssemblySet Up Your Stove Install the Optional Bottom Heat ShieldOperation Defiant ControlsTwo Ways to Add Fuel Single Air Control Regulates Heat Output and Burn TimeDamper Directs Air Flow Within the Stove Burn Only High-Quality Wood Infra-Red Reflective Glass Panels For Clear Fire ViewingAndirons Help Protect the Glass Surface Thermometer is a Valuable Guide to OperationHigh-Efficiency Wood Burning With Catalytic Combustion Use the Air Control Settings that Work Best for YouDefiant Control Settings Conditioning Your Stove Starting and Maintaining a Wood FireRefuel While the Embers Are Still Hot Add larger pieces of wood as the fire begins to burnAsh Disposal Indoor/Outdoor Location Draft ManagementSteel Chimney Flue SizingCreosote Draft TestingSingle Venting FuelNegative Pressure ConclusionMaintenance Check the Operation Primary Air Shutter How to Adjust the Door LatchesAdjust the Damper as Needed Tighten the Damper Handle as NeededRemoving and Cleaning the Combustor Inspection and CleaningWhen to Suspect a Combustor Problem Catalytic ElementRemove the bricks and the brick retainer Replace the Stove Gaskets as Needed 30001693Chimney System Annual MaintenanceAdjust the Door Latch If Necessary Permanent Defiant GasketsAppendix Catalytic Combustor Appendix Chimney and Fireplace Hazards For a fireplaceDefiant Woodburning Stove Defiant Woodburning Stove Model Shell Enamel Parts Defiant Color Warranty CFM Corporation

1945 specifications

Vermont Casting, founded in 1975, quickly established itself as a leader in the cast iron stove industry. However, the reference to 1945 in relation to Vermont Casting might allude to the beginnings of the American hearth industry post-World War II. In this pivotal period, the demand for home heating solutions soared, setting the stage for innovations in wood and gas stoves that would shape future designs.

Vermont Casting made a name for itself through a commitment to craftsmanship and durability. The company utilized high-quality cast iron, renowned for its excellent heat retention and even heating properties. This robust material allowed stoves to radiate warmth long after the fire had extinguished, making them an efficient choice for home heating.

One of the standout features of Vermont Casting stoves is their unique design which blends functionality with aesthetic appeal. The company offered both traditional and contemporary styles, appealing to a wide range of consumer tastes. With elaborate decorative patterns and a classic look, Vermont Casting stoves became a centerpiece in many homes, adding warmth not just through heat but also through design.

In terms of technology, Vermont Casting pioneered advancements in combustion efficiency. Their stoves often feature secondary combustion systems that ensure the complete burning of wood, which helps reduce smoke emissions and maximizes heat output. This not only complies with stringent environmental regulations but also makes their products eco-friendly.

Another notable characteristic of Vermont Casting stoves is their versatility. The company produces a range of models that cater to different fuels, including wood, gas, and pellets. This flexibility allows homeowners to choose the best heating solution for their specific needs and preferences.

Vermont Casting also places a strong emphasis on user comfort and ease of use. Many models come equipped with features like airwash systems for cleaner glass, lever handles for easy door operation, and ash pans for convenient cleanup. These thoughtful details enhance the overall user experience, making heating homes more efficient and enjoyable.

As the company has continued to innovate, it has remained committed to sustainability, focusing on creating products that are not only effective but also environmentally responsible. Vermont Casting's dedication to quality, technology, and design has cemented its status as a trusted name in the hearth industry, making it a preferred choice for consumers looking for both performance and style in their heating solutions.
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