Ash Disposal

likely to glow at its higher temperatures, which it reaches when the firebox is in its lower range - the catalyst is an afterburner, and the more waste fuel there is in the smoke, the hotter the catalyst gets.

We strongly advise the use of a stove-top thermom- eter as a guide to stove performance. Normal operating temperatures are between 450 degrees F (220˚C) and 700 degrees F (370˚C). Lower temperatures can indicate incomplete combustion and weak draft; higher temperatures can shorten the life of the castings.

Routine ash removal is important for ease of mainte- nance, and is important for the stove's durability. Remove ash before it reaches the top of the ash pan. Check the level at least once a day. Every few days, clear any ash from the outer edges of the firebox. Most of the ash will fall through the grate. Slice or stir the ash with a shovel or poker so that it falls through the grate slots.

IMPORTANT: Check the level of ash in the ash pan before reloading the stove. If the ash level is close to the top edge of the pan, empty the pan according to this procedure:

•Open the damper.

•Open the griddle or front doors, and use a shovel or poker to stir excess ash through the ash slots in the grate down into the ash pan.

•Close the griddle or doors, and unlatch the ash door. (Fig. 30) It will pivot, swinging the ash pan out of the stove.

•Slide the cover onto the pan, making sure it is securely closed. (Fig. 31)

•Remove the ash pan, making sure to keep it level.

•To keep the cover from sliding off and to keep ash from falling on the floor, do not tilt the ash pan forward.

Open

ST546

Fig. 30 Turn the ashdoor handle clockwise to open and counterclockwise to close.

Vermont Castings Defiant

ST566

Fig. 31 Be sure the cover is securely attached before removing the ash pan.

•If the stove is in operation, close the ash door while disposing of the ash. You may need to lift the latch end of the door slightly to align the latch with the mating part on the stove bottom.

•Properly dispose of the ash in a metal container with a tight-fitting lid. Store the container outdoors away from all combustible material.

•Return the ash pan to its original position in the stove, and close and latch the ash door. Fig. 31.

•Do not operate the stove with the ash door open. This will result in over-firing, and could cause damage to the stove, void the warranty, or even lead to a house fire.

Empty the ash pan regularly, typically every one to

three days. The frequency will vary depending on how you operate your Defiant: ash will accumulate faster at higher heat outputs.

Remove ash frequently and place it outdoors in a metal container with a tight-fitting lid. Place the closed container of ash on a noncombustible floor or on the ground, well away from all combustible materials, pending final disposal. If the ash is disposed of by burial in soil or otherwise locally dispersed, it should be kept in the closed container until all cinders have thoroughly cooled.

You can use wood ash as a garden fertilizer. CAUTION: Never use your household or shop

vacuum cleaner to remove ash from the stove; always remove and dispose of the ash properly.