Harman Stove Company 1-90-797000 9Service & Maintenance, Creosote- Formation and Need For Removal

Oakleaf Woodburning Stove

9Service & Maintenance	Solid fuel burning spave heaters must be cleaned regularly,
	as soot, ash and creosote may accumulate.

A.Creosote- Formation and Need For Removal;

When wood is burned slowly, it produces tar and other organic vapors which combine with expelled moisture 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 ex- tremely hot fire. The chimney and chimney connector should be inspected at least once every two months during the heating season to determine if a creosote buildup has occurred. If creosote has accumulated,

it should be removed to reduce the risk of a chimney fire.

If you experience a chimney fire; Close the air control and bypass damper and notify the fire depart- ment. Do NOT apply water to the fire, in the firebox or in the chimney. Do not operate the appliance until the chimney and connector have been inspected and approved by a chimney professional.

Do not burn any fuel other than wood, such as char- coal, which can cause increased carbon monoxide production or overfiring. Never use highly volatile sub- stances in your stove, such as gasoline, which could cause an explosion.

When solid fuels are burned completely, they pro- duce water and carbon dioxide. However, in long slow burns, a substantial amount of carbon monoxide may be produced. If allowed to build up, carbon monoxide (which is odorless) can prove fatally poisonous. Proper ventilation and draft will prevent this from happening. If you smell smoke, turn up the air control lever setting, and thoroughly ventilate your dwelling. During future burns, be careful not to overload the stove with fuel, so you will not be tempted to constantly operate at a low air control setting.

Other causes of poor ventilation or draft are icing, exhaust fans, a blocked outside air inlet, and room air starvation. If your stove is sluggish and you get occa- sional odor, check these possibilities and increase the air flow in your home.

Seasonal cleaning

At least once per year, the stove, venting connec- tors and chimney should be thoroughly cleaned. If the areas are found to have an excessive build up of ash or creosote, it is recommended to increase the frequency of the cleaning. This will extend the life of the appliance and its components. A vacuum specifically designed for ash is preferred, however a standard shop-style vacuum with a HEPA filter may also work just fine.

During cleaning, caution must be taken not to dam- age the white / gray colored ceramic combustion pack- age in the rear of the firebox. When using a brush in the chimney or venting connector, the by-pass damper should be placed in the open position to help prevent ash, creosote or other debris from falling down onto and around the combustion package. This also protects the top of the combustion package from tool or brush dam- age and diverts most of the removed materials into the firebox for easy clean-up and removal. Once the venting system has been cleaned, remove the first section of connector pipe from the appliance flue collar. Carefully vacuum the ash and debris from around the sides and top of the combustion package.

The shoe brick must be removed to allow vacuum access for cleaning the front portion of the combustion package.

Always use caution when refueling or when vacuum- ing the firebox and combustion package. Some users have damaged their combustion package with vacuum cleaner tools, and fire pokers.

Caution: Always wear fire-resistant gloves to operate the stove. The air control is hot while in operation.

28 Dry Seasoned Wood Only! 3-90-798 Save These Instructions