Hearth and Home Technologies 31M-ACC-MBK, 31ST-ACC Maintaining & Servicing Your Appliance

R 3100 Wood Stove Series (ACC)

Maintaining & Servicing Your Appliance

A. General Maintenance		2. Ash Removal System (ARS) Operating and Cleaning
		•		Frequency: As necessary
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1. Creosote (Chimney) Cleaning		•		By: Homeowner
• Frequency: Every 2 months during heating season or
as recommended by a certified chimney sweep; more				CAUTION
frequently if chimney exceeds or is under 14-16 ft.
(measured from bottom of appliance)
				Injury Risk.
• By: Certified Chimney Sweep
				• Gloves recommended
Remove all ash from the firebox and extinguish all hot
				• May have sharp edges
embers before disposal. Allow the appliance to cool
completely. Disconnect flue pipe or remove baffle and
			a. The stove and ashes must be completely cooled down
ceramic blanket from appliance before cleaning chimney.
Otherwise residue can pile up on top of the baffle and				before using the Ash Removal System. Reach down and
ceramic blanket and the appliance will not work properly.				locate the ash removal door handle under the left side of
(See Baffle Removal on page 34). Close the door tightly.				the stove in the center. Squeeze the handle and push all
The creosote or soot should be removed with a brush				the way back. A magnet will hold the handle in place which
specifically designed for the type of chimney in use. Clean				in turn holds the ash door open.
out fallen ashes from the firebox.			b. Clean ash down through the ash removal system grate into
It is also recommended that before each heating season				the drawer below. If there are large pieces in the ashes,
the entire system be professionally inspected, cleaned and				you can remove the grate before brushing the ash into the
repaired if necessary.				drawer.
Inspection: Inspect the system at the appliance connection				Make sure all ash is removed from the top of ARS door.
and at the chimney top. Cooler surfaces tend to build				Lift up the grate and inspect the top of the door to ensure
creosote deposits quicker, so it is important to check the				all ash has been removed. You can rapidly move the ARS
chimney from the top as well as from the bottom.				latch handle up and down to help remove any ash from the
Formation and Need For Removal: When wood is burned				door. Use a small brush to clean off the top of the door if
slowly, it produces tar and other organic vapors which				any ash remains.
combine with expelled moisture to form creosote.	The			Be sure to replace the grate before operating the stove.
creosote vapors condense in the relatively cool chimney				Remember to leave 1/4 to 1/2 inch (6-13mm) of ash on
flue of a newly-started or a slow-burning fire. As a result,				the firebox floor to act as a natural grate, allowing air to
creosote residue accumulates on the flue lining. When				flow freely underneath wood.
ignited, this creosote creates an extremely hot fire which

may damage the chimney or even destroy the house. The	c. Close the door handle, you will hear a “click” when it closes.
	The ash drawer will not pull out if the door handle is left in
chimney connector and chimney should be inspected once
	the open position.	Wear gloves to remove the drawer.
every 2 months during the heating season to determine if a

creosote or soot buildup has occurred. If creosote or soot	Dispose of the ashes following the directions below.
has accumulated, it should be removed to reduce the risk
of a chimney fire.

WARNING

Fire Risk.

Prevent creosote buildup.

•Inspect chimney connector and chimney once every two months during heating season.

•Remove creosote to reduce risk of chimney fire.

•Ignited creosote is extremely HOT.

WARNING

Fire Risk.

•Do not use chimney cleaners or flame colo- rants in your appliance.

Will corrode pipe.

WARNING

Fire Risk

Injury Risk

Make sure Ash Removal System door is sealed tight against the gasket.

Air leakage may cause:

•Over-fire condition.

•Flame and/or smoke spillage.

•Wood to burn too fast.

September 1, 2008 7033-277F Page 31