Hearth and Home Technologies CUMBGAP-PMH Maintenance, Creosote, Ash Removal, Chimney Cleaning

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	Cumberland Gap Wood Stove
CREOSOTE	MAINTENANCE	ASH REMOVAL

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 newly-started or a slow-burning fire. As a result, creosote residue accumulates on the flue lining. When ignited, this creosote cre- ates an extremely hot fire which may damage the chimney or even destroy the house. The chimney connector and chimney should be inspected at least once every two months during the heating season to determine if a creosote or soot build-up has occurred. If creosote has accumulated, it should be removed to reduce the risk of a chimney fire.

INSPECTION:

Inspect the system at the stove connection and at the chimney top. Cooler surfaces tend to build creosote deposits quicker, so it is important to check the chimney from the top as well as from the bottom.

REMOVAL:

If soot or creosote have accumulated, it should be removed to reduce the risk of a chimney fire. Use a brush specifically designed for the type of chimney in use. A chimney sweep can perform this service. It is also recommended that before each heating season the entire system be professionally inspected, cleaned, and repaired if necessary.

This stove is equipped with an ash removal system. We recom- mend emptying the ash pan at least once a week when the stove is in constant operation. The amount of ash is dependent on the type of wood being burned.

TO EMPTY THE ASH PAN AND DISPOSE OF ASHES:

CAUTION! Ash coals can remain extremely hot for several days. Protect your hands with gloves when removing the ash pan.

DO NOT OPERATE THE STOVE WITH ASH PAN DOOR OPEN OR WITH ASH PAN REMOVED.

1. Allow the stove to cool completely.

2.Open the hinged ash pan door from the right hand side. Pull ash pan out carefully.

3.Ashes should be placed in a metal container with a tight fit- ting lid. The closed container of ashes should be placed on a noncombustible floor or on the ground, well away from all combustible materials, pending final disposal. If the ashes are disposed of by burial in soil or otherwise locally dispersed, they should be retained in the closed container until all cinders have thoroughly cooled.

4.Replace ash pan and close ash door.

Prior to brushing the chimney clean, follow these steps to ensure that the accumulation of ash and creosote falls directly into the firebox for removal.

CHIMNEY CLEANING

1.Remove all ash from the firebox and extinguish all hot embers before disposal. Allow the stove to cool completely.

2.Disconnect flue pipe or remove baffle from stove before cleaning chimeny. Otherwise residue can pile up on top of the baffle and the stove will not work properly;

3.Close the door tightly and proceed with sweeping the chim- ney.

4.Sweep the collected ashes into the ash removal box, and empty. Clean out the remaining ashes from firebox.

ASH REMOVAL

Swings Open	Ash Door
	Handle

Do not allow ashes to build up in the ashpan until they reach the grate. This will lead to premature deterioration of the grate and make it difficult to empty the ash pan.

GLASS CARE

REMOVE ALL LABELS FROM GLASS PRIOR TO LIGHTING THE FIRST FIRE.

The stove is equipped with ceramic, heat-resistant glass, which can only be broken by impact or misuse. Do not slam the stove door or impact the glass. When closing the door, make sure that logs do not protrude against the glass.

Inspect the glass regularly for cracks or breaks. If you detect a crack or break, extinguish the fire immediately and contact your dealer for replacement.

A portion of the combustion air entering the firebox is deflected down over the inside of the door glass. This air flow “washes” the glass, helping to keep smoke from adhering to its surface. When operated at a low burn rate, less air will be flowing over the glass and the smokey, relatively cool condition of a low fire will cause the glass to become coated. Operating the stove with the Primary Air Slide Control all the way open for 15-20 minutes should remove the built up coating. If the deposits on the glass are not very heavy, normal glass cleaners work well. Heavier deposits may be removed by using a damp cloth dipped in wood ashes or by using a com- mercially available oven cleaner. After using an oven cleaner, it is advisable to remove any residue with a glass cleaner or soap and water. Oven cleaner left on during the next firing can permanently stain the glass and damage the finish on plated metal surfaces.

Do not clean the glass with abrasive materials that may scratch or otherwise damage the glass. Scratches on the glass can develop into cracks or breaks. Never attempt to clean the glass while a fire is in the unit. The best method for maintaining clean glass is to operate the stove efficiently by using dry, well-seasoned wood and burning moderate to hot fires.

September 1, 2008 7006-188E Page 25