R
Cape Cod Wood Stove
MAINTENANCE
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
Inspection:
The chimney connector and chimney should be inspected at least once twice monthly during the heating season to determine if soot or creosote buildup have occurred. 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:
CHIMNEY CLEANING
1.Remove all ash from the firebox and extinguish all hot embers before disposal. Allow the stove to cool completely.
2.Remove the hotplate as follows:
a.Use a 7/16 inch socket to loosen the 3 bolts on the underside of the griddle and turn the brackets to the side.
b.With your hands inside the firebox, push the front of the griddle up, lift out and set aside.
3.With the hotplate removed, gently lift the kaowool blanket out of the stove. Take care not to crush or make hard bends in the fabric as this will cause rapid deteriorization.
4.Open door and insert both your arms inside the firebox. Push up on the rear baffle and gently shift it towards the front setting it on top of the middle baffle. This creates an opening for the chimney ash & creosote to fall directly into the firebox for removal.
5.Temporarily set the hotplate loosely into place to prevent ash dust from coming into your living area while the chimney is cleaned. Close the door tightly and proceed with sweeping the chimney.
If soot or creosote have accumulated, it should be removed to reduce the risk of a chimney fire. The creosote should be removed with a brush specifi- cally 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, and cleaned and repaired if necessary.
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.
6.Sweep the collected ashes into the ash removal box, and empty. Clean out the remaining ashes from firebox.
7.Remove hotplate; replace rear baffle; replace kaowool ensuring that its edges are firmly seated and tucked in around the sides and especially at the rear of the flue to ensure proper operation of your stove.
8.Replace hotplate, turn brackets and tighten
bolts.
Page 32 | 32198A February 15, 2002 |
