United States Stove 2931 owner manual Service Hints, Chimney Maintenance

SERVICE HINTS

When considering a masonry chimney, round tiles are preferable to square or

solid fuel appliance must not be joined to a chimney flue which is connected to

Do not expect a heater to draw. It is the chimney that creates the draft. Smoke spillage into the house or excessive build-up of water or creosote in the chimney are warnings that the chimney is not functioning properly. Possible causes are:

1.The connection pipe may be pushed into the chimney too far, stopping the draft (Fig. 8).

2.Two heaters connected into the same chimney flue.

3.Same flue being used to ventilate the cellar or basement. If there is a cleanout opening at the base of the chimney, it must be closed tightly and sealed.

4.If the chimney is too cool, water will condense in the chimney and run back into the stove. Creosote formation will be rapid and may block the chimney. Operate the heater at a high enough fire to keep the chimney warm preventing this condensation. (Poorly insulated chimney)

5.The chimney top may be lower than another part of the house or a nearby tree. The wind blowing over a house or a tree falls on top of the chimney like water over a dam, beating down the smoke. The top of the chimney should be at least 3 feet higher than any point of the roof within 10 feet (Fig. 6).

6.Other chimney/flue inadequacies covered else where in this manual.

rectangular, as round tiles have much better airflow characteristics and are far easier to clean. Unfortunately, most North American chimneys use square or rectangular tile liners that are really designed for open fireplaces, not stoves or furnaces. Of most importance, second only to overall chimney height, is the diameter of the flue liner itself. In most instances, it should be sized to the appliance; i.e., 6" flue outlet on the appliance requires a 6" flue. The inner diameter should never be less than the flue outlet diameter and should never be greater than 50% of the appliance flue outlet. For example, do not expect a wood burning stove or furnace to function properly if installed into a chimney with a flue liner greater than 50% the appliance outlet -- such as a 6" flue outlet requires a 6" diameter for optimum drafting, but

another appliance burning other fuels.

If your chimney has a typically oversized flue liner of 8x12 inches or greater, or if it is unlined, it will be necessary for you to reline the chimney, using many of the modern approved and economical meth- ods such as stainless steel, castable refractory, or properly sized fireclay lin- ings.

If you have any question regarding venting your appliance, feel free to contact the factory at the address and phone number on this Owner's Manual. You may also contact NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) and request NFPA Standard 211 (1984 Edition). Their address is Battery March Park, Quincy, Massachusetts 02269. Another helpful publication is NFPA Standard 908,

NOTE:

A draft reading of .05 to .06 w.c. is suggested for proper burning of this

unit.

CHIMNEY MAINTENANCE

CREOSOTE-FORMATION AND NEED FOR REMOVAL

can function well with an 8", but becomes borderline beyond 8" diameter.

Masonry chimneys built of concrete blocks without flue liners of at least 5/8" fireclay do not meet modern building codes. A

available at the same address. Specify 1984 Edition on either of the above publications.

When wood is burned slowly, it pro- duces 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 extremely hot fire.

The chimney connector and chimney should be inspected at least twice monthly during the heating season to determine if a creosote build-up has occurred.

If creosote has accumulated, it should be removed.

Failure to remove creosote or soot may cause a house fire. Creosote may be removed by using a chimney brush or other commonly available materials. Or, better yet, by a certified chimney sweep.

Chimney fires burn very hot. If the chim- ney connector should glow red, immedi- ately call the fire department, then re- duce the fire by closing the inlet air control and closing the damper in the pipe.

TYPE "A"

FIREPLACE

CONVERSION

Fig. 7

STOVEPIPE CONNECTOR

SEALED AT THIMBLE

HORIZONTAL 6" STOVEPIPE (24 GAUGE) WITH 1/4"

RISE PER FOOT

6" STOVEPIPE ELBOW

CLEARANCE REDUCER (FOR MANTEL)

6" STOVEPIPE - HAVING THREE SHEET METAL SCREWS PER JOINT OF STOVEPIPE

5/8" FIRECLAY FLUE LINER

CAUTION

A chimney fire may cause ignition of wall studs or rafters which you

thought were safe distance from the chimney. If you have a chimney fire, have your chimney inspected by a qualified person before using again.

U.L. LISTED

FLOOR PROTECTOR DAMPER THROAT CLOSED AND SEALED

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