United States Stove 2941 owner manual VENTING INTO A FIREPLACE Not recommended, Repair Parts

VENTING INTO A FIREPLACE

(Not recommended)

AUTOMATIC WOOD BURNING MODEL 2941 - EXTERIOR	REPAIR PARTS
CIRCULATOR HEATER

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Many people may wish to convert an existing fireplace to heater use. Usually, safe connection of stovepipe to a ma- sonry chimney requires more effort than connection to a prefabricated chimney. The fireplace must be closed and sealed at the damper in the flue. Good sealants are high temperature caulking, ceramic wool, and furnace cement. Always re- member to inspect the masonry chim- ney and fireplace. If necessary, clean the flue and smoke shelf before begin- ning your installation. Install the heater into the chimney so that the system can be dismantled for cleaning and inspec- tion.

Before deciding to convert your fire- place or existing chimney, keep in mind that older fireplaces and their chimneys are unsafe. They must be structurally sound, and the flue liner must be in good condition. Do not use a chimney if it is unlined (should have a tile clay liner to protect brickwork), have it relined professionally. Clearances to combus- tibles are explained in the previous sec- tion on masonry chimneys. If you have any questions regarding the condition of the chimney, consult a qualified engi- neer, competent mason, certified Chim- ney Sweep, or knowledgeable inspec- tor.

CAUTION:

NOT ALL FIREPLACES

ARE SUITABLE FOR

INSTALLATION OF A WOOD

HEATER.

Many prefabricated fireplaces fall into the "zero-clearance fireplace" category. This is a factory metal fireplace with multi-layered construction. It is designed to provide enough insulation and/or air cooling so that the base, back and sides can be safely placed in close contact with combustible floors and walls. Al- though many prefabricated fireplaces have been tested by nationally recog- nized organizations for use as fire- places, they have not been tested to accept heaters. In fact, their use as such may void the manufacturer's warranty.

Steel-lined fireplaces, on the other hand, can be used with heaters. These units use a 1/4-inch fire box liner and an air chamber in connection with 8 inches of masonry to meet code. They contain all the essential parts of a fireplace, firebox, damper, throat, smoke shelf, and smoke chamber. Many of them look exactly like a masonry fireplace and must be checked closely for above re- quirements before installing a coal heater into them.

Another method frequently used by some people is to vent the heater di- rectly into the fireplace. This does not meet code since the heater is being vented into another appliance - the fireplace. This method should not be attempted because combustion prod- ucts will deposit and build up in the firebox or fireplace. Be certain not to install a hazard in you house. You will void your warranty with this installa- tion.

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