When wood is burned slowly, it produces tar, organic vapors and moisture that combine to form creosote. The creosote vapors condense in the relatively cool chimney flue. As a result, creosote residue accumulates on the flue lining. When ignited, this creosote makes an extremely hot fire within the flue system that can damage the chimney and overheat adjacent combustible material.
If you do have a chimney fire, promptly:
•Close the damper and thermostat lever.
•Get everyone out of the house.
•Call the Fire Department.
You should inspect the system every two weeks during the heating season as part of a regular maintenance schedule. To inspect the chimney, let the stove cool completely. Then, using a mirror and a strong light, sight up through the flue collar into the chimney flue. If it is not possible to inspect the flue system in this fashion, the stove must be disconnected to provide better view- ing access.
If a significant layer of creosote has accumulated
—1/8” (3 mm) or more — remove it to reduce the risk of a chimney fire.
Clean the chimney using a brush the same size and shape as the flue liner. Flexible fiberglass rods are used to run the brush up and down the liner, causing any deposits to fall to the bottom of the chimney where they can be removed through the
The chimney connector should be cleaned by discon- necting the sections, taking them outside, and removing any deposits with a stiff wire brush. Reinstall the con- nector sections after cleaning, being sure to secure the individual sections with sheet metal screws.
If you cannot inspect or clean the chimney yourself, contact your local Vermont Castings’ Authorized Dealer or hire a professional chimney sweep.
Annual Maintenance
Perform a thorough cleaning, inspection and repair
each Spring, at the end of the heating season.
•Thoroughly clean the chimney and chimney connec- tor.
•Inspect the chimney for damage and deterioration. Replace weak sections of prefabricated chimney. Have a mason make repairs to a masonry chimney.
•Inspect the chimney connector and replace any damaged sections.
•Clean ash debris from under the primary air plate. See procedure below.
Aspen Woodburning Stove
•Check gasketing for wear or compression, and replace if necessary. A ‘paper test’ will guide you on this. Close and lock the door or damper on a slip of paper and then try to pull the paper out. If the paper pulls out with little or no resistance, the gasket isn’t snug enough at that spot. If adjusting the damper or latch doesn’t result in a seal that makes it hard to pull the paper out, replace the gasketing.
•Check door handle for tightness. Adjust if needed.
•Check heat shield screws. Tighten as necessary.
•Clean dust from the inner sides of bottom, rear and connector heat shields.
•Remove ashes from the ash pan and replace with moisture absorbing material (such as cat litter) to keep the stove interior dry. Close the stove door to keep cats from using the litter.
•Touch up the paint on black stoves.
Clean the Primary Air Outlet
1.Remove the phillips head screw that retains the Primary Air Plate. (Fig. 34)
2.Use a screwdriver to pry the plate out of the cement- ed seams.
3.Remove ash debris from the cavity.
4.Use
Phillips
Head
Screw
Primary
Air Plate
Remove All Ash Debris from this Cavity
KT351
Fig. 34 Remove phillips head screw and primary air plate to clean ash from cavity.
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