Vermont Casting 2547CE Permanent Encore Multi-FuelGaskets, The Chimney System Creosote, 2000971

Encore Multi-Fuel Heater

Permanent Encore Multi-Fuel Gaskets

Other gaskets form seals between non-moving parts, but these are not subject to the same wear and dete- rioration as gaskets on moving parts. It is unlikely that you will ever need to replace these gaskets unless the involved parts are disassembled and then put back together. If this is the case, the job should be done only by a qualified service technician.

5/16” diameter gasket seals the following parts:

•The flue collar to the stove back

•The lower fireback to the sides

The Chimney System

Creosote

Your Encore is designed to reduce creosote build-up significantly. However, regular chimney inspection and maintenance must still be performed. For safety, good stove performance, and to protect your chimney and chimney connector, inspect your chimney and chimney connector on a regular schedule. Clean the system if necessary. Failure to keep the chimney and connector system clean can result in a serious chimney fire.

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 of a slow-burning fire. As a result, creo- sote 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 a significant layer of creosote has accumulated —3 mm (1/8”) or more — it should be removed to reduce the risk of a chimney fire.

If you do experience a chimney fire, act promptly to:

•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 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 viewing access.

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 clean-out door.

Clean the chimney connector by disconnecting the sec- tions, taking them outside, and removing any deposits with a stiff wire brush. Reinstall the connector sections after cleaning, being sure to secure the joints between individual sections with sheet metal screws.

If you cannot inspect or clean the chimney yourself, contact your local Vermont Castings’ Dealer or a profes- sional chimney sweep.

Annual Maintenance

Every Spring, at the end of the heating season, perform a thorough cleaning, inspection and repair:

Thoroughly clean the chimney and chimney connector.

•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.

•Check gasketing for wear or compression, and re- place if necessary.

•Inspect and clean the catalytic element, and vacuum out the ash at the bottom of the back plate after re- moving the lower fireback. Lightly clean the refracto- ry assembly that houses the element but be careful not to damage the refractory material, which is very fragile.

•Check door and damper handles for tightness. Ad- just 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.

•Touch up the paint on black stoves.

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