Maintenance – United States Stove Company 5520 User Manual
Page 17
17
Failure to clean and maintain this unit as indicated can result in poor performance and safety hazards.
Unplug your stove’s electrical cord prior to removing the back panel or opening the exhaust system for any
inspection, cleaning, or maintenance work.
Never perform any inspections, cleaning, or maintenance on a hot stove.
Do not operate stove with broken glass , leakage of fl ue gas may result.
WARNING THE CHIMNEY AND CHIMNEY CONNECTOR MUST BE KEPT IN GOOD CONDITION AND CLEAN.
EXHAUST SYSTEM
Creosote Formation – When any 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 fl ue or a newly started
fi re or from a slow-burning fi re. As a result, creosote residue accumulates on the fl ue lining. When ignited, this creosote
makes an extremely hot fi re, which may damage the chimney or even destroy the house. Despite their high effi ciency,
pellet stoves can accumulate creosote under certain conditions.
Soot and Flyash: Formation and Need for Removal- The products of combustion will contain small particles of fl yash.
The fl yash will collect in the exhaust venting system and restrict the fl ow of the fl ue gases. Incomplete combustion, such
as occurs during startup, shutdown, or incorrect operation of the room heater will lead to some soot formation which
will collect in the exhaust venting system. The exhaust venting system should B e inspected at least once every year to
determine if cleaning is necessary.
Inspection and Removal – The chimney connector and chimney should be inspected annually or per ton of pellets
to determine if creosote or fl y ash build-up has occurred. If creosote has accumulated, it should be removed to reduce
the risk of a chimney fi re. 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. The
creosote should be removed with a brush specifi cally designed for the type of chimney in use. A qualifi ed chimney sweep
can perform this service. It is also recommended that before each heating season the entire system be professionally
inspected, cleaned and, if necessary, repaired. To clean the chimney, disconnect the vent from the stove.
INTERIOR CHAMBERS
Periodically remove and clean the burn pot and the area inside the burn pot housing. In particular it is advisable to
clean out the holes in the burn pot to remove any build up that may prevent air from moving through the burn pot freely.
Remove the two(2) plates on each side of the burn pot housing and clean out that rear chamber.
If a vacuum is used to clean your stove, we suggest using a vacuum designed for ash removal. Some regular vacuum
cleaner (i.e. shop vacs) may leak ash into the room.
ASH DISPOSAL
Ashes should be placed in a metal container with a tight fi tting lid. The closed container of ashes should be placed on
a noncombustible fl oor or on the ground, well away from all combustible materials, pending fi nal disposal. If the ashes
are disposed of by burial in soil or otherwise locally dispersed, they should be retained in the closed container until all
cinders have been thoroughly cooled. The container shall not be used for other trash or waste disposal.
CHECK AND CLEAN THE HOPPER
Check the hopper periodically to determine if there is any sawdust or pellets that are sticking to the hopper surface.
Clean as needed.
DOOR AND GLASS GASKETS
Inspect the main door and glass window gaskets periodically. The main door may need to be removed to have frayed,
broken, or compacted gaskets replaced by your authorized dealer. The glass gasket has a gap at the bottom for the
airwash.
BLOWER MOTORS
Clean the air holes on the motors of both the exhaust and distribution blowers annually. Remove the exhaust blower
from the exhaust duct and clean out the internal fan blades and housing as part of your fall start-up.
PAINTED SURFACES
Painted surfaces may be wiped down with a damp cloth. If scratches appear, or you wish to renew your paint, contact
your authorized dealer to obtain a can of suitable high-temperature paint.
Maintenance