Vogelzang BX26E - Manual (Page 15)

VGZ-006 / 20120225.0 BX26E-STD / Page 15
MAINTENANCE & SERVICE HINTS
PREVENTING CREOSOTE BUILDUP
1. Creosote will inevitably form in your chimney and
connector pipe. Following these steps will help
reduce the rate of build up.
2. BURN ONLY SEASONED WOOD that has dried
for at least one year. (<20% humidity by weight)
3. Burn hardwood rather than softwood. Hardwood
is denser or heavier wood and burns hotter.
4. Do not attempt to burn (or mix in) green or wet
wood. The use of green or wet wood will cause a
rapid build up of creosote. Wood that hisses, sizzles
and blackens without igniting in five minutes must
be considered too wet to burn.
5. Do not attempt to extend the burn time by using
wet wood. Not only does burning wet wood rapidly
build up creosote, but it reduces the heat output by
up to 25 percent.
6. Do not load more than ¼ to ½ of the fuel capacity
at one time. Loading too much wood at once will
cause excessive smoke which contains creosote.
Mature fires or coals produce very little creosote-
producing smoke.
7. Establish a routine for the handling of fuel, firing,
and operating the stove. Check daily for creosote
build up until experience shows how often you need
to clean for safe operation. Be aware that the hotter
the fire, the less creosote is deposited and even
though monthly cleanings may be enough in the
colder months, weekly cleanings may be necessary
in mild weather.
WARNING: IN CASE OF CHIMNEY FIRE
(1) CLOSE SLIDE DRAFT & FLUE
DAMPER CONTROLS
(2) GET OUT OF THE HOUSE
(3) CALL THE FIRE DEPARTMENT.
IF A CHIMNEY FIRE HAS OCCURRED, HAVE
YOUR CHIMNEY INSPECTED BY A QUALIFIED
EXPERT BEFORE USING AGAIN.
ASH DISPOSAL – Do not allow ashes to accumu-
late higher than the optional grate. Dispose of properly.
(See Safety Instructions #14, page 2.)
CHIMNEY DRAFT – Draft is a function of the chim-
ney, not the stove — do not expect the stove to draw.
Smoke spillage into the house or excessive buildup of
condensation or creosote in the chimney are warnings
that the chimney is NOT functioning properly. Correct
the problem before using the stove. Following are some
possible causes for improper draft.
1. The connector stovepipe may be pushed into
the chimney too far, stopping the draft.
2. If the chimney temperature 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 stove at a fire level high
enough to keep the chimney warm to prevent conden-
sation from forming.
3. If the fire burns well but sometimes creates
excess smoke or burns slowly, it may be caused by the
chimney top being lower than another part of the house
or a nearby tree. The wind blowing over a house or 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 three (3) feet above the roof and be at least two
(2) feet higher than any point of the roof within ten (10)
feet.
CHIMNEY INSPECTIONS – The chimney connec-
tor and chimney should be inspected at the beginning
of and at least twice a month during the heating
season to determine if a creosote buildup has occurred.
STOVE JOINTS
Required Tune-up. This stove is manufactured with
cast iron components. IT DOES NOT HAVE WELDED
SEAMS. Periodic “tune up” may be required by refill-
ing and/or replacing the cement/joint mortar along the
seams where the cast iron components meet.