American Energy Systems Ovation - Manual (Page 14)

Version 7.1 14
operating efficiency. To obtain this firebox temperature after reloading of wood, the Ovation
should be operated with the combustion air control fully open for a minimum of 15 to 30 minutes.
Again, the time will vary depending on the room heat, moisture content of the wood and the type of
wood being burned. Once the Ovation has reached a proper operating temperature, the combustion
air control can be gradually closed. A good indication that the proper temperature has been reached
is when a flame can be seen at the top of the firebox. This upper fire indicates excellent
combustion and will ensure cleaner glass, less creosoting, greater efficiency, and the greatest
warmth and viewing pleasure for your family to enjoy.
SMOKING – CAUSES
Ensure the combustion air damper is fully open before the stove door is opened. Fully opening the
damper will reduce the problematic issue of smoke escaping from the Ovation Stove when its door
is opened. CAUTION: ALWAYS open the door very slowly. This will ensure that the stove is
drafting through the fresh air intake and the chimney system rather than using your house as a
source for air or the expulsion of air. Your stove has been designed and tested to provide smoke
free operation. Occasionally, there may be a small amount of smoking due to the fact that the
chimney system has not reached proper operating temperature. A warm chimney system ensures
maximum draft efficiency for the firebox. If the stove continues to smoke, it is probably for one of
the following reasons:
1. Doors Partly Open
Always operate the Ovation Stove with the door fully closed.
2. Negative Pressure
As the fire burns, the exhaust gases are drafted up and out of the chimney system. The Ovation
Stove is “pulling” fresh air from somewhere to keep the fire burning properly. A stove will
draw air to the firebox from inside the house if no other source of fresh air is available.
Remember that a minimum of eight square inches of fresh air must be available if the four-inch
outside air duct is not used with the Ovation. If your Ovation Stove has been properly installed,
fresh combustion air will be supplied through some outside available air source. Check the
Ovation Stove by temporarily opening a window near the stove. With the door closed and a
fire operating, you should see no change in the fire when the window is temporarily closed.
This check ensures your Ovation Stove has an adequate air supply
3. Fan Operation (i.e., bathroom, kitchen, attic, clothes dryer, etc.)
Exhaust fans draw air out of a home and may actually create negative pressure (absence of air
or reduced air pressure inside a well sealed home.) When operating your Ovation hi-tech stove,
ensure that all of your home’s exhaust fans are turned off or that a window is opened slightly to
ensure these fans do not create a negative pressure inside your home. If these exhaust fans are
operated, even with a window slightly open, they still may pull so much air from the house as
to create a smoke condition inside the home.
4. Wet Wood
Wet or uncured firewood or wood with high sap content will smolder and smoke instead of
burning as efficiently as seasoned woods. Improperly seasoned wood will increase annual
maintenance and operating costs of your Ovation Stove. It is worth your time, money, and
enjoyment to ensure that you have good seasoned wood to burn in your Ovation Stove.