American Energy Systems Ovation - Manual (Page 17)

Version 7.1 17
CREOSOTE
When wood is burned slowly, it produces tar and other organic vapors which combine with
expelled moisture to form a black deposit called creosote. Creosote is unspent fuel. Creosote is an
indication of improper operation of the stove, improper fuel or high moisture content, improper
combustion airflow, or improper installation. Creosote will accumulate on the interior of all stove,
connector pipe, and chimney linings. If left to build up, creosote can create a potential fire hazard
within the stove and chimney system. When ignited, creosote burns extremely hot. If the creosote
deposit within a chimney system is large, then the resultant chimney fire will damage the firebox,
chimney, and potentially overheat a surrounding wood frame within the house causing a structural
fire.
Creosote formation can be kept to a minimum by routinely building small hot fires rather than slow
burning, smoldering fires, by proper refueling of a fire, by ensuring proper combustion air
availability, and by monitoring the fire during the burn process. In addition, each year the
homeowner should have the Ovation Stove and chimney inspected and cleaned as necessary to
assist in preventing chimney fires.
CHIMNEY MAINTENANCE
Regular chimney inspection and maintenance combined with proper operation will help prevent
chimney fires. The golden rule of operating a stove is to KEEP THE CHIMNEY CLEAN. Do not
allow more than one sixteenth of an inch of creosote buildup in the Ovation Stove or chimney
system. The amount of creosote created by operating the Ovation Stove will depend on variables
such as the frequency of use and the type of fire that is routinely burnt. We recommend:
1. Inspect the chimney system weekly or before each use. From this the operator will gain
knowledge of how often it will be necessary to clean or have the chimney cleaned.
2. Hire a qualified chimney sweep to clean the Ovation Stove and chimney system at least
once a year.
3. Do not use chemical cleaners to keep your chimney clean. If necessary, the rain cap at the
top of the chimney system can be removed to inspect or clean the chimney system. There
are a number of different methods used to attach a rain cap to a chimney; therefore, it is
recommended you consult the manufacturer of such systems on how to best remove the
rain cap. Once the rain cap is removed, increased access allows for better inspection or
cleaning of the chimney system.
CHIMNEY FIRES
Regular Ovation chimney maintenance and inspection will minimize the potential of a chimney
fire. If the Ovation Stove owner ever encounters a chimney fire, follow these steps:
1. Alert any occupants in the house of the fire danger and ensure that everyone exits the
building in a quick and orderly fashion.
2. Keep the stove door fully closed and immediately close the combustion air control.
3. Call the local fire department. It is better to have the fire department arrive before they are
needed then after the house is already in blazes.
MAINTAINING AN OVATION STOVE