American Energy Systems Ovation - Manual (Page 11)

Version 7.1 11
FUEL
Your Ovation Stove should be fueled with seasoned cordwood. Hardwoods will provide more
energy per pound of wood because of higher density than softwoods. If hardwoods are utilized to
fuel your appliance, the results will be a longer burning fire that requires less frequent refueling. It
is recommended that whether hardwood or softwood is used, the moisture content of the wood
should not exceed 20%. If wood moisture content is extremely high, the wood will be difficult to
burn resulting in lower burn efficiency, increased creosote, and increased annual maintenance
requirements. Very dry firewood will burn well but will increase emissions output and burn at
accelerated burn rates requiring more frequent refueling of the stove.
Do not burn scrap, garbage, treated wood or wood such as driftwood which has been exposed to salt
or other chemicals that will corrode the firebox and chimney. Do not burn large amounts of paper,
cardboard, tree trimmings, or building construction materials. The intense fires these stoves create
may overheat the stove thus causing damage to the unit, a fire outside the firebox, or even a
chimney fire.
BLOWERS
All freestanding Ovation models have been approved for operation with or without an optional fan
(blower). The optional blower kit may be mounted on the back of the unit per instructions
provided.
The Ovation OV26-BF-I insert comes equipped with two blowers that have been factory installed.
On medium to high burns, using a blower fan will increase the heat transfer and provide more room
heat. Properly route the power supply cord (usually along the floor behind the stove) so that it
remains cool with no chance of melting against the stove.
FIRST FIRE
Before using your Ovation Stove for the first time, ensure that all packaging material has been
removed. Remove all glue with mild soap and ensure the door window has been cleaned of all
foreign material before starting the first fire. If a gold door has been purchased, ensure proper
cleaning before the first fire. Permanent damage can occur to the gold finish if proper cleaning is
not completed prior to the FIRST burning.
It is best to ensure that the first three fires are small and short in duration. Use small amounts of
firewood to limit the fire to a hour burn. Repeat this process at least three times, letting the firebox
cool between fires. The purpose of these small fires is to allow proper curing of the refractory
bricks and the exterior paint. The first fires may produce slight smoking due to curing of the paint
and steel. In addition, any dust that has accumulated on the stove will burn off during these first
few fires. The owner should be prepared to open windows for ventilation during the first few fires.
The owner should be alert to setting off a smoke alarm that is located in the same or adjacent rooms
to the Ovation Stove.
BUILDING A FIRE
Check for proper draft. Preheat the flue if necessary in order to establish proper draft. Several
crumpled balls of newspaper can be placed into the firebox to preheat the chimney. Once the
chimney system is heated, additional small crumpled papers can be added with small dry pieces of
kindling added on top of the paper. Crisscrossing this small kindling over the paper will create
airspace between the kindling thus ensuring a quicker start to the fire. It is important that air can
circulate around the kindling during the start up process. Open the Ovation Stove combustion air
control fully (pull handle to its fully extended position) and ignite the newspaper with a match or
OVATION OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS