American Energy Systems Ovation - Manual (Page 52)

Version 7.1 52
Always start a fire with small kindling. The small fire will heat the chimney and improve draft as
wood is added to the fire. Add small amounts of wood until the stove is hot. As the stove reaches
operating temperature add slightly larger pieces of split wood. Several medium size split logs will
burn better than a few large logs. Once the fire is well established and at operating temperature
ensuring a proper draft, the firebox can be filled with wood at a level equal to the top edge of the
door.
It may take two to three days of normal burning to fully cure the firebrick and get the optimum
performance from your stove. Paint curing is something that takes a slow burn process over several
small fires. Ensure that you have read the information on paint curing that is provided with this
manual and the stove. A mild odor may occur from the paint curing so be prepared to open a
window for venting purposes.
Sliding the damper rod, located at the front of the stove under the ash lip, in and out, controls the
draft on the Ovation stove. In the fully “in” position, the firebox will be limited to a minimum
draft. In the fully “out” position, the firebox will receive maximum draft (high burn). Do not
operate any stove on “high burn” for extended periods of time (no more than l hour) as over
burning can damage the firebox.
Well-engineered, high-tech, tight draft stoves are more sensitive to draft problems. Higher
efficiency ratings means more heat is going into your home with less energy being wasted through
the chimney system. At the same time, a cold chimney will not draw as well as a hot chimney
system. During start up, a cold flue requires the operator to ensure the damper control is in the fully
open position (pulled all the way out). After lighting the fire, leave door open about a half an inch
until the stove has reached operating temperature. At that time, close the door and shut down the
damper slightly. CAUTION: Never leave any fire unattended.
Ovation stoves perform best by burning dry (seasoned) split wood. Burning freshly cut (green)
wood will decrease the heat output of the stove because much of the firebox heat is used to dry the
unseasoned wood resulting in less heat for the firebox and your home. It is very difficult to
establish a fire with “green” wood.
If your Ovation stove has been purchased with a gold door option, ensure cleaning of the gold
surface is accomplished before firing the stove. If this is not done, permanent damage can be done
to the gold finish. NEVER use an abrasive cleaner on the gold surface. Clean gold door and trim
surfaces with a glass cleaner such as Windex or approved gold cleaning solution.
Cleaning the ashes from the firebox is achieved by holding down the spring-loaded lever located
under the ash lip on the front of the stove. Hold down the lever while using an ash shovel to drag
the ashes to the ash dump so they will fall into the ash pan below. Always leave at least one inch of
ash in the stove to assist in insulating the firebrick from the intense heat generated by the wood
sitting on the brick. Avoid putting hot coals into the ash pan. NEVER BURN THE STOVE
WITH THE ASH PAN OPEN. Make sure stove is cool before cleaning out the ashes. The glass
may get some creosote buildup on it during low burns but this material should burn clean when the
stove is burned at a higher temperature.
You may use the top of the stove for cooking purposes. There are two levels on the top of the stove
to give you two cooking surface temperatures.
APPENDIX B: OPERATING TIPS