American Energy Systems Catalytic BBF - Manual (Page 42)

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BLOWER MALFUNCTION
In the event of any malfunction in the electrical system of your insert/stove, please refer to previous section, electrical
system checklist, and blower schematics for wiring details.
NO ELECTRICITY
In the event of a power failure, the catalytic stove will continue to generate heat into the home. This is because the
catalytic stove will pull cold air into the bottom of the stove and heat it up. As the air is heated, it rises and pulls itself
through the stove and into the room. This is called gravity airflow or convection heat. The homeowner can enhance the
amount of heat coming from the stove by performing the following (BBF and B only):
1. Unplug the stove’s power cord from the wall receptacle.
2. Remove the blower tray assembly by loosening the two screws beneath the ash fender.
3. Removal of the blower tray assembly allows more air to be pulled into the bottom of these stoves thus creating
more heat for the room.
4. When electrical power has been restored, reinstall the blower tray assembly and plug the blower system power
cord back into the wall receptacle to resume normal operation.
5. In the event of a power failure, Country Flame recommends that the blower tray be removed part way to enhance
gravity flow. Choosing to ignore this recommendation will not cause any damage to the blower motor or blower
system.
CREOSOTE BUILDUP
When wood burns slowly, it produces tar and other organic vapors, which combine with expelled moisture to form
creosote. These creosote vapors condense in the relatively cool chimney flue of a newly started fire or from a slow
burning fire. As a result, creosote residue accumulates on the flue lining and tends to build up from the top of the
chimney or chimney liner towards the bottom of the chimney. If ignited, creosote or creosote tar can make an extremely
hot fire, which may damage the chimney or even destroy the house.
The chimney system should be inspected at least twice monthly during the heating season to ensure no creosote buildup is
occurring. If creosote has accumulated, it should be removed to reduce the risk of a chimney fire. Inspection should start
at the stove connection and work towards the top of the chimney. Again, cooler surfaces tend to build up creosote deposits
quicker, so it is important to check the chimney from the top as well as from the bottom. Creosote can be removed with a
proper chimney brush. A certified chimney sweep can perform this service at a very reasonable cost. Country Flame
strongly recommends that a certified chimney sweep inspect the chimney system at least once before each heating season.
Cleaning and repair should be completed as required.
FIREBOX TIPS AND TECHNIQUES
Refer to the WOOD FUEL REQUIREMENTS section in this manual. Below are some tips that Country Flame
recommends a homeowner review if heating with wood:
1. Maintaining a home at a comfortable heat for extended periods is a learned talent that requires time and
experience. The exact technique will vary with the layout of the home, the location of the stove, the airflow
throughout the home, the chimney system, and the wood fuel used.
2. The timing of when wood is added to a fire greatly influences how long a fire will last. A full charge of wood
added to a good set of embers will burn several hours and produce heat that is ideal for overnight burns. The
same charge of wood when added to a very hot fire produces more intense heat for a shorter period.
3. Adding a large charge of wood to a fire will immediately cool the fire. Naturally, the stove’s heat output will be
drastically reduced for some period. Adding smaller charges of wood will produce faster starting and more even
heating.
4. Ashes in a Country Flame stove insulates the hot coals and makes them last longer. Remember that failure to
clean a stove regularly will allow too much ash to build up. This buildup of ash effectively reduces the size of the
firebox and lowers the overall heat output. ASH IS AN INSULATOR!
5. Ashes must be removed and stored in a fireproof metal container with a tight fitting lid. The container should be
kept on a noncombustible floor or on the ground, well away from all combustible materials, until all cinders have
thoroughly cooled. An accumulation of too much ash restricts airflow and reduces the available burning area. A
layer of an inch or two of ash in the bottom of the stove should be maintained to assist in the fire burn to support
combustion and insulate the bottom of the firebox.