American Energy Systems O2 Catalytic - Manual (Page 33)

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ROOM AIR BLOWER TESTING
Several steps are required to verify the correct operation of a blower system associated with Country Flame catalytic
stoves. Several additional components have been provided in the blower system to assist the homeowner in testing a
catalytic stove blower system. The following general information is provided as steps to be followed in testing a blower
system. Refer to the schematics provided with this manual for more detailed information. If problems occur, contact a
local Country Flame dealer, Country Flame, or a certified electrician to determine the cause of the problem.
1. Check the automatic fan switch thermal snap disc. Ensure this switch has not been broken during shipment. Check
its electrical connections for any loose connections or shorts.
2. Use a hair dryer to heat the thermal snap disk to approximately 110ºF. When a click is heard, that means the snap
disk has closed and the blower system should begin to operate. WARNING: 120 Volts AC is available at the
snap disk terminals. Caution should be used and if unfamiliar or unqualified to deal with household voltages and
currents contact a qualified electrician.
3. If the blower system fails to operate after completing step 2, remove the power cord from the wall and then
bypass the automatic snap disk (fan switch). This can be done by providing a jumper to the wires on each side of
the snap disk. Again, if unqualified, contact an electrician. Ensure that the fan switch is not in the off position.
Reinstall the power cord in the wall outlet and if the blower system begins to operate, replace the defective
automatic fan switch and wire it correctly.
4. If the blower system still does not operate, unplug the power cord and rheostat fan switch. Once bypassed,
reinstall the power cord into the wall socket. If the blower system begins to operate when power is restored,
replace the rheostat switch and restore the connection to the automatic fan switch described in Step 3.
5. If the blower system is still not operative, contact a local Country Flame dealer, Country Flame or a qualified
electrician.
6. The O2 model is equipped with two standard blowers located on the left and right of the stove.
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.
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.