Specifications

16 63D4004
Figure 23: Offset Flue Collar
Installation
Towards
stove
Flue gas
direction
OPERATION
OPERATION
To reduce the amount of creosote that may form, remember to provide adequate air
for combustion and to strive for small, intense fi res rather than large smoldering
ones. You can never be too safe. Contact your local fi re authority for information
on what to do in the event of a chimney fi re, and have a clearly understood plan on
how to handle one.
Do not use a grate or elevate fi re. Build wood fi re directly on fi rebrick. When the
insert is used for the fi rst time the solvents in the paint will smoke off.
Wood
This heater is designed to burn natural wood only. Higher effi ciencies and
lower emissions generally result when burning air dried seasoned hardwoods, as
compared to softwoods or to green or freshly cut hardwoods. Only use dry seasoned
wood. Green wood, besides burning at only 60 percent of the fuel value of dry
wood, deposits creosote on the inside of your insert and along the chimney. This
can cause an extreme danger of chimney fi re. To be called “seasoned,” wood must
be dried for a year. Regardless of whether the wood is green or seasoned, it should
be stored in a well-sheltered ventilated area to allow proper drying during the year
to come. Wood should be stored beyond recommended clearance from combustibles.
Fuel
Even the best insert installation will not perform well with poor fuel. If available, always use hardwood that has been air-
dried (seasoned) 12-18 months. Softwood burns more rapidly than hardwood and has a high pitch content that can result
in creosote. Decayed wood of any type has little heat value and should not be used.
Unseasoned (green) wood has a high moisture content. Much of its heat value will be used to evaporate moisture before
the wood can burn. This signifi cantly reduces the amount of energy available to warm your home, as well as the intensity
of the fi re and temperature of the exhaust gas. Incomplete combustion and cool fl ue temperatures promote creosote
formation and weak draft.
You can judge the moisture content of wood by its appearance and weight or use a commercially available moisture meter
for exact measurement. Unseasoned wood will be a third heavier than dry wood. Also look for cracks (checking) in the
ends of the log that result from contraction as the wood dries. The longer and wider the cracks are, the dryer the wood is.
Creosote
Creosote is a by-product of low-temperature insert operation, weak draft or both. It is a tar that results when unburned
gases condense inside the fl ue system at temperatures below 290 degrees F. Creosote is volatile and can generate a
chimney fi re. All of the installation characteristics that adversely affect chimney draft also promote creosote condensation.
Consequently, you can minimize creosote accumulation with an effective chimney design and the use of operational
techniques that encourage good draft and complete combustion.
Inspect your chimney frequently and clean it whenever accumulation exceeds 1/4".
(Offset Flue Collar Installation continued)
WARNING: Never allow the offset fl ue collar to support the weight of the
chimney liner. The liner must be supported at the top of the chimney.
As with all installations, fi nal approval of this installation type is contingent upon
the authority having jurisdiction in your area.