VGZ-029 / 20110519.0 TR009 PERFORMER™ / Page 15
SERVICE HINTS
7. Empty ashes regularly. Do not allow ashes
to pile up (see Safety Instructions #14 on
page 2.)
8. Properly dispose of hot ashes (see Safety
Instructions, item #14 on page 2.)
9. Do not over fire the stove (over firing is when
any part of the stove exterior or chimney
connections glow).
CAUTION: DO NOT OVER FIRE APPLIANCE.
YOU ARE OVER FIRING IF THE CHIMNEY
CONNECTORS OR STOVE GLOWS RED. CLOSE
THE DOOR AND SHUT DAMPER IMMEDIATELY
TO REDUCE THE AIR SUPPLY AND SLOW
DOWN THE FIRE.
CAUTION: SLOW BURNING FIRES AND
EXTENDED USE MAY CAUSE EXCESSIVE
CREOSOTE BUILDUP. IGNITION OF CRE-
OSOTE OR OVER FIRING MAY CAUSE A
CHIMNEY FIRE. CHIMNEY FIRES BURN
EX TR E ME LY HOT A N D MAY IGN I TE
SURROUNDING MATERIALS. IN CASE OF A
CHIMNEY FIRE CALL THE FIRE DEPARTMENT
IMMEDIATELY.
CAUTION: A CHIMNEY FIRE MAY CAUSE IGNI-
TION OF WALL STUDS OR RAFTERS WHICH
WERE ASSUMED TO BE A SAFE DISTANCE
FROM THE CHIMNEY. IF A CHIMNEY FIRE
HAS OCCURRED, HAVE YOUR CHIMNEY IN-
SPECTED BY A QUALIFIED EXPERT BEFORE
USING AGAIN.
A fire in the firebox may be smothered by pouring
a large quantity of coarse salt, baking soda, or cool
ashes on top of the fire.
PREVENTING CREOSOTE BUILDUP
1. Creosote will inevitably form in your chimney and
connector pipe. Following these steps will help
reduce the rate of build up.
2. BURN ONLY SEASONED WOOD that has dried
for at least one year.
3. Burn hardwood rather than softwood. Hardwood
is denser or heavier wood and burns hotter.
4. Do not attempt to burn (or mix in) green or wet
wood. The use of green or wet wood will cause a
rapid build up of creosote. Wood that hisses, sizzles
and blackens without igniting in five minutes must
be considered too wet to burn.
5. Do not attempt to extend the burn time by using
wet wood. Not only does burning wet wood rapidly
build up creosote, but it reduces the heat output by
up to 25 percent.
6. Burn the stove with the air inlet control wide open
for 10-25 minutes every time fresh wood is loaded
into the stove. Do not load more than ¼ to ½ of the
fuel capacity at one time. Loading too much wood
at once will cause excessive smoke which contains
creosote. Mature fires or coals produce very little
creosote-producing smoke.
7. Burn with the control open for several minutes at
numerous intervals throughout the day, being care-
ful not to over fire the unit. Following this process
will help to warm the chimney and reduce the
amount of creosote forming condensation within
the chimney.
8. Establish a routine for the handling of fuel, firing,
and operating the stove. Check daily for creosote
build up until experience shows how often you need
to clean for safe operation. Be aware that the hotter
the fire, the less creosote is deposited and weekly
cleanings may be necessary in mild weather even
though monthly cleanings may be enough in the
colder months.
OPERATING continued . . .
continued on next page
SERVICE HINTS
CREOSOTE – FORMATION AND REMOVAL
CAUTION: RISK OF FIRE When wood is burned
slowly, it produces tar and other organic vapors
creosote. The creosote vapors condense in the
relatively cool chimney flue of a slow-burning
fire and can accumulate on the flue lining. If
chimney which may ignite surrounding materi-
als resulting in a building fire.
The chimney connector and chimney should be
inspected (at least) twice a month during the heating
season to determine if a creosote buildup has occurred.
If it has, it should be removed. Failure to remove creo-
sote may result in ignition and may cause a house/
building fire. Creosote may be removed using a chimney
brush or other commonly available materials from your
local hardware retailer.
Chimney fires burn very hot. If the unit or chimney
connector should glow red, reduce the fire by clos-
ing the inlet air control and immediately call the fire
department.
