Vogelzang VG820E (new as of 2013) - Manual (Page 8)

8
Install the stovepipe as far as possible into
the thimble, but not past the inside of the
fl ue lining. Th
ere should be a small air
space (approximately 1/2 in.) between the
stovepipe and thimble, allowing for expan-
sion of the stovepipe. Seal this airspace with
high-temperature caulking or ceramic wool.
Finally, be sure to wire the damper closed
and apply the same sealant you used at the
stovepipe and thimble junction.
Do not vent up through the fi replace open-
ing, regardless of whether the fi replace
opening is closed.
MASONRY CHIMNEY have several positive
attributes: If properly built, they are quite
durable, and most homeowners consider
them more attractive perhaps than a non-
enclosed factory built chimney. And, if the
chimney is located within the confi nes of the
house (that is, not attached to an exterior
wall), its mass alone will store heat longer
and continue to release the heat long aft er
the fi re has died. Masonry chimneys have
many disadvantages though.
Masonry chimneys constructed on an
exterior wall are exposed to cold outdoor
temperatures, promoting greater heater
loss, higher accumulations of creosote, and
reduced draft which leads to poorer heater
or furnace performance.
FIREPLACE INSTALLATION
Connection of the stovepipe directly into the
existing masonry chimney over the fi replace
opening is the only approved method. Th
is
installation performs better, yielding easy
to clean and inspect for creosote. Before
beginning this type of installation plan
carefully; a high degree of skill is required
to insure safety.
An entry port for the stovepipe must be cut
through the chimney with minimum damage
to the fi re clay liner. Some involved measure-
ments may be required to locate the fl ue liner
exactly. Before cutting, take time to mark the
size and position of the entry port. Position
the entry port so that at least 8 inches of the
fl ue liner remains below the port.
Keep in mind that wood mantels and com-
bustible trim around the fi replace must
have adequate clearances from the heater
and stovepipe or must be protected in an
approved manner. Also, be sure to leave at
least 24" clearance between the top of the
stovepipe and the combustible ceiling or
other combustibles. Placing the center of
the entry port 2 feet below the ceiling will
insure proper clearance for 6 inch, 8 inch,
and 10 inch stovepipes. Next, install a fi re
clay (at least 5/8 in. thick) or metal thimble,
being sure that the thimble is fl ush with the
inner fl ue lining. Secure the thimble in place
with refractory mortar. Th
e thimble should
be surrounded on all sides with 8 inches
of brickwork (solid masonry units) or 24
inches of stone.
CAUTION
A chimney fi re may cause ignition of wall studs or raft ers which you thought were safe
distance from the chimney. If you have a chimney fi re, have your chimney inspected by
a qualifi ed person before using again.
Do not expect a heater to draw. It is the
chimney that creates the draft . Smoke spillage
into the house or excessive build-up of water
or creosote in the chimney are warnings that
the chimney is not functioning properly.
Possible causes are:
1. Th e connection pipe may be pushed
into the chimney too far, stopping the draft
(Fig. 8).
2. Two heaters connected into the same
chimney fl ue.
3. Same fl ue being used to ventilate the cellar
or basement. If there is a cleanout opening
at the base of the chimney, it must be closed
tightly and sealed.
4. If the chimney is too cool, water will con-
dense in the chimney and run back into the
stove. Creosote formation will be rapid and
may block the chimney. Operate the heater
at a high enough fi re to keep the chimney
warm preventing this condensation. (Poorly
insulated chimney)
5. Th e chimney top may be lower than
another part of the house or a nearby tree.
Th
e wind blowing over a house or a tree
falls on top of the chimney like water over a
dam, beating down the smoke. Th
e top of the
chimney should be at least 3 feet higher than
any point of the roof within 10 feet (Fig. 6).
6. Other chimney/fl ue inadequacies covered
else where in this manual.
If creosote has accumulated, it should be
removed.
Failure to remove creosote or soot may cause
a house fi re. Creosote may be removed by
using a chimney brush or other commonly
available materials. Or, better yet, by a certi-
fi ed chimney sweep.
Chimney fi res burn very hot. If the chimney
connector should glow red, immediately call
the fi re department, then reduce the fi re by
closing the inlet air control and closing the
damper in the pipe.
CHIMNEY MAINTENANCE
CREOSOTE-FORMATION AND NEED FOR REMOVAL
NOTE:
A draft reading of .05 to .06 w.c. is suggested for proper burning of this unit.
SERVICE HINTS
13
When wood is burned slowly, it produces tar
and other organic vapors, which combine
with expelled moisture to form creosote. Th
e
creosote vapors condense in the relatively
cool chimney fl ue of a slow burning fi re.
As a result, creosote residue accumulates on
the fl ue lining. When ignited, this creosote
makes an extremely hot fi re.
Th e chimney connector and chimney should
be inspected at least twice monthly during
the heating season to determine if a creosote
build-up has occurred.