Prescott Series Installation and Operation Manual
Page 31
Adjusting the damper during the break in period when burning Pellets:
Start with the stove running in the pilot mode (#1 heat level) first. A proper burn while burning on
Level 1 will prevent creosote formation in the venting system. Running the stove with too much air
on the low burns will cause smoke and low Burn Pot temperatures. This can lead to Creosote
formation. Once you have adjusted the damper for the best burn, make note of the setting. Now
advance the stove one heat level at a time and adjust the damper if needed, making note of the proper
setting for future reference.
Conditions indicating excessive Draft:
If a black shiny build-up (difficult to wipe off) is
noticed on the glass and inner surfaces, after the Stove runs on the low (pilot) setting for
an extended period of time, the damper must be closed some. Close the damper 1/16 of
an inch at a time until the build-up starts to wipe off easier. Some build up on the glass is
normal and should be removed during daily maintenance
Conditions indicating inadequate Draft:
If black soot (wipes off easily) builds up on
the glass and black smoke is visible at the tips of the flames start to open the damper
1/16” at a time. Wait 5 – 10 minutes before attempting another adjustment. An occasional
wisp of black smoke is normal every now and then.
Occasionally check for the formation of creosote in the unit and venting system during the
season. Constantly running the Stove on a low setting with too much combustion air may cause
creosote to form. Burn pot temperatures can be “too cool” when burning on low with too much
draft.
Additional draft adjustments can be made using the Draft trim feature built into the control
board. Read point 4 on page 27 and read the “Frequently Asked Questions” in the back of the
manual.
Flame Pattern Characteristics
Correct Flame Pattern -
Bright yellowish-white flame with a brisk movement, having sharp
pointed end tips extending up towards the Heat Exchange Tubes while forming a fan-like shape.
Small amounts of ash and some live sparks being blown out from the Burn Pot area is considered
normal operation.
Incorrect Flame Pattern -
Dark Orangish-Brown flame with a lazy movement, having black
smoky end tips curling up and over the Heat Exchange Tubes while forming a fireball-like shape.
Some Ash or Live Sparks not being blown out from the Burn Pot area is considered abnormal
operation. Excessive black soot forming on the ceramic glass surface is a sign of very poor
combustion (not enough combustion air) and should not be overlooked.
At the other end of the spectrum; an extremely brisk flame which blows large pieces of live coal
out from the Burn Pot area and causes stubborn shiny black build-up on the glass (too much
combustion air) is also considered undesirable and requires the damper to be closed.
If you experience problems adjusting the stove during the Break-In Period, contact your
dealer.
