15
Merrimack Large Insert
30004671
Replacing the Door gaskets
•
Remove the door by lifting it straight up from its
hinge pins.
•
Lay it face down on a padded surface.
•
Remove the glass. Follow the instructions for re-
moving and replacing glass which start on Page
14.
•
Replace gaskets. Follow steps 1-4, above.
•
Replace the glass.
•
Replace the door.
The chimney System
a clean chimney System is Safer
and works better
Although the non-catalytic combustion system in your
Merrimack Large Insert can reduce creosote formation
dramatically, it is not a substitute for regular inspection
and cleaning of the chimney and chimney connector.
Learn to Recognize —
and avoid — creosote
Your Merrimack Large Insert has been designed to
minimize creosote build-up. Regular chimney inspection
and maintenance, however, must still be performed.
For safety, good stove performance, and to protect your
chimney and chimney connector, inspect your chimney
and chimney connector on a regular schedule. Clean
the system if necessary. Failure to keep the chimney
and connector system clean can result in a serious
chimney fire.
When wood is burned slowly, it produces tar, organic
vapors and moisture which combine to form creosote.
The creosote vapors condense in the relatively cool
chimney flue of a slow-burning fire. As a result, creo-
sote residue accumulates on the flue lining. When
ignited, this creosote makes an extremely hot fire within
the flue system that can damage the chimney and
overheat adjacent combustible material. If a significant
layer of creosote has accumulated —1/8” (3 mm) or
more — it should be removed to reduce the risk of a
chimney fire.
If you do experience a chimney fire, act promptly to:
•
Close the primary air control lever (fully to the
right).
•
Get everyone out of the house.
•
Call the Fire Department from a nearby house.
You should inspect the system every two months during
the heating season as part of a regular maintenance
schedule. To inspect the chimney, let the Merrimack
Large Insert cool completely. Then, using a strong
light, sight up through the flue collar into the chimney
flue. The fiber baffle will need to be removed gently to
view inside the connector pipe.
If it is necessary to remove the firechamber to inspect
or clean the chimney, this is how to do it:
•
Let the Merrimack Large Insert cool.
•
Disconnect the fan power cord.
•
You may wish to lighten the firebox by removing
the load door and andiron.
•
Retract the two levelling screws until they bear no
weight.
•
Remove the front air tube and fiber baffle.
•
Disconnect the flue collar or vent connector from
the top of the stove.
•
Slide the firechamber forward until you have ac-
cess to the fireplace opening.
•
Inspect the flue.
You can now inspect the smoke shelf area of the fire-
place and the chimney. Before replacing the Merrimack
Large Insert, this area should be inspected for signs of
deterioration and cleaned thoroughly with a chimney
brush.
Clean the chimney using a specially designed brush the
same size and shape as the flue liner. Flexible fiber-
glass rods are used to run the brush up and down the
liner, causing any deposits to fall to the bottom of the
chimney where they can be removed through the clean-
out door.
The chimney connector should be cleaned by discon-
necting the sections, taking them outside, and removing
any deposits with a stiff wire brush.
Reinstall the connector sections after cleaning, being
sure to secure the individual sections with sheet metal
screws.
If you can’t do the chimney inspection yourself, con-
tact your local Vermont Castings’ Authorized Dealer, or
engage a professional chimney sweep to perform the
inspection and cleaning of the chimney.
Reverse the procedure to re-install the firechamber.
Fireplace System Maintenance Schedule
Fireplace:
Daily:
•
Ash should be removed before the level reaches
the top edge of the front brick. Check each time
you re-load, or at least once a day.
•
Keep the area around the fireplace clear of any
combustible material.
