Transplanted Southerner Trying to Figure Out Wood Stove Insert

[bulletpruf]

I'm in a rental house and it has a wood stove insert. I think it's a Treemont by Vansco. Anyway, we just had a cold front push through in Northern Virginia and I plan to start using it.

Tried to find an owner's manual, but only managed to download a virus on my Mac.

Anyway, the fan/blower works fine, and everything else seems to be in good shape, but I'm a bit confused about how everything else works.

The three levers on the bottom appear to be air intakes, right?

And then there are the two levers on the front top -- one of them opens some sort of baffle about 2" or so. I can't tell what the other one does.

Anyone have any input?

Thanks!

Scott

 

[bholler]

I'm in a rental house and it has a wood stove insert. I think it's a Treemont by Vansco. Anyway, we just had a cold front push through in Northern Virginia and I plan to start using it.

Tried to find an owner's manual, but only managed to download a virus on my Mac.

Anyway, the fan/blower works fine, and everything else seems to be in good shape, but I'm a bit confused about how everything else works.

The three levers on the bottom appear to be air intakes, right?

And then there are the two levers on the front top -- one of them opens some sort of baffle about 2" or so. I can't tell what the other one does.

Anyone have any input?

Thanks!

Scott

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The first thing to do is to see if the insert is hooked to a liner that runs out the top of the chimney

 

[bulletpruf]

The first thing to do is to see if the insert is hooked to a liner that runs out the top of the chimney

I know it's been used frequently in the past. If so, wouldn't that mean it's hooked up to something that goes out the chimney?

If not, how does one check to see if it's hooked to a liner? Do I have to remove the nuts on the sides and top of the insert?

Thanks

Scott

 

[bholler]

I know it's been used frequently in the past. If so, wouldn't that mean it's hooked up to something that goes out the chimney?

If not, how does one check to see if it's hooked to a liner? Do I have to remove the nuts on the sides and top of the insert?

Thanks

Scott

It absolutely does not mean that. Inserts like these were typically installed by just sliding them into the fireplace. No connection at all. This was found to be very dangerous and is no longer allowed. It should all be checked out by a chimney professional for safety

 

[bulletpruf]

It absolutely does not mean that. Inserts like these were typically installed by just sliding them into the fireplace. No connection at all. This was found to be very dangerous and is no longer allowed. It should all be checked out by a chimney professional for safety

Gotcha. Why is it dangerous? CO2 leaking inside? Fire hazard? Both?

Can't I check this out myself? I'm handy, but just not familiar with fireplace inserts.

Thanks

 

[bholler]

Gotcha. Why is it dangerous? CO2 leaking inside? Fire hazard? Both?

Can't I check this out myself? I'm handy, but just not familiar with fireplace inserts.

Thanks

Both.

And if you know how to inspect everything for safety then yes you could.

 

[bulletpruf]

Ok, can I get a clue as to how to do this?

Thanks

 

[bholler]

Ok, can I get a clue as to how to do this?

Thanks

Check to see if it is lined put a camera in to check the condition of the liner check for required clearances check condition of the stove check for proper hearth protection etc.

 

[coaly]

Gotcha. Why is it dangerous? CO2 leaking inside? Fire hazard? Both?

Can't I check this out myself? I'm handy, but just not familiar with fireplace inserts.

Thanks

The flue diameter is much larger for a fireplace. When a firebox with a smaller outlet which is much more efficient than open burning is added, the flue diameter needs to be the same size as the Insert or stove outlet.

When a larger flue is used the hot exhaust gasses expand into the larger area inside chimney. This allows the gasses to cool as they expand. Cooling of the rising gasses creates creosote which can form rapidly. So it is a fire hazard creating creosote.

Knowing others have used it without possibly knowing how hot the chimney flue needs to be could cause creosote formation already there that needs to be inspected.

 

[coaly]

The basics are water vapor from combustion rises up the chimney with exhaust gasses and unburned smoke particles. If the inner flue temp is below 250*f before it exits the top, the water vapor condenses on flue walls allowing smoke particles to stick. This is creosote formation.
An insulated liner the same size of Insert outlet is now required the entire height of chimney flue to stay hotter and prevent creosote.

The 250* temp is required to the top while smoke is present. During the coaling stage it can drop since no smoke particles are present to form creosote. Burning slow or choking off the air to prolong a fire lowers flue temp creating creosote.

 

[coaly]

By removing the upper faceplate cover you can see the top of Insert. If there is an opening allowing all exhaust to expand and rise up the existing flue, it was called a slammer. A quick install using the original flue. They became bad news and have been outlawed. There should be a stainless steel pipe connected to Insert extending up chimney. Depending on clearance to framing members this liner may need to be insulated as well. Any insulated liner stays hotter to the top allowing you to use less wood, and stay cleaner. So insulated liners are recommended. Also check the top like you would any chimney for creosote formation. Chimney cleaning is no different than a wood stove unless there is no liner. In that case the entire Insert needs to be removed to remove creosote and debris that falls down flue during cleaning. A liner allows debris to fall into Insert without removal each time chimney is cleaned.

 

[bulletpruf]

Ok, I got the faceplate off. Pics should tell the story. At least I think so.

 

[bholler]

Ok, I got the faceplate off. Pics should tell the story. At least I think so.

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Ok it has a liner the liner looks undersized. It is uninsulated. The chimney absolutely was not cleaned properly before installation. That is all I can tell from the pics.

 

[coaly]

Oof, I can smell that one from here.

 

[bulletpruf]

Ok, I vacuumed out the mess from in/around/on the insert and put stuff back together.

I did verify that the top right knob operates the damper. If you pull the knob it opens it.

The top middle knob has me stumped. It moves a flap or door or some contraption that's attached to the roof of the insert on the top. It's the circled part in the picture. Any thoughts on what this is?

Thanks

 

[coaly]

Is this the size of the opening a catalytic combustor would fit?

Catalytic Combustor | 1.875 Inch x 14 Inch x 2 Inch with Metal Band

Catalytic Combustor - 1 875 x 14 x 2 with Metal Band - SKU 3470 Fits the following models HARMAN VANSCO Treemont TAC 260C 340C &520C 3470 HERITAGE All 3470 HI-TECK H2000C 3470 OK DOKE LTD Sweetheart/ 800/ 800 XL 3470 US STOVE 1008 4500 Insert 3470 WEBCO INDUSTRIES Marquis 800/800XL 3470 If you...

woodstovepro.com

 

[bulletpruf]

Is this the size of the opening a catalytic combustor would fit?

Catalytic Combustor | 1.875 Inch x 14 Inch x 2 Inch with Metal Band

Catalytic Combustor - 1 875 x 14 x 2 with Metal Band - SKU 3470 Fits the following models HARMAN VANSCO Treemont TAC 260C 340C &520C 3470 HERITAGE All 3470 HI-TECK H2000C 3470 OK DOKE LTD Sweetheart/ 800/ 800 XL 3470 US STOVE 1008 4500 Insert 3470 WEBCO INDUSTRIES Marquis 800/800XL 3470 If you...

woodstovepro.com

The opening is 16" x 1" and it's immediately below the stove top. I'm thinking it's used to help the stove top heat up.

 

[begreen]

Ok, I vacuumed out the mess from in/around/on the insert and put stuff back together.

The liner needs to be removed and the chimney thoroughly cleaned of creosote. If the creosote ignites inside of the chimney due to contact with a hot liner, it is going to be very hard to put out.

 

[Blazzinghot]

bulletpruf, You might check with some of the fireplace shops. www.eFireplaceStore.com this company was a big help for me in replacing a panel on an old fireplace. It may be a long shot but someone their might be familiar with this one.