American Energy Systems Ovation User Manual

Ovation Series

Woodstoves and Fireplace Insert

OWNER’S MANUAL

&

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

Read this manual and all safety notes

Keep for future reference

Version 7.1

Freestanding models: OV-1700, OV-2100, OV-2600, and OV-3000

Fireplace insert model: OV26-BF-I

All Ovation Wood Burning Stoves are EPA certified

American Energy Systems
150 Michigan Street SE
Hutchinson, MN 55350
320-587-6565

www.magnumheat.com

Copyright © 2008 by American Energy Systems

SAFETY NOTES

Warning: THE AUTHORITY HAVING JURISDICTION (such as municipal building

department, fire department, fire prevention bureau, etc) SHOULD BE
CONSULTED BEFORE INSTALLATION TO DETERMINE THE NEED TO
OBTAIN A PERMIT.

Warning

Warning

Warning

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Warning

Over firing is created by burning large amounts of small wood pieces such as pallets,

Warning

This wood-burning appliance must be connected to (1) a listed type HT (2100°F) chimney per

Warning: Do not use a grate or andirons or similar methods to elevate the fire.

Warning

: Hot operation! Keep children, clothing, and furniture away from this product.

Contact with skin may cause burns. Never leave children unattended when there is a fire

burning in the wood-burning appliance.

: Do not use chemicals, fluids, such as gasoline, kerosene, charcoal lighter fluid or other

similar liquids to start or rekindle a fire. Keep combustible materials at least 48 inches
clear of the wood-burning appliance at all times.

: When cleaning the wood-burning appliance, all ashes should be placed in an approved

metal container with a tight fitting lid. The closed ash container should be placed on a non­combustible floor or on the ground outside the house until the ash has had time to cool
properly before disposal.

: Do not burn garbage or other foreign matter in any wood-burning appliance.

: Do not use products not specifically approved for use with this wood-burning appliance.

Any such use violates the warranty in its entirety. Contact your local authorized Country
Flame Dealer or Country Flame directly for any necessary clarification.

: Country Flame does not recommend the use of solid fuel fire log products.

: The use of some fuels (e.g. charcoal) can generate carbon monoxide and create hazards

associated from carbon monoxides. Ensure the hazards of any solid fuel being used in the
Ovation stoves are understood before burning occurs.

: Country Flame strongly recommends the use of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in

your home. At a minimum, these devices should be checked on a semi-annual basis.

: CAUTION: DO NOT OVER FIRE THE STOVE.

construction lumber, or combustible scraps for extended periods of time or over
firing is created by burning the stove with the ash pan open. The stove should never
be operated with the ash pan open. Either of these types of operation will create
intense heat inside the appliance. With such over firing, extreme temperatures can
occur on the outer surface of the stove and endanger occupants or combustible
materials in the area of the appliance.

: DO NOT CONNECT TO A CHIMNEY FLUE SERVING ANOTHER APPLIANCE.

UL 103 or ULC S629, or (2) a code-approved masonry chimney. The chimney flue size
should not be less than the appliance flue collar or more than three times greater than the
cross-sectional area of the flue collar.

: Do not operate any wood-burning appliance without the ash pan installed and closed.

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Warning

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Warning

: Country Flame strongly recommends products be installed and serviced by

professionals who are certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America or the National
Fireplace Institute (U.S.) or Wood Energy Technical Training (Canada). Improper
installation can produce property damage or personal injury.

: Do not operate the appliance if the door glass is broken or a door gasket is missing or

damaged. Use of a non-closed door or malfunctioning door or door subassembly may
allow smoke to be drawn into the room. The door should remain closed during operation.

: Fresh outside air must be supplied to this appliance from one of two sources: (a) Fresh air

can either be admitted into the room (through an open window, door, etc.) If fresh outside
air is provided in this manner a minimum of eight square inches of opening must be
provided for use. (b) Or fresh outside air can be provided to the woodstove directly
through a 4-inch diameter pipe connected to the stove’s air inlet. It is dangerous to operate
a stove with an outside combustion air inlet blocked or closed.

: Burning of wet unseasoned wood can cause excessive creosote accumulation in the stove or

chimney. If the creosote ever catches fire, it will create intense heat and is dangerous to
both property and personnel. Chimneys should be annually inspected by a certified
chimney sweep.

: Do not install this stove in a garage or any other building where flammable materials or

chemicals are stored.

: Do not connect this stove to any air distribution duct or system.

: Read this entire manual before installation and use of any Ovation stove. If a stove is not

properly installed, a house fire may result. To reduce risk of fire, follow the installation
instructions. Failure to follow instructions may result in property damage, bodily injury, or
even death.

: All attachments and connections of the chimney sections must be attached with a minimum

of three sheet metal screws to the stove and to each adjoining section.

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CERTIFICATION SAFETY LABEL (sample)

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

SAFETY NOTES………………………………………………………………………………………..3

CERTIFICATION

TABLE OF CONTENTS………………………………………………………………………………..6

EPA

CERTIFIED……………………………………………………………………………………...7

LISTING /TESTING AGENCY ……………………………………………………………………...7

OVATION LIMITED WARRANTY…………………………………………………………………9

OF SAFETY LABEL (SAMPLE)……………………………………………...5

OVATION OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS........................................................................ 10

FUEL...................................................................................................................................... 10

BLOWERS ............................................................................................................................ 10

FIRST FIRE ........................................................................................................................... 10

BUILDING A FIRE ............................................................................................................... 10

COMBUSTION CONTROL ................................................................................................. 11

HIGH
MEDIUM

BURN MODE ............................................................................................................. 12

BURN MODE ...................................................................................................... 12

LOW BURN MODE.............................................................................................................. 13

REFUELING FOR OPTIMUM PERFORMANCE............................................................... 13

SMOKING – CAUSES .......................................................................................................... 14

IMPORTANT NOTES ............................................................................................................ 16

MAINTAINING AN OVATION STOVE ............................................................................. 17

CREOSOTE........................................................................................................................... 17

CHIMNEY MAINTENANCE............................................................................................... 17

CHIMNEY FIRES ................................................................................................................. 17

GOLD DOOR CARE............................................................................................................. 18

ASHES AND THE ASH PAN ............................................................................................... 18

FIREBRICK RETAINER ...................................................................................................... 18

FIREBRICK REPLACEMENT............................................................................................. 19

DOOR INSTALLATION ...................................................................................................... 22

DOOR

ADJUSTMENT ......................................................................................................... 22

GLASS CLEANING.............................................................................................................. 22

GLASS REPLACEMENT..................................................................................................... 23

GLASS-CERAMIC
GASKET

REPLACEMENT.................................................................................................. 24

SPECIFICATIONS............................................................................... 23

CLEARANCES ..................................................................................................................... 24

CHIMNEY............................................................................................................................. 25

FACTORY-BUILT CHIMNEY ............................................................................................ 25

MASONRY

BUILT CHIMNEY ........................................................................................... 26

ALCOVE INSTALLATION ................................................................................................. 27

FLOOR

PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS ......................................................................... 27

THIMBLE INSTALLATION................................................................................................ 28

OUTSIDE AIR COMBUSTION ........................................................................................... 31

HEARTH PAD REQUIREMENTS....................................................................................... 32

MOBILE HOME INSTALLATION...................................................................................... 33

MOBILE HOME RULES ...................................................................................................... 33

Version 7.1

MOBILE HOME CLEARANCES......................................................................................... 33

MOBILE HOME STOVE ATTACHMENT.......................................................................... 34

MOBILE HOME FLOOR PROTECTION ............................................................................ 35

MOBILE HOME CHIMNEY AND DUCTS......................................................................... 35

OVATION MODEL OV-26BF-I INSERT (BAY FLAME) ................................................ 39

INSTALLATION, GENERAL RULES ................................................................................ 39

INSTALLATION INTO FACTORY BUILT FIREPLACES................................................ 40

INSTALLATION INTO MASONRY FIREPLACES ........................................................... 41

FLAME FIREBRICK INSTALLATION ..................................................................... 44

BAY
OV26-BF-I

OV26-BF-I ELECTRICAL.................................................................................................... 46

HOW IT WORKS....................................................................................................................47

WOOD COMBUSTION BASICS ......................................................................................... 47

APPENDIX A: SPECIFICATIONS...................................................................................... 50

APPENDIX B: OPERATING TIPS...................................................................................... 51

APPENDIX C: REPLACEMENT PARTS .......................................................................... 52

INSERT CLEARANCES ................................................................................... 45

READ, UNDERSTAND, AND CONFORM TO ALL INSTRUCTIONS PRIOR TO INSTALLATION

AND OPERATION OF STOVES COVERED IN THIS MANUAL!

KEEP THIS MANUAL IN A SAFE PLACE FOR FUTURE REFERENCE

EPA CERTIFIED

All Country Flame non-catalytic stoves have been certified by the United States Environmental
Protection Agency.

LISTING/TESTING AGENCY

All Country Flame non-catalytic stoves have been tested to UL listing standards UL1482,
ULC-S627, ULC-S628 for installation into residential dwellings, including standard
construction units, mobile home, or modular home units. All non-catalytic stoves were tested
to UL standards by Intertek Testing Services, NA, Inc., 8431 Murphy Drive, Middleton, WI

53562.

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American Energy Systems, Inc

150 Michigan Street SE

Hutchinson, MN 55350

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

WARRANTY INFORMATION

Name ____________________________________________________________

Address________________________________ City ____________________

State: __________ Zip _____________ Phone Number _____________

Authorized Dealer _________________________________________________

Dealer Telephone #: _________________________________________________

Date Purchased: _________________________________________________

Model No# ___________________ Serial No# __________________

Installed By: __________________________________________________

Trained By: __________________________________________________

NOTE: FILL OUT THE ABOVE WARRANTY INFORMATION AND KEEP THIS

COPY FOR YOUR PERSONAL RECORDS. REGISTRATION OF THIS
WARRANTY CONSTITUTES YOUR ACCEPTANCE OF ALL TERMS

CONTAINED THEREIN.

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AMERICAN ENERGY SYSTEMS INC. LIMITED PRODUCT

WARRANTY

This warranty is in effect on all products sold after 01/01/2009 and supersedes any and all warranties currently in

existence.

Please keep a copy of this warranty for your personal records or in the event of a claim

American Energy Systems Inc., hereinafter referred to as (AES), warrants to you, the original consumer purchaser, that this
product is free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of five (5) years from the original purchase date
minus any time past one (1) year from manufacturing date, and that the product’s electrical parts and steel firepot, are free
from defects in material and workmanship for a period of one (1) year from the original consumer purchase date minus any
time past one (1) year from manufacturing date, and that the cast iron firepot models carry a lifetime warranty against
defect in material or workmanship (excluding war page or deterioration), and that door glass carries a lifetime replacement
warranty against heat breakage (does not cover accidental breakage) . There is expressly no warranty on installation of
product, any venting, grates, gaskets, door latches, insulation, ceramic or brick boards/logs/backing, paint, plated
surfaces/doors/trims, baffles, bushings, bearings, auger flightings, war page or discoloration of steel or plated parts or any
other normal wearing part. In the event the product fails to conform to this warranty, AES, through the place where you
purchased the product or if purchased on the AES E-Com store directly through AES, will provide the parts and
components necessary to remedy such nonconformity. AES will not be responsible for any labor, mileage or freight
cost to the factory under this warranty. This warranty is not transferable.

In order to obtain performance under this warranty, you must (1) have registered this warranty within 30 days of purchase
by completing and returning the warranty registration card or filling in the on-line warranty registration form at
www.magnumheat.com, and (2) promptly report the claimed nonconformity to your place of purchase, also providing your
name, address, phone number, proof of purchase, date of purchase, the model and serial number of the stove, digital
pictures of installation and venting inside and outside of the home, pictures of the claimed nonconformity part and the
claimed nonconformity. All claims must be submitted in writing to your place of purchase.

AES shall have no warranty obligations if this product; (1) was not purchased from an authorized AES dealer; (2) was not
installed by a AES dealer or other qualified installer; does not have outside combustion air hooked directly to the unit; (3)
was not operated and maintained in strict accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, local or national codes or (4)
was subject to abuse, misuse, negligence or accident. AES shall have no warranty obligation for damage caused by
improper handling, freight damage (must be reported to freight provider), over-firing, unapproved fuel, variance in feed
rates, variances in BTU output or the unauthorized disassembly or modification of the product. AES shall have no warranty
obligation if this warranty is not timely registered, for claims which are not submitted through the selling AES dealer, or
for claims submitted verbally or without the required information and documentation.

Before exercising this warranty, an AES representative (the place where the product was purchased or AES approved
person) must inspect the part/unit to determine if the part/unit is defective. If a local AES representative is not available
the original purchaser of the product must submit digital pictures of the part/unit, installation of the unit to AES at

[e-mail]

part is covered by the conditions of this warranty, AES will, at its option, repair the defective part/unit. The sole duty of
AES and liability under this warranty is limited to the repair of the covered defective part/unit. The purchaser shall assume
all costs related to shipping the replacement parts or return of the unit to the factory for repairs. If it is determined that the
defect was caused by AES, AES will cover the costs of shipping the repaired part/unit to an AES approved shipping point.
AES will not cover additional freight or delivery services such as residence delivery charges, special handling, etc.

INSTALLATION, VENTING, REMOVAL OR REINSTALLATION COSTS ARE NOT COVERED BY THIS

If the inspection reveals that the failure is due to defective material or workmanship and the

WARRANTY.

THE WARRANTY PRINTED ABOVE IS THE ONLY WARRANTY APPLICABLE TO THE PRODUCT.
ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, THE
IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE,
ARE DISCLAIMED. IT IS UNDERSTOOD AND AGREED THAT AES’S LIABILITY UNDER THIS
WARRANTY SHALL BE LIMITED TO THE PROVISION OF REPLACEMENT PARTS AND SHALL
NOT INCLUDE LIABILITY FOR SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES. ANY
ACTION BROUGHT UNDER THIS WARRANTY MUST BE BROUGHT WITHIN ONE YEAR OF THE
ACCRUAL OF THE CAUSE OF ACTION AND MAY ONLY BE BROUGHT IN THE CIRCUIT COURT
OF MCCLOUD COUNTY, MINNESOTA.

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Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts or the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential
damage, so the above limitations may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights
which vary from state to state.

ALL WARRANTY CLAIMS MUST BE SUBMITTED IN WRITING THROUGH THE PLACE WHERE THE
PRODUCT WAS PURCHASED. In the event where the place of purchase has ceased business or if you feel that there is a
legitimate reason that you cannot submit your claim to the place where the product was purchased you may make a written
request to the factory by emailing your request along with all of the required information to [e-mail]

NOTE: Verbal requests will not be recognized. If it is determined that warranty could have been performed by the
place of purchase, the factory will deny the claim.

Included with the claim must be the following information: (if this information is not complete, the claim will be denied)
Name, address, telephone number, email address, of place of business where product was purchased & also
purchaser contact info.
Date of purchase, model and serial number of product, digital pictures of product (front, sides, back, venting
inside and outside)

(If there is ductwork, there must be digital pictures of entire ductwork installation, static pressures, air flow
measurements, and contact information of licensed/factory certified contractor that installed unit)

Nature of defect, what has been serviced (service record), who installed product along with contact information.

.

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OVATION OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

FUEL

Your Ovation Stove should be fueled with seasoned cordwood. Hardwoods will provide more
energy per pound of wood because of higher density than softwoods. If hardwoods are utilized to
fuel your appliance, the results will be a longer burning fire that requires less frequent refueling. It
is recommended that whether hardwood or softwood is used, the moisture content of the wood
should not exceed 20%. If wood moisture content is extremely high, the wood will be difficult to
burn resulting in lower burn efficiency, increased creosote, and increased annual maintenance
requirements. Very dry firewood will burn well but will increase emissions output and burn at
accelerated burn rates requiring more frequent refueling of the stove.

Do not burn scrap, garbage, treated wood or wood such as driftwood which has been exposed to salt
or other chemicals that will corrode the firebox and chimney. Do not burn large amounts of paper,
cardboard, tree trimmings, or building construction materials. The intense fires these stoves create
may overheat the stove thus causing damage to the unit, a fire outside the firebox, or even a
chimney fire.

BLOWERS

All freestanding Ovation models have been approved for operation with or without an optional fan
(blower). The optional blower kit may be mounted on the back of the unit per instructions
provided.

The Ovation OV26-BF-I insert comes equipped with two blowers that have been factory installed.
On medium to high burns, using a blower fan will increase the heat transfer and provide more room
heat. Properly route the power supply cord (usually along the floor behind the stove) so that it
remains cool with no chance of melting against the stove.

FIRST FIRE

Before using your Ovation Stove for the first time, ensure that all packaging material has been
removed. Remove all glue with mild soap and ensure the door window has been cleaned of all
foreign material before starting the first fire. If a gold door has been purchased, ensure proper
cleaning before the first fire. Permanent damage can occur to the gold finish if proper cleaning is
not completed prior to the FIRST burning.

It is best to ensure that the first three fires are small and short in duration. Use small amounts of
firewood to limit the fire to a hour burn. Repeat this process at least three times, letting the firebox
cool between fires. The purpose of these small fires is to allow proper curing of the refractory
bricks and the exterior paint. The first fires may produce slight smoking due to curing of the paint
and steel. In addition, any dust that has accumulated on the stove will burn off during these first
few fires. The owner should be prepared to open windows for ventilation during the first few fires.
The owner should be alert to setting off a smoke alarm that is located in the same or adjacent rooms
to the Ovation Stove.

BUILDING A FIRE

Check for proper draft. Preheat the flue if necessary in order to establish proper draft. Several
crumpled balls of newspaper can be placed into the firebox to preheat the chimney. Once the
chimney system is heated, additional small crumpled papers can be added with small dry pieces of
kindling added on top of the paper. Crisscrossing this small kindling over the paper will create
airspace between the kindling thus ensuring a quicker start to the fire. It is important that air can
circulate around the kindling during the start up process. Open the Ovation Stove combustion air
control fully (pull handle to its fully extended position) and ignite the newspaper with a match or

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lighter. Hold the door slightly ajar until a good flame is established (2 or 3 minutes). Close the
door to the stove once the newspaper is well ignited. As soon as the kindling fire is established,
you can add cordwood. It is recommended that cordwood be placed inside the firebox from front to
back (that is the fuel should have its longest dimension perpendicular to the door) and not
crisscrossed or placed crossways in the firebox.

The Ovation Stove should be operated with the air control fully open until such time that the owner
believes the fire is well established. In the event the air control is closed before the Ovation reaches
efficient operating temperature the heating performance of the stove will be diminished.
Experimentation will be required in order to familiarize you with establishing optimum burning and
therefore maximum heating efficiency. Remember, the Ovation has over 100 pounds of firebrick
that must be thoroughly heated in order for the stove to operate efficiently. Do not use grates,
andirons, or other devices to elevate the firewood. Once the stove heats up, the operator can adjust
the primary air control to the desired setting.

COMBUSTION CONTROL
Although not recommended, the Ovation system can be operated with a flue damper installed. This
flue damper must then be used in conjunction with the Ovation combustion air control in order to
control the burn rate of the appliance. As is standard practice with hi-tech high efficiency stoves,
the Ovation combustion air control controls all air entering the firebox. This combustion air control
allows the owner more precise control of the fire by accurately controlling the air available for
combustion. The combustion air control is located below the ash lip at the center of the stove, as
shown in FIGURE 1. This control is fully open when pulled out or away from the stove. The
combustion air control is completely closed when the control lever is pushed all the way into the
stove. To ensure no air leakage or air infiltration into your home when the Ovation Stove is not in
use; the combustion air control lever should be kept in its closed position.

FIGURE 1: COMBUSTION AIR DAMPER CONTROL

This will minimize air leakage through the chimney. The combustion air control should be fully
opened before opening the door to eliminate the possibility of a back draft into the room where your
stove is located. Open the door slowly to avoid back drafting or back puffing. In addition, by fully
opening the combustion air control, the stove will immediately start an accelerated burn; therefore,
gloves (leather wood-burning gloves are recommended) should be worn when adding fuel or for
any use when the door is open to the appliance. Wearing gloves will assist in avoiding burns due to
the intense heat of the stove.

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HIGH BURN MODE

The maximum heat output can be obtained from your Ovation Stove by operating the firebox with a
full load of wood, the door closed, and the combustion air control fully open. This high burn mode
ensures an extremely hot fire while generating the maximum heat output. The Ovation line of
stoves can produce a maximum range of between 60,000 to 70,000 BTU of heat per hour,
depending on the model being burned. Operating the Ovation in the high burn mode will
necessitate the need for refilling the firebox with fuel more frequently. The amount of fuel needed
and the time between refueling is dependent on many factors including moisture content of wood,
type of wood, environmental factors, and chimney type and height. To obtain a longer burn time,
the combustion air control can be partially or fully closed. By adjusting the combustion air control
from its fully open position, the owner will obtain longer burn times by reducing the burn rates of
the fuel. These reduced combustion modes are covered in the following paragraphs.

FIGURE 2: HIGH BURN AIR DAMPER SETTING

CAUTION

open. Only seasoned hardwood should be burnt in this manner. Burning softwoods, small dry
pieces of construction scraps, trash or paper with the combustion air control wide open will cause a
very high temperature fire to be created. This high temperature fire can permanently damage the
Ovation firebox or create hazardous situations. Extreme care must be exercised when operating any
stove in an accelerated combustion mode. In fact, Country Flame strongly recommends that the
Ovation appliance NOT be operated in an accelerated combustion mode for more than one hour
continuously. Failure to observe this recommendation may cause excessive heat buildup and
damage the gold door plating or the cast door paint.

MEDIUM BURN MODE

Country Flame recommends that medium combustion mode operation be utilized for routine
operation of the Ovation Stove. Operating the stove in the medium combustion mode will
minimize the amount of creosote on the glass and in the chimney while providing extended burn
times as compared to high burn mode. The combustion air damper should be set somewhere
between the ¼ and ½ closed position as shown in FIGURE 3 to obtain a medium combustion fire.
The precise setting for your Ovation Stove combustion air control depends on many factors,
including chimney length, wood moisture content, draft, and fuel selection. Do not be afraid to
experiment to find the optimum position to satisfy your requirements for a warm and satisfying fire.
As an example, a tall warm chimney will necessitate closing the combustion air damper more due
to the natural draw created by the flue gases being drawn through the chimney. A stovepipe
thermometer should be used for maximum stove performance and safety.

must be used when operating the Ovation Stove with the combustion air control fully

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FIGURE 3: MEDIUM BURN AIR DAMPER SETTING

To establish proper medium combustion burn mode, close the combustion air damper completely
and then set the combustion air damper somewhere between the ¼ to ½ closed setting. The firebox
should contain at least several medium size pieces of wood burning on a bed of hot coals. The
Ovation Stove heat output will be between 30,000 and 50,000 BTU per hour in the medium
combustion burn mode. In order to maintain a constant medium heat output, load more firewood
about every four to five hours. Burn times and heat output will be significantly reduced if
softwoods are used in place of seasoned hardwoods.

LOW BURN MODE

When the Ovation Stove air combustion control is fully closed, as shown in FIGURE 4, a low
combustion fire will occur. Low combustion will not put the fire out but there will be a noticeable
change in the flame pattern. The flames will be slow and intermittent and may appear dirty if the
wood is too wet i.e., a moisture content of 20% or more.

FIGURE 4: LOW BURN AIR DAMPER SETTING

During the low combustion burn mode, creosote may accumulate on the glass doors. Low
combustion burning should only be used after the firebox has been allowed to reach a hot operating
temperature i.e., the air combustion control has been fully open to produce a hot fire for about an
hour. Low combustion can be used at night in order to reduce the heat output and to prolong the
burn. The loading time will be between six to twelve hours. This however, may cause excessive
creosote buildup.

REFUELING FOR OPTIMUM PERFORMANCE

The Ovation Stove performance will be greatly enhanced if the operator will fully open the
combustion air control after refueling. If this process is followed, the firebox and chimney system
will return to optimum operating temperature in the shortest period of time. Combustion efficiency
is directly affected by firebox temperature. Following the above stated process will ensure
maximum efficiency of your stove over the longest period of time. The upper part of the firebox
temperature should exceed 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit or higher in order to achieve maximum

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operating efficiency. To obtain this firebox temperature after reloading of wood, the Ovation
should be operated with the combustion air control fully open for a minimum of 15 to 30 minutes.
Again, the time will vary depending on the room heat, moisture content of the wood and the type of
wood being burned. Once the Ovation has reached a proper operating temperature, the combustion
air control can be gradually closed. A good indication that the proper temperature has been reached
is when a flame can be seen at the top of the firebox. This upper fire indicates excellent
combustion and will ensure cleaner glass, less creosoting, greater efficiency, and the greatest
warmth and viewing pleasure for your family to enjoy.

SMOKING – CAUSES

Ensure the combustion air damper is fully open before the stove door is opened. Fully opening the
damper will reduce the problematic issue of smoke escaping from the Ovation Stove when its door
is opened. CAUTION: ALWAYS open the door very slowly. This will ensure that the stove is
drafting through the fresh air intake and the chimney system rather than using your house as a
source for air or the expulsion of air. Your stove has been designed and tested to provide smoke
free operation. Occasionally, there may be a small amount of smoking due to the fact that the
chimney system has not reached proper operating temperature. A warm chimney system ensures
maximum draft efficiency for the firebox. If the stove continues to smoke, it is probably for one of
the following reasons:

1. Doors Partly Open

Always operate the Ovation Stove with the door fully closed.

2. Negative Pressure

As the fire burns, the exhaust gases are drafted up and out of the chimney system. The Ovation
Stove is “pulling” fresh air from somewhere to keep the fire burning properly. A stove will
draw air to the firebox from inside the house if no other source of fresh air is available.
Remember that a minimum of eight square inches of fresh air must be available if the four-inch
outside air duct is not used with the Ovation. If your Ovation Stove has been properly installed,
fresh combustion air will be supplied through some outside available air source. Check the
Ovation Stove by temporarily opening a window near the stove. With the door closed and a
fire operating, you should see no change in the fire when the window is temporarily closed.
This check ensures your Ovation Stove has an adequate air supply

3. Fan Operation (i.e., bathroom, kitchen, attic, clothes dryer, etc.)

Exhaust fans draw air out of a home and may actually create negative pressure (absence of air
or reduced air pressure inside a well sealed home.) When operating your Ovation hi-tech stove,
ensure that all of your home’s exhaust fans are turned off or that a window is opened slightly to
ensure these fans do not create a negative pressure inside your home. If these exhaust fans are
operated, even with a window slightly open, they still may pull so much air from the house as
to create a smoke condition inside the home.

4. Wet Wood

Wet or uncured firewood or wood with high sap content will smolder and smoke instead of
burning as efficiently as seasoned woods. Improperly seasoned wood will increase annual
maintenance and operating costs of your Ovation Stove. It is worth your time, money, and
enjoyment to ensure that you have good seasoned wood to burn in your Ovation Stove.

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5. Blocked Chimney

The chimney serves as an exit for all gases created during the burn process. Blockage (heavy
soot, dirt, or debris) of either the chimney or the air intake port may make the Ovation Stove
operate improperly or render it unusable. Always ensure, prior to the heating season, that a
qualified chimney sweep or stove service technician has checked the stove, chimney, and any
outside air intake system for proper operation.

6. Chimney To Short

The Ovation Stove minimum chimney height is 8 feet. The chimney must extend at least 3 feet
(915 mm) above its point of contact with the roof and at least 2 feet (610 mm) higher than any
roof or wall within 10 feet (3 cm) of it. If installed with offsets, the minimum chimney height
is 12 feet. Additional chimney height will increase draft and therefore will decrease the
tendency of the Ovation to smoke. FIGURE 5 shows a sloped roof chimney installation.

FIGURE 5: CHIMNEY INSTALLATION DIMENSIONS

7. Poor Chimney Draft

Perform the following simple test of your chimney draft. With no fire in the Ovation firebox
hold a lit match (smoke should be trailing from the match) inside the firebox towards the upper
one third of the top of the firebox. If the draft is proper, you should see the match smoke
exhausted up through the firebox. Chimneys installed against an outside wall without
insulation may generate back draft problems, which will cause problems in starting your
Ovation fire. This problem occurs because the chimney is cold and thus holds its temperature
for some time despite a fire in the firebox. To minimize this problem open a nearby window.
Now roll up a piece of paper and light it inside the firebox. Hold this lit paper towards the
upper part of the firebox. It may be necessary to repeat this step several times in order to obtain
proper operating temperature in the chimney so a good draft can be sustained. Be careful not to
burn yourself with the paper. Once you see the smoke from the lit paper is drafting better you
can build a better fire.

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IMPORTANT NOTES

1. Never use gasoline, kerosene, charcoal lighter fluid, or other flammable liquids to start
a fire.

2. Do not burn coal. The sulfur in coal will corrode the firebox.

3. Do not burn ocean driftwood or other waterlogged wood. The salt will corrode the
firebox and chimney.

4. Do not operate the Ovation Stove with its door partially open, except for the first few
minutes during startup.

5. Do not abuse your Ovation Stove by burning paper, cardboard, or construction material
such as pressed wood, plywood, or lumber as part of a normal fire.

6. Do not allow wood to smolder or burn without flame, this will produce excessive
creosote in the unit. The flame is an indication that the solid fuel is decomposing and
burning off gases. Without a flame, these gases will add to the cooling effect, remain
unburned, and add to annual maintenance costs.

7. Never operate your stove with the ash drawer open.

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