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Vermont Castings Vigilant
2000898
The Maintenance Guidelines given below will help you
develop a schedule that works for you. Once you have
developed a maintenance schedule, stick to it.
Daily:
• Ashes should be removed before the ashes reach
the top of the ashpan. Check at least once a day.
A build up of ashes under the grates will not only
restrict the supply of air going to the fire, but may
contribute to overheating the grates, causing them to
warp.
Two Weeks:
• Inspect the stove interior air ports and passageways;
look for fly ash or coal that might block either incom-
ing or outgoing gases.
• Inspect chimney connector and chimney. Clean if
necessary.
Two Months:
• Check handles and latches to be sure that they are
working properly. If gasketing becomes compressed
over time, adjust the latch.
• Brush out fly ash or soot that may have been depos-
ited in the chimney connector, particularly in horizon-
tal runs or in elbows.
Yearly Spring Cleaning:
• Check the grates and gasketing for wear; replace
gasketing if necessary.
• Inspect the stove interior air ports and passageways;
look for fly ash or coal that might block either incom-
ing or outgoing gases.
• Remove ashes and place a desiccant in the ashpan
to absorb moisture from the air.
• Clean dust off the bottom heat shield so it retains its
heat-reflective value.
• Tighten the leg bolts and bottom heat shield assem-
bly.
• Paint the stove when necessary.
• Thoroughly brush the chimney and connector to
remove all fly ash.
• Inspect the chimney and chimney connector for any
signs of deterioration. Have a professional mason
repair the chimney. Replace chimney connector
sections if any appear to be corroded.
• Is the door handle adjusted so the doors close tight-
ly? Instructions for adjusting the handle are given in
the Maintenance Section.
Draft Problems
If the draft in the chimney is interrupted, smoke, which
contains carbon monoxide and other toxic gases, may
be forced out of the stove and chimney and into liv-
ing areas. This is a potentially hazardous condition. If
you notice a sulfur-like smell or if smoke backs out of
the stove frequently, let the fire go out. Be sure all air
inlets are clear, the chimney connector and chimney are
clean, and your stove is being operated correctly before
starting another fire.
The following suggestions may help solve draft related
problems:
• When your heating needs are light and you are oper
-
ating your stove to produce a small amount of heat,
in Spring or Fall for instance, run your stove with the
damper open to direct heat to the flue and maintain
good draft. Small, hot fires, with the damper open,
work well in Spring and Fall.
• Operating your stove with the damper open will
help keep flue temperatures high. When outside
temperatures rise to 50°F., you may begin to notice
draft problems which were not present when outside
temperatures were colder. In this situation it is rec-
ommended to refrain from burning coal.
• If you notice draft problems when the wind is blow-
ing, install a chimney cap designed to stabilize draft
under windy conditions.
Safety Tips
Keep all safety equipment ready for use.
• Test the smoke alarm to be sure it is operating prop-
erly.
• Be sure the fire extinguisher works and is clearly vis-
ible. All occupants of the house should know where
it is, and how it operates.
• Have heavy stove gloves available near the stove.
• Have special safety accessories (e.g., Child Guard
Screen) available for use if small children will be in
the home.