Instruction Manual
14 7
CAUTION:
NOT ALL FIREPLACES
ARE SUITABLE FOR
INSTALLATION OF A WOOD
HEATER.
Many people may wish to convert an existing
replace to heater use. Usually, safe con-
nection of stovepipe to a masonry chimney
requires more e ort than connection to a
prefabricated chimney. e replace must
be closed and sealed at the damper in the
ue. Good sealants are high temperature
caulking, ceramic wool, and furnace cement.
Always remember to inspect the masonry
chimney and replace. If necessary, clean
the ue and smoke shelf before beginning
your installation. Install the heater into the
chimney so that the system can be dismantled
for cleaning and inspection.
Before deciding to convert your replace or
existing chimney, keep in mind that older
replaces and their chimneys are unsafe.
ey must be structurally sound, and the
ue liner must be in good condition. Do
not use a chimney if it is unlined (should
have a tile clay liner to protect brickwork),
have it relined professionally. Clearances to
combustibles are explained in the previous
section on masonry chimneys. If you have
any questions regarding the condition of
the chimney, consult a quali ed engineer,
competent mason, certi ed Chimney Sweep,
or knowledgeable inspector.
Many prefabricated replaces fall into the
"zero-clearance replace" category. is is
a factory metal replace with multi-layered
construction. It is designed to provide
enough insulation and/or air cooling so that
the base, back and sides can be safely placed
in close contact with combustible oors
and walls. Although many prefabricated
replaces have been tested by nationally
recognized organizations for use as re-
places, they have not been tested to accept
heaters. In fact, their use as such may void
the manufacturer's warranty.
Steel-lined replaces, on the other hand,
can be used with heaters. ese units use a
1/4-inch re box liner and an air chamber
in connection with 8 inches of masonry to
meet code. ey contain all the essential
parts of a replace, rebox, damper, throat,
smoke shelf, and smoke chamber. Many of
them look exactly like a masonry replace
and must be checked closely for above re-
quirements before installing a coal heater
into them.
Another method frequently used by some
people is to vent the heater directly into the
replace. is does not meet code since the
heater is being vented into another appli-
ance - the replace. is method should not
be attempted because combustion products
will deposit and build up in the rebox or
replace. Be certain not to install a hazard
in you house. You will void your warranty
with this installation.
VENTING INTO A FIREPLACE
(Not recommended)
Heartwood
654
21
22
7 8
27
26
24 23
28
29
30
31
27
32
33
31
27
28
17
18
1920
15
16
13
14
13
3
2
1
11
912
10
35
25
34
REPAIR PARTS - EXTERIOR
REPAIR PARTS - INTERIOR