Page 18 / NORSEMAN™ 1500/2500 FURNACE VGZ-018 / 0805.1
CHIMNEY DRAFT
Do not expect the furnace to draw. Draft is a func-
tion of the chimney, NOT the furnace. Smoke spillage
into the house or excessive buildup of condensation
or soot in the chimney are warnings that the chimney
is not functioning properly. Correct the problem before
using the furnace. Following are some possible causes
for improper draft.
1. The connector stovepipe may be pushed into the
chimney too far, stopping the draft (figure 14, page
13).
2. If the chimney is operating too cool, water will
condense in the chimney and run back into the
furnace. Soot formation will be rapid and may block
the chimney. Operate the furnace at a high enough
fire level to keep the chimney warm preventing this
condensation.
3. If the fire burns well but sometimes smokes or burns
slowly, it may be caused by the chimney top being
lower than another part of the house or a nearby
tree. The wind blowing over a house or tree falls on
top of the chimney like water over a dam, beating
down the smoke. The top of the chimney should be
at least three (3) feet above the roof and be at least
two (2) feet higher than any point of the roof within
ten (10) feet.
NOTE: A DRAFT READING OF 0.05 W.C.
(WATER COLUMN) IS SUGGESTED FOR PROP-
ER BURNING OF THIS FURNACE.
CHIMNEY MAINTENANCE
CREOSOTE – Formation and Removal
When wood or coal is burned slowly, it
produces tar and other organic vapors which
combine with expelled moisture to form creosote. The
creosote vapors condense in the relatively cool chimney
flue of a slow-burning fire. As a result, creosote residue
accumulates on the flue lining. If ignited, this creosote
creates an extremely hot fire which may ignite surround-
ing materials resulting in a building fire.
The chimney connector and chimney should be in-
spected at least twice a month during the heating sea-
son to determine if a creosote buildup has occurred.
If creosote has accumulated, it should be re-
moved. Failure to remove creosote may result
in ignition and may cause a house/building fire.
Creosote may be removed using a chimney brush
or other commonly available materials from your
local hardware retailer.
Chimney fires burn very hot. If the chimney con-
nector should glow red, immediately call the fire depart-
ment, then reduce the fire by closing the inlet air control
and pour a large quantity of coarse salt, baking soda,
or cool ashes on top of the fire in the firebox.
CAUTION: A CHIMNEY FIRE MAY CAUSE IGNI-
TION OF WALL STUDS OR RAFTERS WHICH
WERE ASSUMED TO BE A SAFE DISTANCE
FROM THE CHIMNEY. IF A CHIMNEY FIRE
HAS OCCURRED, HAVE YOUR CHIMNEY
INSPECTED BY A QUALIFIED PERSON
BEFORE USING AGAIN.
END OF SEASON MAINTENANCE
Remove all accumulated ash from inside fire box and
ash drawer compartment. Ash will absorb moisture and
can cause corrosion.
