VGZ-017 / 0707.0 HG-6 & HG-8 Heat Grabber / Page 5
MAINTENANCE & SERvICE HINTS
CLEANING – Periodic cleaning of the Heat
Grabber is recommended. Inspect and clean at least
three times during the heating season. Remove the
unit and clean any ash or creosote from the pipes.
Vacuum or blow any dirt that has accumulated in
the outer housings of the Heat Grabber.
FAN MOTOR – Unsrew the rear panel.
Remove any accumulations of dirt or dust and
apply two drops of 20 weight motor oil into each
lubricating hole.
Reassemble the unit following the diagram in
the back of this manual.
CHIMNEY DRAFT – Draft is a function of the
chimney, not the heating appliance. Smoke spillage
into the house or excessive buildup of condensa-
tion or creosote in the chimney are warnings that
the chimney is NOT functioning properly. Correct
the problem before using the heating appliance or
installing the Heat Grabber. Following are some
possible causes for improper draft.
1. The connector stovepipe may be pushed
into the chimney too far, stopping the draft.
2. If the chimney temperature is too cool,
water will condense in the chimney and run back
into the appliance. Creosote formation will be rapid
and may block the chimney. Operate the appliance
at a re level high enough to keep the chimney
warm to prevent condensation from forming.
3. If the re burns well but sometimes creates
excess smoke 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.
CREOSOTE – Formation and Removal.
Slow-burning wood produces tar and other organic
vapors which combine with expelled moisture to
form creosote. Creosote vapors condense in the
relatively cool chimney ue of a slow-burning
re. As a result, creosote residue accumulates on
the ue lining. If ignited, this creosote creates an
extremely hot re which may ignite surrounding
materials resulting in a building re.
If creosote has accumulated, it should be
removed. Failure to remove creosote may result
in ignition and may cause a house/building re.
Creosote may be removed using a chimney brush
or other commonly available materials from your
local hardware retailer. Remove the Heat
Reclaimer before cleaning the chimney or
ue pipe.
CHIMNEY INSPECTIONS – The chimney
connector and chimney should be inspected at the
beginning of and at least twice a month dur-
ing the heating season to determine if a creosote
buildup has occurred.
Chimney res burn very hot. If the chimney
connectors or the Heat Grabber should glow red,
reduce the re by closing the damper and the ap-
pliance draft control and immediately call the re
department.
CAUTION: A CHIMNEY FIRE MAY CAUSE
IGNITION OF WALL STUDS OR RAFTERS
WHICH WERE ASSUMED TO BE A SAFE DIS-
TANCE FROM THE CHIMNEY. IF A CHIMNEY
FIRE HAS OCCURRED, HAVE YOUR CHIM-
NEY INSPECTED BY A QUALIFIED EXPERT
BEFORE USING AGAIN.
A fire in your heating appliance may be
smothered by pouring a large quantity of coarse
salt, baking soda, or cool ashes on top of the
re.
