Encore

Woodburning Stove
Model 2550

Homeowner’s
Installation andOperating Manual
SAFETY NOTICE: IF THIS APPLIANCE IS NOT PROPERLY INSTALLED, OPERATED AND MAINTAINED, A HOUSE FIRE MAY RESULT.
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE, FOLLOW THE INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS. FAILURE TO
FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN PROPERTY DAMAGE, BODILY INJURY OR EVEN
DEATH. CONTACT LOCAL BUILDING OFFICIALS ABOUT RESTRICTIONS AND INSTALLATIONINSPECTION REQUIREMENTS IN YOUR AREA.

0956
Encore Cover
2/01

Do Not Discard This Manual: Retain for Future Use
2000956 11/07 Rev. 20

Encore Woodburning Stove

WelcomeCongratulations on your choice of a Vermont Castings Encore. With this purchase you have made a commitment tomake the hearth a place of warmth, beauty, and comfort in your home. At CFM Corporation, we share that joy andappreciation for the hearth. You may be assured that your cast-iron Vermont Castings stove has been made with theutmost care and will provide you with many years of service.
As you become acquainted with your new stove or ﬁreplace, you will ﬁnd that its visual appearance is matched by its
functionality, due to cast iron’s unique capability to absorb and radiate heat.
Also, CFM Corporation units are among the cleanest-burning wood stoves and ﬁreplaces available today. As anowner of a Vermont Castings stove, you make a strong statement for pollution-free energy. Clean burning, however,depends on both the manufacturer and the operator. Please read this manual carefully to understand how to properly
operate and maintain your stove or ﬁreplace.
At CFM Corporation, we are equally committed to your satisfaction as a customer. That is why we maintain an exclusive network of the ﬁnest dealers in the industry. Our dealers are chosen for their expertise and dedication to customer service. They are factory-trained and knowledgeable about every CFM Corporation product. Feel free to contact
your Authorized Vermont Castings Dealer anytime you have a particular question about your stove or its performance.
This manual contains valuable instructions on the installation and operation of your Vermont Castings stove. It also
contains useful information on maintenance and assembly of this product. We urge you to read the manual thoroughly
and to keep it as a reference.
Sincerely,

All of us at CFM Corporation
This manual describes the installation, operation, andmaintenance of the Vermont Castings Encore Model
2550 catalytic-equipped wood burning heater. This
heater meets the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s emission limits for wood heaters sold on or after
July 1, 1990. Under speciﬁc test conditions this heater
has been shown to deliver heat at rates ranging from8,700 to 41,700 Btu/hr.
The Encore Model #2550 has been tested and is listedby Warnock Hersey International of Middleton, Wisconsin. The test standards are ANSI/UL-1482 andANSI/UL-737 for the United States, and ULC S627 andCAN/CSA-B366.2 for Canada. The Encore is listed forburning wood. Do not burn other fuels. The Encore
is listed and approved for use in mobile homes in the
United States only when installed with Vermont Castings Mobile Home Kit #3251.
We recommend that you hire a professional installer
certiﬁed by the Wood Heat Education and Research
Foundation (WHERF) or the Wood Energy TechnicalTraining (WETT) to install your stove, or to advise youon the installation should you attempt to install it yourself.
Please read this entire manual before you install anduse your new stove. Failure to follow instructions may
result in property damage, bodily injury, or even death.
Proposition 65 Warning: Fuels used in gas, woodburning or oil ﬁred appliances, and the products of
combustion of such fuels, contain chemicals known to
the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects
and other reproductive harm.
California Health & Safety Code Sec. 25249.6
2

Table of Contents
Speciﬁcations ................................. 3
Installation ...................................... 4
Assembly ...................................... 18
Operation ...................................... 19
Maintenance ................................. 27
Appendix: Catalytic Combustor .... 33
Replacement Parts ....................... 34

Accessories
Warming Shelves#1560 Classic Black#1562 Sand
#1555 Biscuit#1565 Bordeaux#1556 Chestnut Brown#1566 Forest Green#1557 Ebony#1567 Midnight Blue
#1558 Vt. Classic Green #1568 Suede Brown# 0127 Sparkscreen# 0164 Bottom Heat Shield# 0173 Rear Heat Shield# 3257 Outside Air Adapter# 3251 Mobile Home Kit# 0191 Heat shields for the chimney connector- Matching porcelain stovepipe

2000956

Encore Woodburning Stove

Speciﬁcations
Range of heat output .................8,700-41,700 Btu’s/Hr*
Maximum heat output ........................ 47,000 Btu’s/Hr**
EPA emissions ratings, g/h, catalytic .......................1.6*
Area heated*** ............... Up to 1900 sq. ft. (175 sq. m.)
Fuel size/type ...................... 18-20” (450-500 mm) logs
Fuel capacity ........................................... 40 lbs. (18kg)
Loading ....................................................... Front or top
Chimney connector:
for 8” ﬂue collar ....................... 8” (203 mm) diameterfor 6” ﬂue collar ....................... 6” (152 mm) diameter
Chimney ﬂue size:for 8” ﬂue collar .......................8” (203 mm) minimumfor 6” ﬂue collar .......................6” (152 mm) minimum
Flue exit position ....................... Reversible, top or rearPrimary air ... Manually set, thermostatically maintained
Secondary air .........................................Self-regulating
Ash handling system ..................... Removable ash pan
Glass panel ......................... High-temperature ceramic
Weight ................................................. 350 lbs. (159kg)
Width (leg-to-leg) ..................................... 27” (685 mm)
Depth (leg-to-leg) .................................... 15” (380 mm)
Height to top of ﬂue collar, (6” or 8”)
Top exit .............................................. 25¹⁄₄” (640 mm)
Rear exit ............................................ 26¹⁄₂” (675 mm)*Under speciﬁc conditions used during EPA emissions
testing.
**These values are based on operation in building
code-conforming homes under typical winter climate
conditions in New England. If your home is of nonstandard construction (e.g. unusually well-insulated, not insulated, built underground, etc.) or if you live in a more
severe or more temperate climate, these ﬁgures may
not apply. Since so many variables affect performance,
consult your Vermont Castings’ Authorized Dealer todetermine realistic expectations for your home.

Drawings Not to Scale

18"(460mm)3���"(83mm)

21���"(545mm)

24"(610mm)

27"(690mm)
27"(685mm)18���"(470mm)2"(50mm)

22���"(570mm)15���"(390mm)25���"(640mm)Top exit
flue collar
height25���"(660mm)

5"(130mm)2���" (75mm)
23���"(595mm)

7���"(190mm)

5���"(135mm)

27"(685mm)

15"(380mm)Fig. 1 Encore dimensions.

2000956

����
Encore 2550
dimensions

3

Encore Woodburning Stove

Installation

Before you begin an installation, be sure that:• Your stove and chimney connector will be far
enough from combustible materials to meet all
clearance requirements.
• The ﬂoor protector is large enough and is constructed properly to meet all requirements.
• You have all necessary permits from local authorities.
Your local building ofﬁcial is the ﬁnal authority for approving your installation as safe and determining that itmeets local and state codes.
The metal label permanently attached to the back ofevery Vermont Castings’ stove indicates the stove has
been tested to current UL and ULC standards, andgives the name of the testing laboratory. Clearance
and installation information also is printed on the label.
When the stove is installed according to the information
both on the label and in this manual, local authorities
in most cases will accept the label as evidence that the
installation meets codes and can be approved.
However, codes vary in different areas. Before starting
the installation, review your plans with the local building
authority. Your local dealer can provide any additional
information needed.
For any unresolved installation issues, refer to the
National Fire Protection Association’s publication
ANSI/NFPA 211 Standard for Chimneys, Fireplaces,
Vents and Solid Fuel Burning Appliances. For Canada,
the equivalent publication is CSA CAN-B365 Installation
Code for Solid Fuel Burning Appliances and Equipment.
These standards are the basis for many national codes.
They are nationally recognized and are accepted bymost local authorities. Your local dealer or your local
building ofﬁcial may have a copy of these regulations.
IMPORTANT: FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN ADANGEROUS SITUATION, INCLUDING A CHIMNEYOR HOUSE FIRE. FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONSEXACTLY, AND DO NOT ALLOW MAKESHIFT COMPROMISES TO ENDANGER PROPERTY AND PERSONAL SAFETY.

4

Outside Air
In some modern, super-insulated homes, there isinadequate air for combustion because of insufﬁcient
air inﬁltration into the building. Such air enters a homethrough unsealed cracks and openings. Exhaust fansfor kitchen or bath can compete with the stove for available air and compound the problem.
When poor draft is caused by a low inﬁltration rate,
opening a ground ﬂoor window on the windward sideof the house and in the vicinity of the stove will usually
alleviate the problem.
Another solution is to install a permanent outside air
supply to the stove and/or room. In fact, bringing air
for combustion from outside the home directly to the
air inlet of the stove is required for new construction insome areas.
Pressure variations within the house do not affect astove equipped with an outside air supply, and improved stove performance often results. An Outside Air
Adapter Kit for the Encore is available from your local
Vermont Castings dealer.

Chimney Height
Altitude affects chimney performance. When using a
6” ﬂue collar on the Encore, refer to Figure 2 for suggested chimney heights at various altitudes. Chimneyheight should be measured from the ﬂue collar to the
top of the chimney. The recommended minimum chimney height is 16’ (4.9m).

30
25HeightSAFETY NOTICE: IF YOUR ENCORE IS NOT PROPERLY INSTALLED, A HOUSE FIRE MAY RESULT.
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE, FOLLOW THE
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS. CONTACT LOCALBUILDING OR FIRE OFFICIALS ABOUT RESTRICTIONS AND INSTALLATION INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS IN YOUR AREA.

20
15
0

ST491

2000

4000

6000

8000

10000

12000

AltitudeFig. 2 Chimney height requirements for Encore whenequipped with a 6” chimney.

ST491
Defiant
chimney height
11/2/00 djt

2000956

Encore Woodburning Stove
What Kind of Chimney to Use

Masonry Chimneys

You must connect the Encore to a code-approved
masonry chimney with a ﬂue liner, to a relined masonrychimney that meets local codes, or to a prefabricatedmetal chimney that complies with the requirements
for Type HT chimneys in the Standard for Chimneys,
Factory-Built, Residential Type and Building Heating
Appliance, UL 103. (Fig. 3) The chimney and chimney
connector must be in good condition and kept clean.

An inspection of the chimney must conﬁrm that it hasa lining. Do not use an unlined chimney. The chimney
should have no cracks, loose mortar, other signs ofdeterioration, and blockage. Repair any defects before
the chimney is used with your stove.

A prefabricated doublewall insulated chimney

Unused openings in an existing masonry chimney must
be sealed with masonry to the thickness of the chimneywall, and the chimney liner should be repaired. Openings sealed with pie plates or wallpaper are a hazard
and should be sealed with mortar or refractory cement.
In the event of a chimney ﬁre, ﬂames and smoke may
be forced out of these unused thimbles.
The chimney should be thoroughly cleaned before use.
A newly-built masonry chimney must conform to thestandards of your local building code or, in the absenceof a local code, to a recognized national code. Masonrychimneys must be lined, either with code-approved
masonry or pre-cast refractory tiles, stainless steel
pipe, or a code-approved, “poured-in-place” liner. The
chimney’s clean-out door must seal tightly.

A tile-lined
masonrychimney

ST241

Prefabricated Chimneys

Fig. 3 Approved chimney types.

If you use an existing masonry chimney, it must be
inspected to ensure it is in a safe condition before thestove is installed. Your
local professional chimney
ST241
chimney types
sweep, building inspector,
or ﬁre department ofﬁcial will
12/13/99 djt
be able to inspect thechimney or provide a referral tosomeone who can.
The chimney should extend at least 3’ (914 mm) above
the highest point where it passes through a roof, and at
least 2’ (610 mm) higher than any portion of a building
within 10’ (3 m). (Fig. 4)
For proper draft and good performance, any chimneyused with an Encore should extend at least 16’ (5 m)above the ﬂue collar of the stove.
0 To 10'

2' Min.

3'Min.

2' Min.

3'
Min.

AC617

Fig. 4 The 2’-3’-10’ Chimney Rule.
AC617
RLTSKC8
2/11/98

2000956

DO NOT CONNECT THIS UNIT TO A CHIMNEY FLUESERVING ANOTHER APPLIANCE.

Chimney Size
An Encore with an 8” (203 mm) ﬂue collar is approvedfor venting into a masonry chimney with a nominal ﬂue
size of 8” x 8” (203 x 203 mm) or 8” x 12” (203 x
305 mm), and into a round ﬂue with nominal ﬂue size of8” (203 mm). An Encore with a 6” (152 mm) ﬂue collar
is approved for venting into a masonry chimney with anominal ﬂue size of 8” x 8” (203 x 203 mm), and into around ﬂue with nominal ﬂue of 6” (152 mm).
NOTE: When installed with a 6” ﬂue collar, theEncore may not be operated with the front doors
open.

0 To 10'

Reference
Point

A prefabricated metal chimney must be one tested andlisted for use with solid-fuel burning appliances to theHigh-Temperature (H.T.) Chimney Standard UL-1031985 (2100°F) for the United States, and High Temperature (650°C) Standard ULC S-629 for Canada.

Whatever the ﬂue collar size, an Encore may be vented
into larger chimneys as well. However, chimneys withliners larger than 8” x 12” (203 x 305mm) may experience rapid cooling of smoke and reduction in draft, especially if the chimneys are located outside the home.
These large chimneys may need to be insulated orhave their ﬂues relined for proper stove performance.
Accessories to help make the connection between
stainless steel chimney liners and your Encore areavailable through your local dealer.
5

Encore Woodburning Stove
Chimney Connector Guidelines

Single-wall Chimney Connectors

A chimney connector is the double-wall or single-wallpipe that connects the stove to the chimney. The chimney itself is the masonry or prefabricated structure that
encloses the ﬂue. Chimney connectors are used only toconnect the stove to the chimney, as in Figure 5.

• Begin assembly at the ﬂue collar of the stove. Insert

Double-wall connectors must be tested and listed foruse with solid-fuel burning appliances. Single-wall connectors should be made of 24 gauge or heavier steel.
Do not use galvanized connector; it cannot withstandthe high temperatures that can be reached by smokeand exhaust gases, and may release toxic fumes underhigh heat. The connector may be 6” (152 mm) or 8 “(203 mm) in diameter.
If possible, do not pass the chimney connector througha combustible wall or ceiling. If passage through a combustible wall is unavoidable, refer to the section on Wall
Pass-Throughs. Do not pass the connector through an
attic, a closet or similar concealed space. The wholeconnector should be exposed and accessible for inspection and cleaning.
In horizontal runs of chimney connector, maintain a distance of 24” (610 mm) from the ceiling. Keep it as shortand direct as possible, with no more than two 90° turns.
Slope horizontal runs of connector upward 1/4” per foot(6 mm per meter) going from the stove toward the chimney. The recommended maximum length of a horizontal
run is 3’ (1 m), and the total length should be no longer
than 8’ (2.4 m). In cathedral ceiling installations, extend
the prefabricated chimney downward to within 8’ (2.4 m)of the stove.
Wear gloves and protective eyewear when drilling,
cutting or joining sections of chimney connector.

Double-wall Chimney Connectors
Information on assembling and installing double-wallconnectors is provided by the manufacturer of the
double-wall pipe. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions
exactly as you assemble the connector and attach it to
the stove and chimney. Using chimneys and connectors
from the same manufacturer makes the assembly andinstallation straightforward.
NOTE: For installations using double-wall connectors,
minimum clearances must conform to the listed clearances in the clearance chart on Page 14.
If the Encore is equipped with the 8” ﬂue collar, an ovalto-round adapter will be needed. Double-wall oval-toround adapters are available from some manufacturers.
Your local dealer can help you select the right connector.

6

•

•

•

the ﬁrst crimped end into the stove’s ﬂue collar, andkeep each crimped end pointing toward the stove.
(Fig. 5)Using the holes in the ﬂue collar as guides,
drill 1/8” (3mm) holes in the bottom of the ﬁrst section of chimney connector and secure it to the ﬂue
collar with three #10 x 1/2” sheet metal screws.
Secure each joint between sections of chimney
connector, including
telescoping joints, with atleast three (3) sheet metalscrews. The pre-drilledholes in the top of eachsection of chimney connector serve as guides
when you drill 1/8” (3mm)holes in the bottom of thenext section.
Secure the chimney conFig. 5 the crimped end
nector to the chimney.
of the connector points
Instructions for various
ST242
connector
towardChimney
stove.
installations follow.
12/13/99 djt
Be sure the installed stoveand chimney connector are correct distances fromnearby combustible materials.

NOTE: Special slip pipes and thimble sleeves that form
telescoping joints between sections of chimney connector are available to simplify installations. They often
eliminate the need to cut individual connector sections.
Consult your local dealer about these special pieces.

Securing the Single-wall Connector to a
Prefabricated Chimney
Follow the installation instructions of the chimney
manufacturer exactly as you install the chimney. The
manufacturer of the chimney will supply the accessories to support the chimney, either from the roof ofthe house, at the ceiling of the room where the stove isinstalled, or from an exterior wall.
Special adapters are available from your local dealer
to make the connection between the prefabricatedchimney and the chimney connector. The top of such
adapters attaches directly to the chimney or to thechimney’s ceiling support package, while the bottom of
the adapter is screwed to the chimney connector.
These adapters are designed so the top end will ﬁtoutside the inner wall of the chimney, and the bottom
end will ﬁt inside the ﬁrst section of chimney connector.
When assembled in this way, any soot or creosote falling from the inner walls of the chimney will stay inside
the chimney connector.
2000956

Encore Woodburning Stove
Chimney

Flue

Elbow

Thimble Sleeve

Flue Liner

Chimney Connector

Keepsleeveend ﬂushwith ﬂue
tile

Slip Pipe
Standard
Connector
Oval toRound Adapter

Flue

ThimbleST243

Flue Collar

Fig. 7 The thimble, made of either ceramic or metal, must be
cemented securely in place.

ST492

The thimble sleeve should protrude 1-2” (25-50mm) into
the room. (Fig. 7) Use furnace cement and thin gasketing to seal the sleeve in place in the thimble. Secure
ST243
the chimney connector
to the outer end of the sleevethinble connection
with sheet metal12/13/99
screws. djt

Fig. 6 An exploded view of the chimney connection in a freestanding masonry installation.

Without a thimble, a suitable length of chimney connector can be extended through the breech to the innerface of the ﬂue liner, and cemented securely in place.
Additional pieces of connector are then attached withsheet metal screws.

Both freestanding masonry chimneys and ﬁreplacemasonry chimneys may be used for your installation.

Fireplace Installations

ST492
Defiant
Securing the Single-wall
freestanding Connector to a
installation
Masonry
Chimney
11/00

Freestanding Installations
If the chimney connector must pass through a combustible wall to reach the chimney, follow the recommendations in the Wall Pass-Through section that follows.
The opening through the chimney wall to the ﬂue(the “breech”) must be lined with either a ceramic or
metal cylinder, called the “thimble”, which is cemented
securely in place. Most chimney breeches incorporate
thimbles, but the ﬁt must be snug and the joint between
the thimble and the chimney wall must be cemented
ﬁrmly.
A special piece called the “thimble sleeve,” slightly
smaller in diameter than standard connectors andmost thimbles, will facilitate the removal of the chimney
connector system for inspection and cleaning. Thimble
sleeves should be available from your local dealer.
To install a thimble sleeve, slide it into the breech until
it is ﬂush with the inner ﬂue wall. Do not extend it into
the actual ﬂue passage, as this could interfere with thedraft.

2000956

The chimney connector may be connected to thechimney above the ﬁreplace opening or through theﬁreplace.

Above the Fireplace
The Encore may be connected to a chimney above
a ﬁreplace opening. (Fig. 8) In such installations, thestove is positioned on the hearth in front of the ﬁreplace
and the chimney connector rises from the stove top andthen angles ninety degrees back into the chimney. The
chimney liner should extend to the point at which thechimney connector enters the chimney.
If the chimney connector from your installation enters
the chimney above a ﬁreplace, follow all the guidelines
mentioned above for freestanding installations. In addition, give special consideration to the following points:• Check the clearance between the stove and thechimney connector, and any combustible trim or themantel. Use the necessary combination of mantel, trim,
and connector heat shields to achieve the required
clearances.
• Check the clearance between the chimney connector and the ceiling. If no heat shields are used, theclearance should be at least 24” (610 mm). To ﬁnd out
how much this clearance may be reduced with heatshields, refer to the clearance chart on Page 14.

7

Encore Woodburning Stove• The ﬁreplace damper must be sealed to preventroom air from escaping up the ﬂue. However, it must be
possible to re-open the damper to inspect or clean thechimney.

Flexible Connector
Chimney
Connector Shields*

Mantel Shield
Fireplace Adapter
Kit “Positive Connection”** Check
These Clearances

Mantel
ST245

Seal this off

ST244

Fig. 8 In this installation, the chimney connector is attachedto the chimney above the ﬁreplace opening.
ST244
Throughthe Fireplace
Plymouthover mantel
If your ﬁreplace openingfplc
heightis at least 26¹⁄₂" (675 mm),12/99
you may install an Encore through the opening using a“positive connection” kit, available from your local dealer.
These positive connection kits ensure a tight ﬁt between
the stove ﬂue collar and the chimney ﬂue. (Fig. 9)

Fireplace installations, whether connected to the ﬂue
above or through the ﬁreplace opening, have special
clearance requirements to adjacent trim and the mantel.
You’ll ﬁnd the required safe clearances for Encore ﬁreplace installations on Page 12.
Floor protection requirements also apply to ﬁreplaceinstallations. This information is on Page 10.

Wall Pass-Throughs
Whenever possible, design your installation so the connector does not pass through a combustible wall. If you
are considering a wall pass-through in your installation,
check with your building inspector before you begin.
Also, check with the chimney connector manufacturer
for any speciﬁc requirements.
Accessories are available for use as wall passthroughs. If using one of these, make sure it has beentested and listed for use as a wall pass-through.

8

Fig. 9 In this installation, the chimney connector enters theﬁrepalce opening and then connects to the chimney.

In the United States, ST245
the National Fire Protection Asfireplacesociation (NFPA) has establishedguidelines for passing
flex connector
chimney connectors throughcombustiblewalls. Many
12/99
building code inspectors follow these guidelines whenapproving installations.
Figure 10 shows one NFPA-recommended method.
All combustible material in the wall is cut away fromthe single-wall connector to provide the required 12”(305mm) clearance. Any material used to close up the
opening must be noncombustible.
Three other methods are also approved by the NFPA:• Using a section of double-wall chimney with a 9”(229 mm) clearance to combustibles.
• Placing a section of chimney connector inside
a ventilated thimble, which in turn is separated fromcombustibles by 6” (152 mm) of ﬁberglass insulating
material.
• Placing a section of chimney connector inside a
section of 9” (230 mm) diameter, solid-insulated, factory-built chimney, with 2” (51 mm) of air space between
the chimney section and combustibles.
In Canada, The Canadian Standards Association has
established different guidelines. Figure 10 shows one
method, in which all combustible material in the wall is
cut away to provide the required 18” (457 mm) clearance for the connector. The resulting space must remain empty. A ﬂush-mounted sheet metal cover may be
used on one side only. If covers must be used on bothsides, each cover must be mounted on noncombustible
spacers at least 1” (25 mm) clear of the wall.

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Encore Woodburning Stove
Floor Protection

Wall StudA tremendous amount of heat radiates from the bottom
plate of your stove. The ﬂoor area directly under andaround the stove will require protection from radiantheat as well as from stray sparks or embers that may
escape the ﬁrebox.

Chimney
Connector

T

DE
FIA N

12” Noncombustible
Material

Floor Protection
ST493

Fig. 10 An approved wall pass-through for the United States.

Your local dealer or your local building inspector can
provide details for other approved methods of passing
a chimney connector throughST493 a combustible wall in your
Brick
thru
area. In Canada, this typeofpassinstallationmust conform
11/00
to CAN/CSA-B365, Installation Code for Solid FuelBurning Appliances and Equipment.
NOTE: Do not vent your Encore into a factory-built(zero-clearance) ﬁreplace. These appliances and theirchimneys are speciﬁcally designed as a unit for use asﬁreplaces. It may void the listing or be hazardous toadapt them for any other use.
18” (460mm) clear
space all aroundthe pipe

Heat protection is provided through the use of a Vermont Castings Bottom Heat Shield #0164. Spark andember protection must be provided by a ﬂoor protector
constructed with noncombustible material as speciﬁed.
Most installations will require the bottom heat shield be
attached. Only when the stove is placed on a completely noncombustible surface such as unpainted concrete
over earth may it be used without the heat shield.
Even when the bottom heat shield is installed, you must
provide special protection to the ﬂoor beneath. For
installations with the heat shield attached, use a noncombustible ﬂoor protector such as 1/4” nonasbestos
mineral board or equivalent, or 24 gauge sheet metal.
The ﬂoor protector may be covered with a noncombustible decorative material if desired. Do not obstruct the
space under the heater.
Protection requirements vary somewhat between theUntied States and Canada as follows:
U. S. installations the ﬂoor protector is required under
the stove and must extend at least 16” (not including
the ash lip) from the front of the stove (“F”, Fig. 12), andat least 6” from the sides and rear. (“D” and “E”, Fig.
12) It must also extend under the chimney connector
and 2” to either side. (“C”, Fig. 12) For the 8” (203 mm)
connector, the protector must be a minimum of 12”(305 mm) wide. For the 6” (152 mm) connector, theprotector must be 10” (254 mm) wide. The protector
must be centered under the connector.
To meet these requirements, a ﬂoor protector must be
at least 39” wide and 44” deep.

T

In Canada: A noncombustible ﬂoor protector is required
under the stove as well. The ﬂoor protector must
extend 18” (457 mm) to the front (“F”, Fig. 12), and 8”(203 mm) from the sides and rear. (“D” and “E”, Fig. 12)
ST494

Fig. 11 An approved wall pass-through for Canada.

DO NOT CONNECT ANST494
ENCORE TO ANY AIR DISTRIBUTION DUCT OR steel
SYSTEM.
wall pass thru
11/00

2000956

To meet these requirements, a ﬂoor protector must be
at least 43” (1092 mm) wide and 48” (1219 mm) deep.
Floor protection also must extend under the chimney
connector and 2” (51 mm) to either side. (“C”, Fig. 12)
For the 8” (203 mm) connector, the protector must bea minimum of 12” (305 mm) wide. For the 6” (152 mm)
connector, it must be at least 10” (254 mm) wide. The
protector must be centered under the connector.

9Encore Woodburning Stove
C

D
B

E

E

F
A

A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.

U.S.
39”
44”
12”
10”
6”
6”
16”

E

E

F

A

Canada43” (1092 mm)
48” (1219 mm)
12” ST500(305 mm) 8” Connector
10” Encore(255 mm) 10” Connector
floor protection
8” 2/23/01(203 mm)8” (203 mm)
18” (459 mm)
ST500

Fig. 12 Required ﬂoor protector dimensions for both top-andrear-exiting stove.

Floor Protection for Fireplace Installations
Do not assume that your ﬁreplace hearth is completely
noncombustible.
Many ﬁreplace hearths do not meet the “completely
noncombustible” requirement because the brick or
concrete in front of the ﬁreplace opening is supported
by heavy wood framing. (Fig. 13) Because heat passes
through brick or concrete readily, it can easily passthrough to the wood. As a result, such ﬁreplace hearths
can be a ﬁre hazard and are considered a combustible
ﬂoor.
Keep in mind, also, that many raised hearths will extend
less than the required clearance from the front of theheater when it is installed. In such cases, sufﬁcient
ﬂoor protection as described above must be added in
front of the hearth to satisfy the minimum ﬂoor protector
requirement from the front of the stove: 16” (406mm)
from the front in the United States and 18” (459mm)
from the front in Canada.
Hearth rugs do not satisfy the requirements for ﬂoor
protection.
Fireplace installations also have special clearance
requirements to the side walls, side decorative trim, andﬁreplace mantel. This information follows in the section
on Fireplace and Mantel Trim Shields.

Wood framing requires protection from radiant heat

Keep the Stove a Safe Distancefrom Surrounding Materials
Both a stove and its chimney ST247
connector radiate heat inall directions when operating, and dangerous overheatRear exit floor dgrm
ing of nearby combustible materials can occur if they
12/14/99
are too close to the heat. A safe
installationdjt
requiresthat adequate clearance be maintained between the
hot stove and its connector and nearby combustibles.
Clearance is the distance between either your stove(measured from the bottom edge of the stove’s top
plate) or chimney connector, and nearby walls, ﬂoors,
the ceiling, and any other ﬁxed combustible surface.
Your stove has special clearance requirements thathave been established after careful research and testing to UL and ULC standards. These clearance requirements must be strictly observed.
In addition, furnishings and other combustible materials must be kept away from the stove as well. In general, a distance of 48” (1219mm) must be maintained
between the stove and moveable combustible items
such as drying clothes, furniture, newspapers, ﬁrewood,etc. Keeping those clearance areas empty assures thatnearby surfaces and objects will not overheat.

Reducing Clearances Safely with Shields
Clearance requirements are established to meet every
installation possibility, and they involve the combinationof four basic variables:• When the stove and chimney connector have no
•
•
•

10

ST247eFig. 13 Combustible supporting timbers may lie beneathﬁreplace hearths, requiring additional ﬂoor protection.

listed heat shield mounted on them.
When the stove and chimney connector have alisted heat shield mounted on them.
When the wall has no listed heat shield mounted
on it.
When the wall has a heat shield mounted on it.
2000956

Encore Woodburning Stove
In general, the greatest clearance is required when you
place a stove and its connector with no heat shields
near a wall with no heat shield.
For example, when the Encore is installed parallel tothe rear wall and no shields are used, it must be at least31” (787 mm) from the wall behind it and at least 24”(610 mm) from walls on either side.
If the Encore is installed in a corner and no shields
are used, the corners of the stove must be at least 24”(610 mm) from nearby walls.
The least clearance is required when both the stove
and its connector, as well as the wall, have heatshields.
When shields are attached to the stove or chimney
connector, they are mounted 1” - 2” (25-51 mm) awayfrom the stove or connector surface on noncombustible
spacers. Air ﬂowing between the stove (and/or chimney
connector) and nearby shields carries away heat. Do
not block the air ﬂow by ﬁlling this empty space with any
insulating material.
The shiny shield surface facing the heat source must beleft unpainted, enabling it to reﬂect heat back towards
the stove or connector and away from the wall.
Clearances may be reduced only by means approvedby the regulatory authority, and in accordance with theclearances listed in this manual.
Because of their restricted air ﬂow and heat retention
characteristics, speciﬁc construction requirements andspecial clearances apply to installations into alcoves.
Refer to the diagrams on Page 10, and contact your
Vermont Castings Dealer for details before beginning
an alcove installation.
NOTE: ALCOVE INSTALLATION OF THE ENCORE
IS NOT PERMITTED IN CANADA.

Stove Heat Shields
The Vermont Castings Encore Rear Heat Shield is one
way to reduce the clearance to the rear wall. The rearheat shield can be installed on either rear- or top-venting stoves. However, since the chimney connector
also radiates heat toward the wall in top-venting installations, you should use a chimney connector shield
whenever you use the rear heat shield on top-venting
stoves.
Clearance reductions with the rear heat shield apply
only to the wall to the rear in parallel installations. Neither the side clearance requirement nor the clearance
requirement in corner installations may be reduced.

2000956

Wall Shields
One way to reduce clearances is with a wall shield
constructed of 24 gauge or heavier sheet metal, or ofanother noncombustible material such as 1/2” (13 mm)
insulation board or common brick “laid on ﬂat,” with the
3¹⁄₂" (90 mm) side down.
Shields must be spaced out from the combustible
surface 1" (25 mm) on noncombustible spacers, as in
Figure 13. The spacers should not be directly behindthe stove or chimney connector.
Air must be able to ﬂow between the wall and theshield. At least 50% of the bottom 1" (25 mm) of theshield should be open and the shield must be open at
the top. Use metal screening, as in Figure 14, to keep
stray objects from falling behind the shield.
The shield for a top-exit stove must extend 10" (254 mm)above the top of the stove; for a rear exit conﬁguration, the shield must be 36” (914 mm) high. The shield
for the chimney connector must be 30” (762 mm) wide,
centered behind the pipe; for installations that use anapproved prefabricated chimney to pass through the ceiling, the chimney connector shield must stop 1” (25 mm)
below the ceiling.
Air Flow
Metal
Screening
Wall Shield
Stud Wall
Framing
Noncombustible
Spacer andFasteners

Drywall

Wall
ShieldMetal Lathe or
Noncombustible
Spacers

Airﬂow
ST248

Fig. 14 Approved wall shield construction.

ST248
wall shield construction
12/14/99 djt

11Encore Woodburning Stove
Chimney Connector Heat Shields
Chimney Connector Heat Shields should be usedwhenever the rear heat shield is used, or in any othersituation when it is necessary to protect nearby combustibles from the heat of the connector. The ceilingabove horizontal runs of chimney connector must be
protected as well if the clearance is inadequate.
In top-exiting installations, the connector shield must
extend to a point exactly 28” (710 mm) above the ﬂue
collar or to an elbow in the connector, whichever is less.
If the top-exiting connector extends to the ceiling where
it connects with a prefabricated insulated metal chimney, an additional ceiling heat shield must be installedthat is 24” (610 mm) in diameter and that extends 1”(25 mm) below the ceiling. The ceiling shield must be
constructed of 24 gauge or heavier sheet metal, andmust be centered on the chimney.

1" (25mm)

1/4" (6mm)ST501

Fig. 15 A custom formed mantel shield.

Fireplace and Mantel Trim Shields
ST501
mantel andtrim
A shieldB
11/10/00 djt

A ﬁreplace installation requires special clearance between the side of the stove and the right and left walls,
between the side of the stove and the decorative side
trim on the ﬁreplace face, and between the top of thestove and the mantel.
Noncombustible shields installed 1” (25 mm) from the
combustible surface on noncombustible spacers, called
ventilated shields, may be used to reduce clearances.
To protect a mantel from the heat of an Encore in aﬁreplace installation, use a custom-made ventilated
mantel shield that is at least 48” (1219 mm) long, that iscentered over the stove. (Fig. 15) Ventilated shields forside trim must extend the full length of the trim.
An unprotected mantel (“A”, Fig. 16) cannot be morethan 9” (229 mm) deep and must have a minimum
clearance of 39” (990 mm), measured from the stove’s
top plate. With a ventilated shield, this clearance may
be reduced safely to 18” (457 mm).
Unprotected top trim (B) protruding 9” (229 mm) or lessfrom the face of the ﬁreplace must be a minimum of 39”(990 mm) from the stove’s top surface. With a ventilated trim shield, this clearance may be reduced safely
to 18” (457 mm).

C

C

ST253bFireplace and Mantel Trim Clearances
Unprotected
Protected
A. Mantel
39” (990 mm)
18” (457 mm)
B. Top Trim39” (990mm)
18” (457 mm)
ST253bEncoreC. Side Trim10” (254
mm)
8” (203 mm
trim clearancesFig. 16 Maintain clearances
to combustible
components of
02/01
djt
the mantelpiece.

Unprotected side trim (C) that protrudes 2” (51 mm) or
less from the face of a ﬁreplace must have a minimum
clearance of 10” (254 mm), measured from the stove’s
top side edge. With a ventilated trim shield, the clearance may be reduced safely to 8” (203 mm). If thetrim extends more than 2” (51 mm), it is subject to therequirements for wall clearance.
The charts and sample installations that follow list all
the clearances required for the various installation conﬁgurations of the Encore.

12

2000956

Encore Woodburning Stove
Alcove Installations
Because of their restricted air ﬂow and heat retention characteristics, alcove installations have speciﬁc
construction requirements and special clearances. No
rear stove or chimney connector heat shields are usedin alcove installations. Bottom heat shield requirements
remain the same as for other installations.
ALCOVE INSTALLATION OF THE ENCORE IS NOTPERMITTED IN CANADA.

Construction Requirements
The following illustrations show noncombustible ceiling
framing and maximum and minimum permitted dimensions for alcove construction.

ST504

Fig. 19 Cutaway perspective of acolve installation.

36" Use recommended
Max. ﬂoor protection

7/16” Durock®
(or equivalent)spaced 1” offwood studs on
noncombustible
spacers

48" Min.

ST502

Fig. 17 Floor plan. Sheetrock on front face butts to Durock®
(or equivalent) alcove lining.

Joist Shield(Suppliedby Chimney
Manufacturer)

1” Air gap top
to bottom, on
both sides andback wall

24"

11"
Min.
36"
Max.
14���"

48" Min.

ST505

Fig. 20 Reﬂected ceiling plan.

Combustible
facing may
overlap metal
studs by 1”

Ceiling support package
extends 2”
below Durock®
(or equivalent)ceiling1” air gap,
top and bottom, on bothsides andback wall

7/16” Durock®
(or equivalent)

ST503

Fig. 18 Alcove side section.

St504
Alcove cutaway
11/00

Metal studs
support 7/16”
Durock® (orequivalent)ceiling

ST502
Intrepid
Alcove floor plan
11/10/00 djt

Metal
Stud

2000956

Existing Combustible Framing

ST503
Alcove side view
11/10/00 djt

ST505
Alcove Ceiling plan
11/00

65"

62" Min.
to Alcove
Ceiling

NOTE: From
62” to 65”
must becovered by anoncombustible material.

ST506

Fig. 21 Front Section; 65” min. clearance from ﬁnsihed ﬂoor
surface to combustibles on front face. Combustible facing
may overlap metal studs by only 1”. It should not extend below the height of the noncombustible ceiling.

ST506
Alcove front view
11/00

13

Encore Woodburning Stove

Encore Clearance Chart
For use with either 6” or 8” ﬂue collar/chimney connection

Unprotected Surfaces

Protected Surfaces

Stove Clearance
Stove Installed
Parallel to Corner

Stove
in Corner

Stove Installed
Parallel to Wall

Side

Rear

Corners

Side

No stove heat shields(A) 24”(610 mm)(B) 31”(787 mm)(C) 24”(610 mm)

Top Exit, rear stove h.s.,single-wall chimney connector heat shields1(G) 24”(610 mm)(H) 19”(483 mm)

Rear Exit, rear stoveheat shield only(M) 24”(610 mm)

Top Exit, rear stove h.s.,double-wall chimney
connector3(G) 24”(610 mm)Stove
in Corner

Rear

Corners(D) 8”(203 mm)(E) 15”(380 mm)(F) 8”(203 mm)(I) 17”(432 mm)(J) 8”(203 mm)(K) 11”(280 mm)(L) 7”(178 mm)(N) 19”(483 mm)

N/A(P) 8”(203 mm)(Q) 11”(280 mm)

N/A(H) 19”(483 mm)(I) 24”(610 mm)*

Chimney Connector Clearance
Single-wall connector,
No chimney connector
heat shields24” (610 mm)

8” (203 mm)

Single-wall connector,
Chimney connector heatshields installed12” (305 mm)

4” (102 mm)2

Double-wall connector312” (305 mm)*

Clearance to Combustibles in Front of StoveAll Installations (S) 48” (1219 mm)* Clearances with double-wall connectors and protected surfaces have not been tested for the Encore.
1. A ceiling heat shield, 24” (610 mm) in diameter and suspended 1” (25 mm) from the ceiling, must surround the chimney
connector in installations in which the chimney connector penetrates the ceiling. The chimney connector shield extends
only to 28” (710 mm) above the ﬂue collar.
2. The ceiling heat shield required when the chimney connector shields are used should meet the wall protector. This will
require trimming the ceiling shield along the line of intersection with the wall protector.
3. In top-exit installations, this clearance requires the use of a rear stove heat shield with the ﬂue collar insert installed.

142000956

Encore Woodburning Stove

Encore Clearance Diagrams
For use with either 6” or 8” ﬂue collar/chimney connector

Unprotected Surfaces
Stove Installed
Parallel to Wall

Protected Surfaces
Stove Installed
Parallel to Wall

Stove in Corner

Stove in Corner

Top Exit, No Heat Shields

C

B

A

C

F

E

D

F

Top Exit Installations, rear heat shield, and chimney connector heat shields or double-wall connector.

I

H

G

J

I

L

K

L

Rear Exit Installations, rear heat shields.

N

Q

N/A
M

N/A
P

ST628
Encore Clearance
Diagrams
02/01

2000956

15

Encore Woodburning Stove
Wall Shield Requirements for Common Installations

A
B

B

C

D

E

A = 30” (762 mm)
B = 48” (1219 mm)
C = 66” (1676 mm)
D = 36” (914 mm)
E = 1” (25 mm)

E

E

A

B

B

D

C

E

E

E

ST628

Fig. 22 Parallel installation, vertical chimney connector,
two wall shields. Reduced clearances for both rear and sidewalls. Wall shields may meet at corner if desired. Shielding forconnector is centered
ST629 behind connector.
Encorewall shield
02/01

ST629aFig. 23 Parallel installation, vertical chimney connector,
with stove, connector and wall shields. Maximum reduction
for both rear and side wall. Wall shields may meet at corner if
desired. A heat shield 24” (610 mm) in diameter suspended 1”(25 mm) below ST629a
the ceiling must surround the chimney.
Encorewall shield AA
02/01

A = 48” (1219 mm)
B = 36” (914 mm)
C = 1” (25 mm)
A

A

B
C

ST630

Fig. 24 Parallel installation with rear wall pass-through,two wall shields. Reduced clearances to both rear and sidewalls. Wall shieldsST630
may meet at corner if desired. Shielding forEncconnector is centeredbehind connector. Wall pass-throughWall shieldmust comply with Bcodes. (See “Special Installations”)
02/01

E

E

A
B

D

E

A
B

D

A = 29” (737 mm)
B = 45” (1143 mm)
C = 16” (406 mm)
D = 36” (914 mm)
E = 1” (25 mm)

ST631

Fig. 26 Corner installation, vertical chimney connector,
with rear, stove,ST631
connector and wall shields. Wall shields
EncoreMUST meet at corner.
Connector heat shield extends 28”
Wall shield(710 mm) above C02/01
ﬂue collar. A 24” (610 mm) diameter ceilingheat shield must surround the chimney and be suspended 1”(25 mm) from ceiling.

16

E

F

F
ST630aFig. 25 Parallel installation with rear wall pass-through withstove, connector and wall shields. Wall shields may meet atcorner if desired. Connector
shield extends 28” (710 mm) above
ST630aﬂue collar, or to theEncore
elbow whichever is less. Height “D” must be
Wall shield66” (1676 mm) or reachthe thimble. Pass-through must comply
BB
02/01
with codes. (See “Special
Installations”.)

E

A = 29” (737 mm)
B = 45” (1143 mm)
C = 16” (406 mm)
D = 36” (914 mm)
E = 1” (25 mm)

E

A

C

A
B

B

D

E

C

C

D

A = 30” (762 mm)
B = 23” (584 mm)
C = 44” (1118 mm)
D = 66” (1676 mm)
E = 36” (914 mm)
F = 1” (25 mm)

B

A

B

C

C

A = 30” (762 mm)
B = 44” (1118 mm)
C = 36” (914 mm)
D = 66” (1676 mm)
E = 1” (25 mm)

D

E

E

ST631aFig. 27 Corner installation, vertical chimney connector,
ST631atwo wall shields. Reduced
side clearances. Wall shields
EncoreMUST meet at corner.
Wall shield
CC
02/01

2000956

Encore Woodburning Stove
Distance from the Center of the Flue Collar to the Wall in Top-Exit Installations
The information on this page is helpful in planning stove placement for top-exiting installations, particularly those installations with chimneys that pass through the ceiling. However, this is not a clearance chart. Final stove clearances
must adhere to the guidelines stated in the clearance chart on Page 14.
Dimensions indicated are valid for installations with either 6” or 8” ﬂue collars.

Encore: WITHOUT Stove and Chimney Connector Heat Shields
Unprotected Surfaces

Protected Surfaces

Corner
Installations**

Parallel Installations

Corner
Installations**

Parallel Installations

Side (A)Rear (B)

Corner (C)Side (A)Rear (B)

Corner (C)37¹⁄₂”(953 mm)27³⁄₄”(705 mm)31”(787 mm)21¹⁄₂”(546 mm)11³⁄₄”(299 mm)15”(381 mm)

A

B

D

C

F

E

*

*

ST632

* This distance, from the center of the ﬂue collar to the front edge of the hearth, is the same for all installations on this page:35” in the United States and 37” (940mm) in Canada.

ST632
Encoreflue centerline
Encore: WITH Stove and Chimney
Connector Heat Shields
Diagrams
Unprotected Surfaces
Protected Surfaces
2/01

Corner
Installations**

Parallel Installations

Corner
Installations**

Parallel Installations

Side (A)Rear (B)

Corner (C)Side (A)Rear (B)

Corner (C)37¹⁄₂”(953 mm)15³⁄₄”(400 mm)

24”(610 mm)21¹⁄₂”(546 mm)

7³⁄₄”(197 mm)

14”(356 mm)

A

B

D

C

E

F

ST632a**To locate center of ﬂue collar for corner installation, add 7” (180mm) to the clearance distance from stove corner to wall. Markoff the resulting distance from the corner along both walls. Next, measure the same distance from these two points out from thewalls. These last two measurements will meet at a point representing the center of the ﬂue collar. Refer to the diagrams above.

2000956

ST632aEncoreflue centerline
Diagrams
02/01

17

Encore Woodburning Stove

Assembly
Adjust the Leg Levellers

Set Up Your Stove
Cast iron stoves are heavy, and it will take two to four
people to move your Encore into position.
Wipe the protective
coating of oil fromthe griddle with aclean dry rag or apaper towel.

Lift the stove slightly so there is no weight on the leg
while making the adjustment.

Reverse the Flue Collar (If Necessary)

Install the handle
on the griddle.
First, place thegriddle upside
ST516
down at the edge
Fig. 28 Attach the griddle handle.
of a ﬂat surface andassemble the handle as shown.
ST516
With the handle pointing 45° from its ﬁnal
position,
Attachtighten the nut as far as possible with griddle
the pliers.
Movehandlethe handle to its ﬁnal position while still
holdingthe
11/17/00 djt nut
with the pliers.

Reverse the ﬂue collar by removing the two (2) screws
that attach it to the back of the stove. Be sure the gasket around the ﬂue collar opening is in position when
you screw the collar back onto the stove.

Install the Optional Ash Door Heat Shield
1. Remove the two (2) Phillips pan head screws fromthe ash door.
2. Insert the screws through the ash door heat shield(from the painted side), place the 5/16” spacers overthe screws, and carefully thread them back into theoriginal holes. The curved lip should be upward,
under the ashlip of the stove.
3. Tighten securely.

Install the Optional Bottom Heat Shield
NOTE: The Bottom Heat Shield is required in most installations. Refer to Floor Protection, Page 9, for further
details. The bottom heat shield comes with the ash panheat shield.
1. Remove the four 10-24 x 1/2” hex head bolts fromthe corners of the ash drop on the stove bottom.
2. Screw the four (4) 1¹⁄₄" spacers into the holes fromwhich you removed the bolts, ﬁnger-tight.
3. Align the bottom heat shield against the spacers withthe stepped side toward the rear of the stove.
4. Secure the shield with the four (4) hex head bolts
removed from the stove bottom previously.
5. Tighten securely.

Spacers

ST634

Fig. 30 Use spacers and screws to position the ashdoor heatshield.

ST634 Air Thermostat Handle
Attach the Primary
EncoreThe primary airashdoor
thermostatshieldhandle is the smaller of thetwo black handles.
Securethehandle to the stub on
2/01
the right side of the stove with an 8-32 x 2” slot headmachine screw.

Attach the Damper Handle
Use the 1/4” -20 x 3” screw to attach the damper handle
to the damper stub on the left side.

Assemble the Removable Insert Handle

ST633

Fig. 29 Use four (4) spacers to attach the bottom heat shield.

18

ST633
EncoreBottom Heat Shield
2/01

The white removable insert handle opens and closes
the front doors. Remove after each use so it won’t get
hot. Store it in the handle holder installed behind theright front leg. Assemble the handle by passing the 3³⁄₈"
screw through the ceramic shaft and into the brightmetal nub. Tighten carefully until snug.

2000956

Encore Woodburning Stove

ST635

Fig. 31 Attach thermostat handle.

ST540

Fig. 32 Assemble the front door handle.

Operation

ST635
EncoreThe Encore
InstallControls
thermostat
handleTwo controls regulate the performance of the Encore: a
2/01 oxygen for the ﬁre, and a
primary air control supplies
damper directs air ﬂow within the stove to activate anddeactivate the catalytic combustor.

Symbols cast into the stove are reminders of the correct
directions for opening and closing the controls. The
symbols assume that you are facing the front of thestove.
Damper Handle

Griddle Handle
Door Handle
Air Control
Lever

Door Handle
Holder (Behind leg)

For the greatest air supply and maximum heat output(but the shortest ST540
burn time), move the lever toward thefront of the stove.Assembly
For a ﬁre that will last longer with lesshandleheat, move the levertoward the rear of the stove.
11/00
The Encore’s air control system also features anautomatic thermostat to ensure an even heat output
at whatever manual setting you select. The thermostat
senses the heating and cooling of the stove surface
and adjusts the air shutter accordingly.

Low Heat

High Heat

Ashdoor
HandleAndirons

ST637
ST636

Fig. 33 The Encore controls are conveniently located andeasy to operate.

ST633
A Single Air
Control Regulates
EncoreHeat Output
and Burn Time

controls
The primary air control
lever, located on the right sideof the stove, controls 2/01
the amount of incoming air for
starting, maintaining, and reviving a ﬁre.
More air entering the stove makes the ﬁre burn hotter
and faster, while less air prolongs the burn at a lower
heat level. High and low settings appear in Figure 34.

2000956

Fig. 34 The handle may be positioned anywhere between thetwo extremes for different heat levels.

A Damper Directs Air Flow
Within the Stove

ST637
encoreThe damper is open when
the handle points to theback of the stove, enabling smoke to pass directly into
Airmustcontrol
the chimney. The damper
be open when startingor reviving a ﬁre, and whenever the griddle or doors are
opened.
2/01
The damper handle on the left side of the stove opens
and closes the damper to direct air ﬂow within thestove.

19

Encore Woodburning Stove
The damper is closed when the handle points forward.
Smoke from the ﬁre is directed through the catalytic
combustion system where it can be further burned for
greater efﬁciency, before passing up the chimney.
When closing the damper, be sure to pull ﬁrmly
enough to snap it into the locked position.
Damper Positions

To open the front doors, insert the handle into the door
latch stub and turn it to the left and up. (Fig. 37)
To close them, always close the left door ﬁrst. Turn thehandle in the right door to the left and up (to the open
position) and close it. Finally, push on the door as you
turn the handle to the right and down. The doors willdraw in slightly, and the handle should offer some resistance as you turn it to the closed position.
To reduce the risk of breaking the glass, avoid striking
the glass or slamming the doors.

Open(Updraft Mode)

Clockwise to
OPEN
Closed(Catalytic Mode)

ST638

Fig. 35 The damper is either open or closed. There are nointermediate positions.

ST638
The Encore’s griddle lifts for convenient top-loading oflogs, and is the easiest way
to regularly add fuel.
EncoreHowever, the front doors open as well for adding an occasional log to a ﬁre. If equippedwith the control
8” (203 mm)
damperﬂue collar, the front doors may be opened (or even removed) and the optional 2/01
Encore spark screen placed in
Two Ways to Add Fuelthe opening for open-ﬁre viewing. The Encore is not
approved for operation with the front doors open if
equipped with the optional 6” (150 mm) ﬂue collar.
HandleQuadrants

Counterclockwise
to CLOSE

ST544

Fig. 37 To open the front doors, turn the handle clockwise.

When not using the door handle, store it in the holder
behind the right front leg of the stove. (Fig. 34)
WARNING: For safety and greatest efﬁciency,
operate your stove only with all doors/griddles fully
closed. The test standard for your stove when it isoperated in this mode is UL 1482.
The Encore may be used as a ﬁreplace with thefront doors open or removed, BUT only when it isequipped with an 8” (203 mm) ﬂue collar and only
when the optional spark screen is placed correctly
ST544
in the opening to protect against
the possibility of
sparks and embers leaving yourstove.
The test
door open
standard for your stove when it is operated in this
11/00
mode is UL 737.
Use only the Encore spark screen, item #0127, withyour Encore. Encore spark screens are available
from your Vermont Castings’ Dealer.

ST639

Fig. 36 the Encore’s hinged griddle makes it easy to top-load
wood.

20

ST639
Encoregriddle open

2000956

Encore Woodburning Stove
Infrared Reﬂective Glass Panels
for Clear Fire Viewing

A Surface Thermometer is a
Valuable Guide to Operation

The inner surfaces of the infrared reﬂective glass
panels are kept at a higher temperature than the outersurface. This design, along with a preheated ‘airwash,’makes clear ﬁre viewing possible at most levels of
operation.

An optional surface thermometer lets you know whento adjust the air control, when to refuel, and when yourcatalyst is operating properly.

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Andirons Help Protect the Glass

For example, when the thermometer registers at least
450°F (230°C) after start-up you know the stove is hot
enough to begin catalytic combustion and it may betime to close the damper. Note that the stove will warm
up much sooner than the chimney, though; a warm
chimney is the key to easy, effective stove operation.
Please review the draft management information on
Pages 25-27 to see how the size, type, and locationof your chimney will affect your stove operation. Whenthermometer readings drop below 350°F (175°C) it’stime to adjust the air control for a higher burn rate or
to reload the stove. A temperature reading over 750°F(385°C) is a sign to cut back on the air supply to slow
the burn rate.

Your stove has andirons to keep logs away from theglass panels. The andirons are essential to maintainclear ﬁreviewing, and should be left permanently inplace. Since the andirons may slightly hinder refuelingthrough the front doors, most stove owners will prefer
the convenience of top loading through the griddle.
ST523

Burn Only High-Quality Wood
The Encore is designed to burn natural wood only; do
not burn fuels other than that for which it was designed.
You’ll enjoy the best results when burning wood thathas been adequately air-dried. Avoid burning “green”
wood that has not been properly seasoned, or cordwood dried more than two years. Do not burn construction materials; they often contain chemicals andmetals that can damage the catalytic combustor. The
wood should be 18-20” (400-500mm) in length.
The best hardwood fuels include oak, maple, beech,
ash, and hickory that has been split, stacked, and airdried outside under cover for at least one year.
If hardwood is not available, you can burn softwoods
which include tamarack, yellow pine, white pine, Eastern red cedar, ﬁr, and redwood. These too should beproperly dried.
Store wood under cover to keep it dry. The longer it isstored, the better heating and ﬁreviewing performance
you will enjoy. Even for short-term storage, however,keep wood a safe distance from the heater and keep
it out of the areas around the heater used for refuelingand ash removal.

2000956

Fig. 38 Take temperature readings with the thermometer
located in the middle of the griddle.

Use the following temperature ranges as a guide tooperation:• Readings in the 350-500°F (175-260°C) range
indicate low to medium heat output.
• 500-600°F (260-315°C) readings indicate medium heat output.
• Readings of 600-750°F (315-400°C) indicate
high heat output. Operating your Encore continuously
at griddle temperatures of 750°F (385°C) or higher may
damage the cast iron or enamel ﬁnish.
Use the Air Control Settings
ST523
that Work Best for You

Intrepid
temp readings
11/00

No single air control setting will ﬁt every situation. Eachinstallation will differ depending on the quality of thefuel, the amount of heat desired, and how long you wish
the ﬁre to burn; outdoor air temperature and pressure
also affect draft.
The control setting also depends on your particularinstallation’s “draft,” or the force that moves air from thestove up through the chimney. Draft is affected by suchthings as the length, type, and location of the chimney,
local geography, nearby obstructions, and other factors.
Refer to Pages 25-27 for details on how the installation
affects performance.
21

Encore Woodburning Stove
Too much draft may cause excessive temperatures inthe Encore, and could even damage the combustor.
On the other hand, too little draft can cause backpufﬁng
into the room and/or the “plugging” of the chimney or
combustor.

wood heater in a manner inconsistent with operating
instructions in this manual, or if the catalytic combustor
is deactivated or removed. The components of the catalytic combustion system in your Encore work together toproduce optimum conditions for secondary combustion.

How do you know if your draft is excessively high or
low? Symptoms of too much draft include an uncontrollable burn or a glowing-red stove part. A sign of inadequate draft is smoke leaking into the room through thestove or chimney connector joints, low heat, and dirty
glass.

When the damper is closed, smoke travels throughthe catalytic element, which causes ignition of smoke
at temperatures of 500-600°F (260-315°C), half thetemperature normally required for unaided secondary
combustion.

In some newer homes that are well-insulated andweather-tight, poor draft may result from insufﬁcient air
in the house. In such instances, an open window near
the stove on the windward side of the house will provide
the fresh air needed.
Another option for getting more combustion air to thestove is to duct air directly from the outside to the stove.
In some areas provisions for outside combustion air are
required in all new construction.
Your Encore will accept a duct to deliver outside air for
combustion.
When ﬁrst using the stove, keep track of the air control
settings. You will quickly ﬁnd that a speciﬁc setting will
give you a ﬁxed amount of heat. It may take a week or
two to determine the amount of heat and the length ofburn you should expect from various settings.
Most installations do not require a large amount of
combustion air, especially if adequate draft is available.
Do not for any reason attempt to increase the ﬁringof your heater by altering the air control adjustment
range outlined in these directions.
Use the following air control settings as a starting point
to help determine the best settings for your installation.
Each is described as a fraction of the total distance thelever may be moved from right to left.

Encore Control Settings
Burn Rate

Primary Air Control

Low

From far right to 1/3
the distance to left

MediumFrom 1/3 to 2/3 the distanceto leftHigh

From 2/3 the distanceto left to far left

High-Efﬁciency Wood Burning with
Catalytic Combustion
An Encore leaves the factory with the combustor installed.
In the United States, it is against the law to operate this22

The catalytic element is a ceramic “honeycomb” coatedwith the catalytic material. The element is located in thesecondary combustion chamber, molded from a special
high-temperature insulating refractory material. The
chamber provides the correct environment necessary
for secondary combustion of the fuel (smoke).
Closing the damper exposes the smoke to the combustor. If the combustor is at least 600°F, it will begin toburn the smoke.
Closing the stove damper may also reduce the draft, so
to avoid putting out the ﬁre or deactivating the combustor, close the damper only when a ﬁre is well-established. When starting a ﬁre, wait until the ﬁre is wellestablished and there is an ember bed of at least 3-4”
(76-102 mm) before closing the damper.
Never kindle a ﬁre with colored paper or paper thathas colored ink or a glossy surface, and never burntreated wood, garbage, solvents, or trash. All of thesemay poison the catalyst and prevent it from operating
properly. Never burn cardboard or loose paper except
for kindling purposes. Never burn coal; doing so can
produce soot or large ﬂakes of char or ﬂy ash that cancoat the combustor and cause smoke to spill into theroom. Coal smoke also can poison the catalyst so that it
won’t operate properly.
In general, the ﬁre must be sufﬁciently well-establishedto ensure that catalytic activity is initiated. When ﬁrst
starting a ﬁre, a medium- to high- ﬁring rate must be
maintained until the stove, catalyst, and fuel are all
stabilized at the proper operating temperatures.
Even though it is possible for the ﬁre to get quite hot
within a few minutes after a ﬁre is started, the combustor may stop working or the ﬁre may go out if the ﬁreis allowed to die down immediately as a result of thedamper being closed. Once the combustor starts working, heat generated by burning the smoke will keep it
working.
To determine whether the combustor is operating, observe the amount of smoke leaving the chimney when
the damper is activated and when it is not. This procedure is described on Page 30.
Avoid using a full charge of very dry wood in the ﬁrebox. This may result in continuous very high temperatures in the secondary combustion area and damage
2000956

Encore Woodburning Stovethe combustor. Wood which has been split, and stored
under cover for more than 18 months may be considered very dry. Also, do not use a full load of dry slab
wood or scrap wood. For long burns, use a mix of dry
and moderately dry wood.

Conditioning Your Stove
Cast iron is extremely strong, but it can be broken witha sharp blow from a hammer or from the thermal shockof rapid and extreme temperature change.
The cast plates expand and contract with changes intemperature. When you ﬁrst begin using your Encore,minimize thermal stress by allowing the plates to adjust
gradually during three or four initial break-in ﬁres following Steps 1-3 below.

ST265

Fig. 40 Add larger pieces of wood as the ﬁre begins to burnwell.

Burn only solid wood in the Encore, and burn it directlyon the grate. Do not elevate the fuel. Do not burn coalor other fuels.

diameter splits. If this is one of the ﬁrst few “breakin” ﬁres, let the ﬁre burn brightly, and then let it die
out.
ST264
During the break-in ﬁres, do not let the stove get hotter
good fire
than 500°F (260°C) as measured on an optional stove12/99 the air control lever as necestop thermometer. Adjust
sary to control the ﬁre.

The damper must be open when starting a ﬁre orwhen refueling.

Some odor from the stove’s hot metal, the paint, andthe cement is normal for the ﬁrst few ﬁres.

Do not use chemicals or ﬂuids to start the ﬁre. Do
not burn garbage or ﬂammable ﬂuids such as gasoline, naptha, or engine oil.

NOTE: Some chimneys need to be “primed,” orwarmed up, before they will draw sufﬁciently to starta ﬁre. To correct this situation, roll up a couple piecesof newspaper, place them on top of the kindling andtoward the back of the stove, light them, and closethe doors. This will encourage smoke to rise rapidly,
encouraging a good draft.

Starting and Maintaining a Wood Fire

1. Open the stove damper, and open the primary aircontrol fully.
2. Place several sheets of crumpled newspaper in thestove. DO NOT use glossy advertisements or colored paper, as they can poison the catalyst. Placeon the paper six or eight pieces of dry kindling split
to a ﬁnger-width size, and on the kindling lay two or
three larger sticks of split dry wood approximately
1-2” (25-51 mm) in diameter.

Once the draft is established, open the front door andlight the rest of the fuel from the bottom. Do not lightthe main bed of fuel until the chimney begins drawing,
and repeat the procedure as often as necessary if theinitial attempt is unsuccessful.
4. If your Encore has been broken-in previously using
Steps 1-3, continue to build the ﬁre gradually. Addlarger wood with a diameter of 3-4” (76-102 mm).
Continue adding split logs of this size to the brisklyburning ﬁre until there is a glowing ember bed atleast 3” (76mm) deep. A good ember bed is neces-

ST263

Fig. 39 Start ﬁre with newspaper and dry kindling.

Never use gasoline-type lantern fuel, kerosene, charcoal lighter ﬂuid, or similar liquids to start or “freshen
up” a ﬁre. Keep ST263
all such liquids well away from theEncore while it isstartingin use. a fire

3. Light the newspaper
12/99 and close the door. Graduallybuild up the ﬁre by adding a few 3-5” (76-127 mm)

ST264aFig. 41 Add full-size logs when the kindling has burned down
to a bed of embers.

2000956

23

ST264aadd wood fire

Encore Woodburning Stovesary for proper functioning of the catalytic system
and may take an hour or more to establish.
5. Close the damper when the griddle temperaturereaches 450°F (230°C).
6. Adjust the air control for your desired heat output.
NOTE: Stove installations vary, and the operating
guidance given here is only a starting point. The draft
management information on Page 25 will explain indetail how the features of your installation may help orhinder good draft.

Refuel While the Embers Are Still Hot

CAUTION: The Encore will be hot while in operation. Keep children, clothing and furniture away.
Contact may cause skin burns.

Ash Disposal
You should remove ash before it reaches the top of theash pan. Check the level at least once a day. Every few
days, clear any ash from the outer edges of the ﬁrebox.
Most of the ash will fall through the grate. Slice or stir
the ash with a shovel or poker so that it falls through thegrate slots.

When reloading, best results will be achieved if you ﬁrst
de-ash the stove by stirring the fuel bed to allow ash to
fall through the grate into the ash pan.
Do not break the charcoal into very small pieces orpound or compress the charcoal bed.

Open

It is important that air can circulate through the charcoal
bed during the burn. Larger pieces of charcoal allow
more air to circulate under the wood, resulting in theﬁre reviving more quickly.
For best results when refueling, wear stove gloves toprotect your hands, add fuel while the stove still has
plenty of glowing embers to re-kindle the ﬁre, andinclude some smaller pieces of wood in the new fuelload to help the stove regain its operating temperature
quickly. Use this sequence as a guide to successfulrefueling:
1. Open the damper.
2. De-ash the stove as described above. Open thefront doors and check the level of ash in the ash
pan. Empty the pan if necessary and replace it in thestove. Close the front doors.
3. Open the griddle, load the wood (smaller piecesﬁrst), and close the griddle.
4. Close the damper.
5. When the surface temperature reaches 450°F(230°C), adjust the air control for the amount of heat
you desire.
NOTE: If the remaining charcoal bed is relatively thickand if your fuel is well seasoned, it is possible to add
fresh fuel (smaller pieces ﬁrst), close the door anddamper, and reset the primary air thermostat for thedesired heat output.

Close
ST545

Fig. 42 Turn the handle to the ash pan compartment clockwise to open and counterclockwise to close.

IMPORTANT: Check the level of ash in the ash pan
ST545
before reloading the stove. If the ash level is close to
the top edge ashdoorof the pan, empty the pan according to thisprocedure: 11/00• Open the damper.
• Open the griddle or front doors, and use a shovel or••

poker to stir excess ash through the ash slots in thegrate down into the ash pan.
Close the griddle or doors, and unlatch the ash door.
It will pivot, swinging the ash pan out of the stove.
Slide the cover onto the pan, making sure it is securely closed. (Fig. 43)

WARNING: Operate your Encore only with thedoors either fully open or fully closed.
DO NOT OVERFIRE THIS HEATER. Overﬁring may
cause a house ﬁre, or can result in permanent damage to the stove and to the catalytic combustor. If
any part of the Encore glows, you are overﬁring.

ST566

Fig. 43 Be sure the cover is securely attached before removing the ash pan.

24

ST566
RemoveAshpan2000956

Encore Woodburning Stove• Remove the ash pan, making sure to keep it level.
• To keep the cover from sliding off and to keep ash•••

from falling on the ﬂoor, do not tilt the ash pan forward.
If the stove is in operation, close the ash door while
disposing of the ash.
Properly dispose of the ash in a metal container witha tight-ﬁtting lid. Store the container outdoors awayfrom all combustible material.
Return the ash pan to its original position in thestove, and close and latch the ash door.
Do not operate the stove with the ash door open.
This will result in over-ﬁring, and could cause damage to the stove, void the warranty, or even lead to ahouse ﬁre.

Empty the ash pan regularly, typically every one tothree days. The frequency will vary depending on how
you operate your Encore: ash will accumulate faster athigher heat outputs.
Remove ash frequently and place it outdoors in a
metal container with a tight-ﬁtting lid. Place the closed
container of ash on a noncombustible ﬂoor or on the
ground, well away from all combustible materials, pending ﬁnal disposal. If the ash is disposed of by burial insoil or otherwise locally dispersed, it should be kept in
the closed container until all cinders have thoroughlycooled.
You can use wood ash as a garden fertilizer.
CAUTION: Never use your household or shop vacuum
cleaner to remove ash from the stove; always remove
and dispose of the ash properly.

Draft Management
A stove is part of a system, which includes the chimney,the operator, the fuel, and the home. The other parts ofthe system will affect how well the stove works. When
there is a good match between all the parts, the system
works well.
Wood stove or insert operation depends on natural(unforced) draft. Natural draft occurs when the smoke
is hotter (and therefore lighter) than the outdoor air at
the top of the chimney. The bigger the temperature
difference, the stronger the draft. As the smoke rises
from the chimney it provides suction or ‘draw’ that pulls
air into the stove for combustion. A slow, lazy ﬁre withthe stove’s air inlets fully open indicates a weak draft.
A brisk ﬁre, supported only by air entering the stove
through the normal inlets, indicates a good draft. The
stove’s air inlets are passive; they regulate how much
air can enter the stove, but they don’t move air into it.
Depending on the features of your installation - steel ormasonry chimney, inside or outside the house, matchedto the stove’s outlet or oversized - your system may
warm up quickly, or it may take a while to warm up andoperate well. With an ‘airtight’ stove or insert, one which
restricts the amount of air getting into the ﬁrebox, thechimney must keep the smoke warm all the way to the
outdoors. Some chimneys do this better than others.
Here’s a list of features and their effects.

Masonry Chimney
Masonry is a traditional material for chimneys, but it
can perform poorly when it serves an ‘airtight’ stove.
Masonry is a very effective ‘heat sink’ - it absorbs a lotof heat. It can cool the smoke enough to diminish draft.
The bigger the chimney, the longer it takes to warm up.
It’s often very difﬁcult to warm up an outdoor masonrychimney, especially an oversized one, and keep it warm
enough to maintain an adequate draft.
2000956

Steel Chimney
Most factory-made steel chimneys have a layer of
insulation around the inner ﬂue. This insulation keeps
the smoke warm. The insulation is less dense than masonry, so a steel chimney warms up more quickly thana masonry chimney. Steel doesn’t have the good looksof masonry, but it performs much better.

Indoor / Outdoor location
Because the chimney must keep the smoke warm, it’sbest to locate it inside the house. This uses the houseas insulation for the ﬂue and allows some heat release
into the home. An indoor chimney won’t lose its heatto the outdoors, so it takes less heat from the stove toheat it up and keep it warm.

Flue Sizing
The inside size of a chimney for an ‘airtight’ stoveshould match the size of the stove’s ﬂue outlet. Whena chimney serves an airtight, more is not better; in fact,
it can be a disadvantage. Hot gases lose heat throughexpansion; if we vent a stove with a six-inch ﬂue collar(28 square inch area) into a 10 x 10” ﬂue, the gases
expand to over three times their original size. This cools
the gases, which weakens draft strength. If an oversized ﬂue is also outside the house, the heat it absorbs
gets transferred to the outdoor air and the ﬂue usually
stays cool.
It’s common for a masonry ﬂue, especially one serving
a ﬁreplace, to be oversized for the stove. It can takequite a while to warm up such a ﬂue, and the results
can be disappointing. The best solution to an oversized
ﬂue is an insulated steel chimney liner, the same diameter as the stove or insert’s ﬂue outlet; the liner keeps
the smoke warm, and the result is a stronger draft. An
25

Encore Woodburning Stove
uninsulated liner is a second choice - the liner keeps
the smoke restricted to its original size, but the smoke
still must warm up the air around the liner. This makes
the warm-up process take longer.

Pipe & Chimney Layout
Every turn the smoke must take as it travels to thechimney top will slow it down. The ideal pipe and chimney layout is straight up from the stove, to a completely
straight chimney. If you’re starting from scratch, use thislayout if possible. If the stovepipe must elbow to enter achimney, locate the thimble about midway between thestove top and the ceiling. This achieves several goals:
it lets the smoke speed up before it must turn, it leaves
some pipe in the room for heat transfer, and it gives you
long-term ﬂexibility for installing a different stove without
relocating the thimble.
There should be no more than 8’ (2.4m) of single-wallstove pipe between the stove and a chimney; longer
runs can cool the smoke enough to cause draft andcreosote problems. Use double-wall stove pipe for longruns.

Single venting
Each ‘airtight’ stove requires its own ﬂue. If an airtightstove is vented to a ﬂue that also serves an open ﬁreplace, or a leakier stove, it’s easier for the chimney draftto pull air in through those channels than it is to pull air
through the airtight, and performance suffers. Imagine
a vacuum cleaner with a hole in the hose to see the effect here. In some cases the other appliance can evencause a negative draft through the airtight, and result ina dangerous draft reversal.

Creosote
Creosote is a by-product of slow wood-burning. It’s anorganic tar that can condense in the ﬂue if it’s densein the smoke, and slow-moving, and cools off to lessthan 290°F. Condensed creosote is volatile, and cangenerate chimney ﬁres if it gets hot enough. All thefeatures that affect chimney draft also affect creosote
condensation - so use whatever combination of installation features and operational steps will encourage gooddraft and minimize creosote production.
Because letting the smoke cool off and slow down is
one of the keys to creosote production, it makes sense
to line a chimney to match the stove’s outlet size, forsafety reasons as well as performance. Canadian law
requires a matching liner to serve any stove or insert
vented through a ﬁreplace chimney; in the US, theNational Fire Protection Association recommends one if
the ﬂue is more than three times bigger (in square area)
than the outlet on the stove or insert. Some localities
enforce the NFPA guidelines as part of their building
codes.
26

Fuel
Even the best stove installation will not perform wellwith poor fuel. The best fuel is hardwood that has airdried 12-18 months. Softwood burns, but not as long as
hardwood. Fairly ‘green’ wood has a good amount ofmoisture in it; it will burn, but some of the heat potential
is used to drive the remaining moisture off the wood.
This reduces the amount that reaches your home andcan contribute to a creosote problem. There are moisture meters available for ﬁrewood; you can also judge
your wood by its appearance and weight. If you get it
green, lift a piece and get a sense of its weight; it canlose a third or more of its weight as it dries. Also look at
the ends of a log; as it dries it shrinks and often cracks.
The more weathered and cracked a piece is, the drier
it is.
Dry wood burns readily with a good chimney draft. But
with modern stoves, especially catalytic ones, the wood
can be too dry. While extra-dry wood has little creosote
in it, the remainder can ‘gas out’ from the wood quickly
and densely enough to overload the catalytic burner.
If you hear a rumbling or roaring noise, like a propane
torch, from the stove, that is a sign the catalyst is seriously overﬁring. The catalyst is a platinum ﬁlm on aceramic base; the metal can get to higher temperatures
than the ceramic can take, and overﬁring the catalyst
can break it. Dry wood can also burn out faster than
you want. If your dry wood burns out too quickly oroverloads the catalyst you can mix in greener wood toslow the ﬁre down.

Back-pufﬁng
Back-pufﬁng results when the ﬁre produces volatilegases faster than the chimney draft pulls them out of
the ﬁrebox. The gases back up in the ﬁrebox till they’redense enough and hot enough to ignite. If your stoveback-puffs, you should open the damper to let thesmoke rise to the ﬂue more quickly, let more air into theﬁrebox, and avoid big loads of ﬁrewood. You should
always see lively, dancing ﬂames in the ﬁrebox; a lazy,
smoky ﬁre is inefﬁcient, can lead to back-pufﬁng, andcan contribute to creosote buildup in the chimney.

Draft TestingAn easy way to test your chimney draft is to close thestove’s damper, wait a few minutes to let the airﬂow
stabilize, then see whether you can vary the strengthof the ﬁre by swinging the air control open and closed.
Results are not always instant; you may need to waita few minutes for a change in the air control setting tohave an effect on the ﬁre. If there’s no change, then thedraft isn’t strong enough yet to let you close the damper,and you’ll need to open it for a while longer and manage
the ﬁre with the air inlet until the draft strengthens. If you
2000956

Encore Woodburning Stove
keep track of your burning habits and relate them to theireffects on the stove’s operation, you’ll be rewarded withgood performance and a safe system.

Negative Pressure
Good draft also depends on a supply of air to the stove;a chimney can’t pull in more air than is available to it.
Sluggish draft results when a house is tight enough toprevent the ready ﬂow of air to the stove, or by competition between the stove and other equipment that sends
indoor air outside - especially power-driven equipment
like range hoods, clothes dryers, etc. If the chimneydraws well with all other equipment turned off (orsealed, in the case of ﬁreplaces and/or other stoves),
then you simply need to be careful with timing the useof the other gear. If you need to crack a nearby windowor door to enable the chimney to pull well, that’s a signthat you should install an outside-air intake to bring
combustion air directly to the stove. For most of our
stoves we carry adapters to attach to the stove to connect an air duct for outdoor combustion air.

Conclusion
Wood-burning is an art rather than a science. Once thestove and chimney system are in place, you can only
vary your technique, mostly your timing, to achieve
good results. If you keep track of your burning habits
and relate them to their effects on the stove’s operation,
you’ll be rewarded with good performance and a safe
system.

Maintenance
Keep Your Stove Looking New
and Working Its BestLet the ﬁre in the stove go out and allow the stove tocool completely before beginning any maintenanceprocedure.

Cleaning the Glass
Most of the carbon deposits on the glass will burn off
during hot ﬁres.

Care of the Cast Iron Surface

However, the ash residue that accumulates on theglass surface should be removed regularly to prevent
etching. To clean the glass, follow this procedure:

An occasional dusting with a dry rag will keep the painted
cast iron of your Encore looking new.

• Be sure the glass is completely cool.
• Clean the glass with water or a cleaner made espe-

The stove’s paint can be touched up as needed. First,
mask the areas, such as enamelled parts, glass, or
handles, around the spot to be painted. Clean the spotwith a wire brush. Remove the griddle and set it aside.

cially for this purpose. Do not use abrasive cleaners.
Rinse the glass thoroughly.
Dry the glass completely.

Then, touch up the stove with Vermont Castings’ hightemperature stove paint. Apply the paint sparingly; twolight coats of paint are better than a single heavy one.

Care of the Porcelain Enamel Surface
Use a dry or slightly damp rag or soft brush to remove
spills or stains. For difﬁcult jobs that require a cleaning
agent, use only a kitchen appliance cleaner or polish
recommended for use on enamel surfaces.

••

Replace Broken Glass Immediately
Do not operate your stove if the glass in the doors isdamaged.
If you need to replace the glass, use only the high temperature ceramic glass supplied by Vermont Castings.
Do not use substitutes. Be sure to specify left or rightglass; the panels are not interchangeable.

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2000956

27

Encore Woodburning Stove
Removing the Glass
The left door is slightly different from the right in that
one of its retainer clips is located under the door manifold.
1. Remove the right and left door assemblies by raising
the door until the lower hinge pin clears its drilling;
then, angle the door bottom slightly outward andpull down to release the upper hinge pin. Place thedoors face down on a padded work surface.
2. Remove the screws that hold the retainer clips inplace, and remove the clips. On the right door, remove the Phillips head machine screw that securesthe door manifold to the upper right of the door (as it
faces you). Swing the door manifold out of your way
and remove the clip beneath it as well.
3. Carefully lift the broken glass panel from the door.

Installing the Glass
Check the gasket around the window; it should be softand resilient so the glass will seal properly against thedoor. Replace the gasket if it has hardened or if it iscompressed.
1. Center the ﬁrst pane of glass on the gasket. Be sure
to place the glass so the infrared reﬂective coating ison the exterior side.
GasketRetainer Clips (4)Glass Panel

Check the Operationof the Primary Air Shutter
The primary air shutter is located at the back of the ash
drop and is visible from the back of the stove. (Fig. 45)
The shutter must open and close freely when you movethe thermostat lever. If it does not, remove any obstruction. If you need assistance, consult your local Vermont
Castings Authorized Dealer.
Do not change the adjustment of the cable in an attempt to gain increased ﬁring. The air shutter controls
how much air can enter the stove, but chimney draftis the force that pulls air into the stove. If changing thethermostat handle position does not lead to changes inthe ﬁre’s intensity, it is probably due to weak chimney
draft (in the case of a weak ﬁre you can’t increase) oran air leak in the stove (in the case of a ﬁre you can’t
decrease).

Manifold

ST640

Fig. 44 An exploded view of the glass assembly for the leftdoor.

2. Secure the glass on bothST640
doors with the retainer
clips except the one that belongs under the manifold
Encoreof the right door, but leave
the screws a little loose.
door
glass
Position the remaining clip under
the right door
manifold, and swing the 3/01
manifold back into positionon the door. Make sure the screw passing throughthe end of the manifold nearest the center of thedoor also passes through the retainer clip.

28

3. Replace the doors on the stove. Remove the griddle
so you can reach in through the opening to position the manifold. Move the door manifold as highas possible without actually touching the upper air
manifold, and as far toward the center of the stove
as possible without hitting the door manifold on theother door. Tighten all screws.
4. Open and close the doors to check that the door
manifold does not interfere with either of the othermanifolds. Adjust as necessary.

Primary Air
Shutter

ST641

Fig. 45 The primary air shutter must move freely.

Adjust the Damper as Needed

ST641
The tension on the
Encore’s damper is adjustable tocompensate for compression
Encore of the gasket that seals
the damper to the upper ﬁreback. To adjust the damper:
air shutter
1. Remove the griddle. Loosen the lock nut at the cen3/01
ter of the damper.

2000956

Encore Woodburning Stove
2. Turn the pressure screw approximately one half turnclockwise.
3. Tighten the lock nut. Keep the pressure screw fromturning as you tighten the nut. Re-test the damper.

Pawl
Small
Locking Nut
Striker Screw

Lock Nut
DamperPressure Adjusting Screw

Large Locking Nut

Set Screw
Handle Stub
ST642

Fig. 46 Adjusting the damper.

Tighten the Damper Handle as Needed
A handle on the left side of the stove controls thedamper. The handle
attaches to the damper rod with a
ST642
set screw. Periodically check the set screw and tighten
Encoreas necessary.

damper adjust
3/01

How to Adjust the Door Latches
The Encore’s front doors, as well as its ash pan door,
should close securely to prevent accidental opening and to keep air from leaking into the stove. On
adequately adjusted doors, the handles should resist
slightly as they are turned to the closed position and thedoors themselves should be drawn slightly toward thestove.
Over time, the gasket around the doors will compress
and the latch may need adjustment.
To adjust the handle on the front doors, open thedoor on which the handle is mounted and rotate thehandle one full turn counterclockwise. Since this handle
is threaded into the front door, a complete revolution will
adjust it enough so the doors close securely.
To adjust the latch on the ash pan door, loosen thesmall lock nut, rotate the striker screw a half-turn, andre-tighten the small lock. Hold the striker screw to keep
it from turning as you tighten the lock nut. Make repeated small adjustments until the setting is right.

The Catalytic Element
Inspection and CleaningThis wood heater contains a catalytic combustor, whichneeds periodic inspection and replacement for proper
operation. In the United States it is against the law tooperate this wood heater in a manner inconsistent withthe operating instructions in this manual, or if the catalytic element is deactivated or removed.
2000956

ST531

Fig. 47 Turn the door latch striker screw in or out to tighten orloosen the door latch.
ST531

Under normal operating conditions,the catalytic comDoor Pawl
bustor should remain active for two to six years (de11/00
pending on the amount of wood burned). However, it
is important to monitor the combustor periodically toensure that it is functioning properly, as well as to determine when it needs to be replaced. A non-functioning
combustor will result in a loss of heating efﬁciency, andan increase in creosote and emissions.
Inspect the combustor “in place” for ﬂy ash accumulation and physical damage three times per year. Do notremove the combustor unless a more detailed inspection is warranted because of diminished performanceas outlined below.
The refractory package that houses the catalytic combustor should be inspected annually for a buildup of ﬂy
ash and cleaned if necessary. This may be done when
you examine the combustor.

When to Suspect a Combustor Problem
The best way to evaluate the performance of your
Encore’s combustor is to observe the amount of smoke
leaving the chimney — both when the combustor has
achieved “light-off” and when it has not. Follow thesesteps:• With a ﬁre going and the combustor properly activated, with the damper closed to route smoke throughit as described in the Operation Section, go outside andobserve the smoke leaving the chimney.
• Then, open the stove damper and once again
check the smoke leaving the chimney. Signiﬁcantly
more smoke should be seen when the stove damper isopen and exhaust does not pass through the combustor. Be careful not to confuse smoke with steam fromwet wood, however. Steam dissipates in the air quickly;
smoke does not.

29

Encore Woodburning Stove
If this test indicates a problem, consider other possible
factors as well, such as the time of year or a change inthe quality of your fuel. In spring and fall, draft is weaker
than it is in colder winter weather, and ﬁres can burnsluggishly. Small, hot ﬁres are a good solution underthese conditions.

Refractory Access CoverRight Wedge

Left Wedge

Burning “green” (insufﬁciently seasoned) wood will result in poorer performance than when burning properly
seasoned fuel. You may have to run your stove hotter(more air) to achieve good performance with green or
wet wood.
Also, consider any changes in your operating routine.
Once you have ruled out any other possible causes fora decline in performance, you may inspect the combustor.

Inspecting the Combustor
1. Release the hood from the ﬁreback by swinging thehood upward and then sliding it to either side. (Fig.
48)

ST644

Fig. 49 Release the lower ﬁreback by tapping out two
wedges.
ST644

EncorereleaseFireback
lower fireback
3/01

Hood

ST645

Fig. 50 Remove the lower ﬁreback through the front door
opening.

Fireback

ST643

Fig. 48 Release the hood by lifting its bottom edge and sliding to one side.

2. Using a ﬂashlight, and a mirror if necessary, examine the combustor. If no ﬂy ash or damage is visible,
the inspection is ST643
complete and you may replace thehood. If further examination
Encore or cleaning is necessary,
go to Step 3.
catalyst hood
3. Release the ﬁreback by prying the left and rightwedges upward. remove(Fig. 49)
3/01
4. Swing the ﬁreback
forward and up to remove it fromthe stove. (Fig. 50)
5. Remove the catalytic combustor’s refractory accesscover, then remove the combustor.
6. Check the combustor’s honeycomb-like element
for a buildup of ﬂy ash. If any is evident, take the
combustor outside and clean it by blowing air gently
through it.
7. Inspect the element for damage or degradation.
Although small hairline cracks will not affect performance, the element should be essentially intact.
If the element is broken in pieces or has sections
30

missing, it should be replaced. Call your local Vermont Castings’
Authorized Dealer for a replacement
ST645
element.
EncoreWhile the catalytic element is removed, check theremove fireback
condition of the secondary air probe. Use an inspection
3/01
mirror to locate theprobe within the combustion chamber. The probe should extend 1” to 1¹⁄₂” (25-38mm) into
the chamber and show no signs of deterioration, suchas warping, corrosion, or short length. (Fig. 51) A damaged secondary air probe can affect catalytic performance. If the probe needs replacement, contact yourlocal dealer.

1"

ST559

Fig. 51 Use an inspection mirror to check the reﬂected viewof the secondary probe.
ST559
Secondary
Probe inspection
11/00

2000956

Encore Woodburning Stove
8. If the element is in good condition and clean, re-install it in the stove and replace the refractory accesscover.
9. Replace the ﬁreback, install the two wedges, andreplace the cast iron hood.
10. Clean the chimney and chimney connector.
Operate the stove in your typical manner for two weeks,
inspecting the chimney and the chimney connector
frequently during this period.

The procedure for replacing gaskets is the same regardless of the gasket location. Follow these steps:
1. Remove the existing gasket by grasping an end andpulling ﬁrmly.
2. Use a wire brush or the tip of a screwdriver to clean
the channel of any remaining cement or bits of gasket.
(Fig. 54) Remove stubborn deposits of cement with acold chisel if necessary.

If creosote is not building up as fast, it is likely theperformance change was caused by ﬂy ash deposits
on the catalytic element. However, continue the inspections of the chimney system for a few weeks to ensure
proper performance continues.
If you continue to ﬁnd a signiﬁcant creosote buildup or if
you continue to see excessive smoke from the chimney,the catalytic element will need to be replaced. Contact
your nearest Vermont Castings’ Authorized Dealer for
information about a replacement element.
NOTE: Use only the replacement catalyst supplied by a
Vermont Castings dealer.

Replace the Stove Gaskets as NeededYour Encore uses rope-type ﬁberglass gaskets to makea tight seal between some parts. With use, particularlyon those parts that move, gaskets can become brittle
and compressed and can begin to lose their effectiveness. These will need periodic replacement.
All of the gaskets are made of ﬁberglass. The sizes of
replaceable gasket are listed below, along with theirapplications.
Gasket Diameter
5/16”
3/8”
3/16”
5/16”

...And the Parts it Seals
The griddle to the stove top(wire reinforced gasket)
The ash door to the front of
the ash drop
The outer glass panes to thedoors
The damper to theupper ﬁreback; the front doors
to the stove front; and thedoors to each other.

If you need to change a gasket, ﬁrst obtain an appropriate replacement from your Vermont Castings’ Authorized Dealer.
Wait until the ﬁre is out and the stove has cooled. Be
sure to follow the standard safety procedure for working
with dusty materials: Wear safety goggles and a dust
mask.

2000956

ST560

Fig. 52 Remove gasket thenclean channel with wire brush.
ST559

3. Determine the correctRemove
length of the appropriategasket
sized gasket by laying it out
in the channel. Allow an
11/30/00 djt
extra 1-2” (25-50 mm), and mark the spot to be cut.
(Fig. 53)

4. Remove the gasket from the channel, place it on awood cutting surface, and cut it at the marked spot witha utility knife. Twist the ends slightly to keep the gasket
from unraveling.
5. Lay an unbroken 1/8” (3mm) bead of gasket cementin the newly-cleaned channel.
6. Starting at one end, press the gasket into the channel. (Fig. 53) Ensure a good joint where the gasket
meets before trimming any excess. Do not overlap thegasket ends or leave ends with ragged edges.

etask
ve G ent
Sto Cem

ST561

Fig. 53 Lay a bead of gasket cement then press gasket inplace.

7. Press the gasketedST559
part ﬁrmly against its normal
mating surface to seat Remove
the gasket evenly in its channel.
gasketClose and latch the door
to do this, or tap other parts
11/30/00 djt
with the rubber mallet (orhammer/block of wood).

31

Encore Woodburning Stove
8. Clean any excess cement from around the channel, then let the cement that holds the new gasket dry
thoroughly.

Adjust the Door If Necessary
The stove’s door(s) may need adjustment after you
have regasketed it. Initially, it may require loosening toaccommodate the new gasket; after a few weeks, it
may need tightening to compensate for compression of
the new gasket. The directions for adjusting the doors
are on Page 29-30.

Permanent Encore Gaskets
Other gaskets form seals between non-moving parts,
but these are not subject to the same wear and deterioration as gaskets on moving parts. It is unlikely thatyou will ever need to replace these gaskets unless theinvolved parts are disassembled and then put back
together. If this is the case, the job should be done only
by a qualiﬁed service technician.
5/16” diameter gasket seals the following parts:•The ﬂue collar to the stove back•The lower ﬁreback to the sides

The Chimney System
Creosote
Your Encore is designed to reduce creosote build-up
signiﬁcantly. However, regular chimney inspection andmaintenance must still be performed. For safety, goodstove performance, and to protect your chimney andchimney connector, inspect your chimney and chimney
connector on a regular schedule. Clean the system ifnecessary. Failure to keep the chimney and connector
system clean can result in a serious chimney ﬁre.
When wood is burned slowly, it produces tar, organic
vapors and moisture that combine to form creosote.
The creosote vapors condense in the relatively coolchimney ﬂue of a slow-burning ﬁre. As a result, creosote residue accumulates on the ﬂue lining. When ignited, this creosote makes an extremely hot ﬁre within the
ﬂue system that can damage the chimney and overheat
adjacent combustible material. If a signiﬁcant layer ofcreosote has accumulated —1/8” (3mm) or more — itshould be removed to reduce the risk of a chimney ﬁre.
If you do experience a chimney ﬁre, act promptly
to:• Close the damper and thermostat lever.
• Get everyone out of the house.
• Call the Fire Department.

32

You should inspect the system every two weeks during
the heating season as part of a regular maintenanceschedule. To inspect the chimney, let the stove coolcompletely. Then, using a strong light, sight up throughthe ﬂue collar into the chimney ﬂue. If it is not possible
to inspect the ﬂue system in this fashion, the stove must
be disconnected to provide better viewing access.
Clean the chimney using a brush the same size andshape as the ﬂue liner. Flexible ﬁberglass rods are used
to run the brush up and down the liner, causing any
deposits to fall to the bottom of the chimney where they
can be removed through the clean-out door.
Clean the chimney connector by disconnecting the sections, taking them outside, and removing any deposits
with a stiff wire brush. Reinstall the connector sections
after cleaning, being sure to secure the joints between
individual sections with sheet metal screws.
If you cannot inspect or clean the chimney yourself,contact your local Vermont Castings’ Dealer or a professional chimney sweep.

Annual MaintenanceEvery Spring, at the end of the heating season, perform
a thorough cleaning, inspection and repair:• Thoroughly clean the chimney and chimney connector.
• Inspect the chimney for damage and deterioration.
Replace weak sections of prefabricated chimney.
Have a mason make repairs to a masonry chimney.
• Inspect the chimney connector and replace any
damaged sections.
• Check gasketing for wear or compression, and replace if necessary.
• Inspect and clean the catalytic element, and vacuum
out the ash at the bottom of the back plate after removing the lower ﬁreback. Lightly clean the refractory assembly that houses the element but be careful
not to damage the refractory material, which is veryfragile.
• Check door and damper handles for tightness. Adjust if needed.
• Check heat shield screws. Tighten as necessary.
• Clean dust from the inner sides of bottom, rear andconnector heat shields.
• Remove ashes from the ash pan and replace withmoisture absorbing material (such as cat litter) to
keep the stove interior dry.
• Touch up the paint on black stoves.

2000956

Encore Woodburning Stove

Appendix: Catalytic Combustor
In any chemical reaction, including the combustion
process, there are certain conditions which must be
met before the reaction can take place. For example, areaction may require a certain temperature, or a certain
concentration of the reactants (the combustion gases
and oxygen), or a certain amount of time. Catalysts,
though not changed themselves during the reaction,
have the ability to act at a molecular level to changethese requirements. In the Encore’s secondary combustion chamber the catalyst reduces the temperature
at which secondary combustion can start from the 1000
- 1200°F (540 - 650°C) range to the 500 - 600°F (260
- 315°C) range, increasing efﬁciency, and reducing
creosote and emissions.
The catalytic reaction does have some limitations of its
own. Primary among these is that the reactants (thegases) come into close physical contact with the catalyst itself.
To ensure the necessary contact, the catalytic element
in your Encore is composed of a ceramic base in the
shape of a honeycomb. Each of the honeycomb’s many
surfaces carries a coating of the catalyst (usually anoble metal such as platinum or palladium). The large
surface area exposed in this form ensures that the combustion gases have the greatest opportunity to come incontact with the catalyst.
Loss of catalytic activity will be apparent in several
ways. First you may notice an increase in fuel consumption. Second, there will be a visible increase in therate at which creosote builds up in your chimney connector system. You may also notice a heavy dischargeof smoke from the chimney. There are a number ofcatalytic problems which can cause loss of activity:

Blockage
While the honeycomb pattern ensures good contact, italso increases the resistance to ﬂow of the combustion
gases, and, because of the many surfaces, provides
more places for creosote and ﬂy ash to deposit. It is
important to follow the operating instructions in orderto minimize these deposits, and to periodically inspect
your catalyst for signs of blockage.

Masking and Poisoning
While the catalyst itself does not enter into the combustion process, certain elements, such as lead and sulfur,
can attach to the active sites on the surface of the honeycomb. Though the catalyst is still there, it is covered,or masked, by the contaminant, and cannot function. To
avoid this situation, it is important not to burn anythingin your Encore that is a source of these contaminants.
Particularly avoid painted or treated wood, coal, household trash, colored papers, metal foils, or plastics.
Chemical chimney cleaners may also contain harmful
elements. The safest approach is to burn only untreated, natural wood.

Flame Impingement
The catalytic element is not designed for exposure todirect ﬂame. If you continually overﬁre your Encore, thechemistry of the catalyst coating may be altered, inhibiting the combustion process.
Thermal degradation of the ceramic base may also occur, causing the element to disintegrate. Stay within therecommended guidelines of the Operation section.

Mechanical Damage
If the element is mishandled, damage may occur.
Always treat the element carefully. Remember the catalyst is made of a ceramic material; treat it as you would
ﬁne china. Hairline cracks will not affect the performance of the catalyst, as long as the steel sleeve holds
the element in the proper position.

Peeling
The surface coat may peel if the catalytic element isfrequently subjected to excessive temperatures. Follow
the operating instructions carefully to avoid this type ofdamage.

GeneralEvery Vermont Castings’ Encore is equipped with either
a Corning “Long-Life”® or a Technical Glass Products“Honeycomb”® combustor. The products are equivalent.
If you must ship your catalytic element for any reason,
remember its fragile nature. Place the element in aplastic bag, and package it with a generous amount ofshock absorbing material.

2000956

33

Encore Woodburning Stove
15

16

17

22

18
5

1

14
23

2
6
3

24

8

22

10

9

25

37

21

27

4
7

24

85

38

28

1

36

11
21

89

40

84

41

33

42

31

90

43

35

75

82

44

30

93

74

80

79

51
52

45
43

53

70

74

58

57

80

59

88

71

56a
55

78

56

54

72
93

86
87

50

34

77

39 91

92

60

83

73
81

62
61

CFM Corporation reserves the right to make changes in design, materials, speciﬁcations, prices and discontinue colors and products at any time,
without notice.

Encore Woodburning Stove
Model 2550
Item Description
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

34

Secondary Air Cover Plate
Secondary Air Probe Assy
Secondary Air Link II, ENC
Secondary Air Flap
Flue Collar (8”)
Back

0956
Encore parts
8/02

Part Number
1601492
1601489
1601486
1601490
See Chart Pg. 35
1308620

Item Description
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
14.

Left Heat Deﬂector
Right Heat Deﬂector
Refractory Assy w/Access Panel
Catalytic Combustor
Refractory Access Panel
Left Griddle Quad

Part Number
1608629
1608630
1602510160250516025111301807

2000956

Encore Woodburning Stove

Encore Woodburning Stove
Model 2550 (continued)
Item Description
15.
16.
17.
18.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
27.
28.
30.
31.
33.
34.
35.
36.
37.
38.
39.
40.
41.
42.

43.
44.
45.
50.
51.
52.
53.
54.
55.

Part Number

Right Griddle Quad
1301832
Griddle1300797
Griddle Handle Assy
30002775
Top
See Chart Pg. 36
Wedge
13018101Upper Fireback
1308644
1308631
Damper1
Damper Tabs (3)1
16014881600851
Damper Rod1
Combustion Throat Hood
1308625
Lower Fireback
1308646
Damper Handle Screw 1/4-20 x 3³⁄₈” NT 1201294
Damper Handle,Wood
1600664
Steel Handle Stub
30002720
Left Side
See Chart Pg. 36
Left Air Plate (Inner side)
1308621
Right Air Plate (Inner side)
1308622
Right Side
See Chart Pg. 36
Thermostat Handle Assy
5004224
Thermostat Assy
5005470Grate1307434
Primary Air Tube Cover Plate
1308609
Primary Air Frame
1307411
Primary Air Valve Only
1307412
Primary Air Rod Only
1601493
Primary Air Regulatory System
5000337
Bottom1308604
AshlipSee Chart Pg. 36
Andiron (2)1307419Leg
See Chart Pg. 36
Leg Leveler
1201745
Ashdrop1308603
Pawl Assembly Short Adjustment
30002362
Ashdoor
1308607

Item Description
56.
57.
58.
59.
60.
61.
62.
70.
71.
72.
73.
74.
75.
77.
78.
79.
80.
81.
82.
83.
84.
85.

86.
87.
88.
89.
90.
91.
92.
93.
94.
95.
96.
97.

Part Number

Ashdoor Handle (Wood)
1600663
Ashdoor Hinge Pin
1208608
Cotter Pin, Ashdoor
30001749
Ashdoor Hinge Support
1308605
Ashpan1601025
Ashpan Bracket
1601039
Ashpan Cover
1601027
Airwash Manifold
1308615
Front II
See Chart Pg. 36
Left Door Air Manifold
1307403
Left Door
See Chart Pg. 36
Door Hinge Strip (2)1308634
Right Door Air Manifold
1307404
Door Handle Assy w/Set Screw
30002721
Right Door II
See Chart Pg. 36
Door Gasket 5/16 Med. Density 6ND
1203588
Glass Gasket
1203556
Left Door Glass2
1408630
Right Door Glass2
1408629
Door Latch
1408628
Spacer 3/8 x 1-Z
12017791301811
Damper Ramp1
Socket Set Screw Adjuster
1200436
PH Flat Hd Screw
1200809
Hex Nuts
1203210
Handle Base Stub
30002714
Wood Handle
1600664
Handle Bolt
1201310
Friction Spring
1201846
Primary Air Cable w/Clips
5005471
7/16-20 x 1 Socket Set Screw
1200334
Washer1202471
Pin, Long, Door
30002727
Bottom Heat Shield (not shown)
1402253
Ashdoor Heat Shield (not shown)
1402252
Heat Shield Spacer (not shown)
1601755
Control Spacer (not shown)1201781

1. Included in #5008649 upper ﬁreback assembly.
2. Not interchangeable, due to a heat-reﬂective coating on the roomside of the panels.

2000956

35

Encore Woodburning Stove

Encore Woodburning Stove
Model 2550 (continued)

Shell Enamel Parts - Encore
EnamelColor
TopClassic
1308618
Biscuit
30003007
Bordeaux
2328618
Chestnut Brown 30003019
Ebony
30003031
Forest Green
2318618
Midnight Blue
2378618
Sand
1328618
Suede Brown
30002526
Vermont
Classic Green
30003044

Shell Enamel Parts - Encore
EnamelColor
Flue Collar
Classic
1304280
Biscuit
30003008
Bordeaux
2324280
Chestnut Brown 30003020
Ebony
30003032
Forest Green
2314280
Midnight Blue
2374280
Sand
1324280
Suede Brown
30002527
Vermont
Classic Green
30003045

36

Left Side
1308623
30003006
2328623
30003018
30003030
23186232378623
1328623
30002524

Right Side
1308619
30003005
2328619
30003017
30003029
23186192378619
1328619
30002523

Front
1308635
30003004
2328635
30003016
30003028
2318635
2378635
1328635
30002522

Ashlip
30002402
30003051
30002610
30003061
30003071
2317406
30002630
30002620
30002640

Single Leg
1307427
30003003
2327427
30003015
30003027
231742723774271327427
30002521

30003043

30003042

30003041

30003081

30003040

Left Door
Subassembly
5008648
30003012
30001144
30003024
30003037
30001150
30001345
30001146
30002531

Left Door
Only
1308637
30003010
2328637
30003022
30003034
2318637
2378637
1328637
30002529

Right Door
Subassembly
5008647
30003011
30001143
30003023
30003036
30001149
30001344
30001145
30002530

Right Door
Only
1308636
30003009
2328636
30003021
30003033
2318636
2378636
1328636
30002528

30003049

30003047

30003048

30003046

2000956

Encore Woodburning Stove

2000956

37

Encore Woodburning Stove38

2000956

Warranty
Limited 3 Year Warranty
CFM Corporation warrants that this woodburning stove will be freeof defects in material and workmanship for a period of three years
from the date you receive it, except that the catalyst, thermostat
assembly, handles, glass door panels, cement, and gasketing shallbe warranted as described below.
CFM Corporation will repair or replace, at its option, any part foundto be defective upon inspection by a Vermont Castings, Authorized
Dealer. The customer must return the defective part or the stove, withshipping prepaid, to the Authorized Dealer or pay for any Authorized
Dealer in-home travel fees or service charges for in-home repair work.
It is the dealer’s option whether the repair work will be done in the customer’s home or in the dealer’s shop. If, upon inspection, the damage
is found to be the fault of the manufacturer, repairs will be authorized at
no charge to the customer for parts and/or labor.
Any woodburning stove or part thereof that is repaired or replaced
during the limited warranty period will be warranted under the terms of
the limited warranty for a period not to exceed the remaining term of theoriginal limited warranty or six (6) months, whichever is longer.

Limited 1 Year Warranty
The following parts of the woodburning stove are warranted to be freeof defects in material and workmanship for a period of one year fromthe date you receive it: The thermostat assembly, handles, glass door
panels, cement, and gasketing. Any of these items found to be defective will be repaired or replaced at no charge, upon the return of thepart with postage prepaid to a Vermont Castings Authorized Dealer.
Any part repaired or replaced during the limited warranty period will
be warranted under the terms of the limited warranty for a period not
to exceed the remaining term of the original limited warranty or six (6)months, whichever is longer.

Limited Catalyst Warranty
The catalyst will be warranted for a six year period as follows: If theoriginal catalyst or a replacement catalyst proves defective or ceases tomaintain 70% of its particulate emission reduction activity (as measured
by an approved testing procedure) within 24 months from the date thestove is received, the catalyst itself will be replaced free.
From 25 - 72 months a pro-rated credit will be allowed against a replacement catalyst and the cost of labor necessary for its installation at
the time of replacement.
For stove purchases made after June 30, 1990, a third year
(25 - 36 months) of no charge replacement will be made when combustor failure is due to thermal degradation of the substrate (crumbling of
ceramic material). The customer must pay for any in-home travel fees,
service charges, or transportation costs for returning the stove to the
Authorized Dealer.
Amount of Time
Credit Towards
Since Purchase
Replacement Cost
0 - 36 months
100%
37 - 48 months
30%
49 - 60 months
20%
61 - 72 months
10%
Any replacement catalyst will be warranted under the terms of thecatalyst warranty for the remaining term of the original warranty. The
purchaser must provide the following information in order to receive a
replacement catalyst under the terms of this limited warranty:
1. Name, address and telephone number.
2. Proof of original purchase date.
3. Date of failure of catalyst.
4. Any relevant information or circumstances regarding determination of failure.
5. In addition, the owner must return the failed catalyst.

Encore Woodburning Stove
Exclusions & Limitations
1. This product must be installed or serviced by a qualiﬁed installer,
preferably NFI or WETT (Canada) certiﬁed, as prescribed by the
local jurisdiction. It must be installed and operated at all times in accordance with the Installation and Operating instructions furnishedwith the product. Any alterations, willful abuse, accident or misuse of
the product shall nullify this warranty.
2. This warranty is transferable; however, proof of original retail purchase is required.
3. This warranty does not cover misuse of the stove. Misuse includes
overﬁring which will result if the stove is used in such a manner as
to cause one or more of the plates to glow red. Overﬁring can be
identiﬁed later by warped plates and areas where the paint pigment
has burned off. Overﬁring in enamel ﬁreplaces is identiﬁed by bubbling, cracking, chipping and discoloration of the porcelain enamelﬁnish. CFM Corporation offers no warranty on chipping of enamelsurfaces. Inspect your woodburning stove prior to accepting it forany damage to the enamel.
4. This warranty does not cover misuse of the stove as describedin the Owner’s Guide, nor does it cover an stove which has been
modiﬁed unless authorized by a CFM Corporation representative inwriting. This warranty does not cover damage to the stove causedby burning salt saturated wood, chemically treated wood, or any fuelnot recommended in the Owner’s Guide.
5. This warranty does not cover a stove repaired by someone otherthan a Vermont Castings Authorized Dealer.
6. Damage to the unit while in transit is not covered by this warranty
but is subject to a claim against the common carrier. Contact
Vermont Castings Authorized Dealer from whom you purchased
your stove or CFM Corporation if the purchase was direct. (Do not
operate the stove as this may negate the ability to process the claim
with the carrier.)
7. Claims are not valid where the installation does not conform to local
building and ﬁre codes or, in their absence, to the recommendations
in our Owner’s Guide.
8. The salt air environment of coastal areas, or a high-humidity environment, can be corrosive to the porcelain enamel ﬁnish. These
conditions can cause rusting of the cast iron beneath the porcelain
enamel ﬁnish, which will cause the porcelain enamel ﬁnish to ﬂake
off. This warranty does not cover damage caused by a salt air or
high-humidity environment.
9. CFM Corporation shall have no obligation to enhance or update any
unit once manufactured.
IN NO EVENT SHALL CFM CORPORATION BE LIABLE FOR INCIDENTAL AND CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES. ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS, ARE LIMITED TO THE DURATION OF
THIS WRITTEN WARRANTY. THIS WARRANTY SUPERCEDES ALL
OTHER ORAL OR WRITTEN WARRANTIES.
Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitations of incidential andconsequential damages or limitations on how long an implied warranty
lasts, so the above limitations may not apply to you. This warranty gives
you speciﬁc rights and you may have other rights which vary from state
to state.

How to Obtain Service
If a defect is noted within the warranty period, the customer should
contact a Vermont Castings Authorized Dealer or CFM Corporation if
the purchase was direct with the following information:
1. Name, address, and telephone number of the purchaser.
2. Date of purchase.
3. Serial number from the label on the back.
4. Nature of the defect or damage.
5. Any relevant information or circumstances, e.g., installation,mode of operation when defect was noted.
A warranty claim will then start in process. CFM Corporation reserves
the right to withhold ﬁnal approval of a warranty claim pending a visualinspection of the defect by authorized representatives.

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CFM Corporation
2695 Meadowvale Blvd. • Mississauga, Ontario, Canada L5N 8A3
800-668-5323 • www.cfmcorp.com