Ventis HE250 User manual

45704A
Printed in Canada 27-06-2019
INSTALLATION AND OPERATION MANUAL
HE250 (VB00002 model)
US ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PHASE II CERTIFIED WOOD FIREPLACE
Listed to standards ULC-S610 and UL 127
www.occanada.com
Manufactured by:
Stove Builder International Inc.
250 rue Copenhague, Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures (Quebec), Canada, G3A 2H3
After-sale service: 418-908-8002 E-mail: [e-mail]
READ AND KEEP THIS MANUAL FOR REFERENCE
This manual is available for free download on the manufacturer’s web site. It is a copyrighted document.
Re-sale is strictly prohibited. The manufacturer may update this manual from time to time and cannot be
responsible for problems, injuries, or damages arising out of the use of information contained in any manual
obtained from unauthorized sources.

2 HE250 - Installation and Operation Manual
THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING THIS VENTIS WOOD FIREPLACE
As one of North America’s largest and most respected wood stove and fireplace manufacturers, Stove
Builder International takes pride in the quality and performance of all its products. We want to help you get
maximum satisfaction as you use this product.
In the pages that follow you will find general advice on wood heating, detailed instructions for safe and
effective installation, and guidance on how to get the best performance from this fireplace as you build and
maintain fires, and maintain your wood heating system.
We recommend that our wood burning hearth products be installed and serviced by professionals who are
certified in the United States by NFI (National Fireplace Institute®) or in Canada by WETT (Wood Energy
Technology Transfer) or in Quebec by APC (Association des Professionnels du Chauffage).
Congratulations on making a wise purchase.
If this fireplace is not properly installed, combustible materials near it may overheat. To reduce the risk of
fire, follow the installation instructions in this manual exactly. Contact local building or fire officials about
restrictions and installation inspection requirements in your area.
Please read this entire manual before you install and use your new fireplace. You may need to get a
building permit for the installation of this fireplace and the chimney that it is connected to. Consult your
municipal building department or fire department before installation. We recommend that you also
inform your home insurance company to find out if the installation will affect your policy.
This heating unit is designed to serve as a supplementary heat source. We recommend that a primary
heat source also be available in the home. The manufacturer cannot be responsible for costs associated
with the use of another heating system.
CAUTION:Do not attempt to modify or alter the construction of the fireplace or its components. Any
modification or alteration of construction may void the warranty, listings and approvals of this system. In
that case, Stove Builder International (SBI) will not be responsible for damages. Install the fireplace only as
described in these instructions.

HE250 - Installation and Operation Manual 3
Table of content
PART A - OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE ..................................6
1Safety Information ................................................................................6
1.1 Summary of Operation and Maintenance Cautions and Warnings .........................6
2General Information on HE250 (VB00002) .......................................8
2.1 Appliance performance(1) ........................................................................................8
2.2 General Features....................................................................................................9
2.3 Zone Heating and How to Make it Work for You...................................................11
2.4 The Benefits of Low Emissions and High Efficiency .............................................12
2.5 The Olympia Chimney Commitment to You and the Environment........................12
2.5.1 What is Your New Fireplace Made Of?..............................................................12
3Fuel .......................................................................................................13
3.1 Materials That Should Not be Burned...................................................................13
3.2 How to Prepare or Buy Good Firewood ................................................................13
3.2.1 What is Good Firewood? ...................................................................................13
3.2.2 Tree Species .....................................................................................................13
3.2.3 Log Length.........................................................................................................14
3.2.4 Piece Size..........................................................................................................14
3.2.5 How to Dry Firewood .........................................................................................15
3.2.6 Judging Firewood Moisture Content ..................................................................16
3.3 Manufactured Logs ...............................................................................................16
4Operating Your Fireplace ..................................................................17
4.1 The use of a firescreen .........................................................................................17
4.2 Your First Fires .....................................................................................................17
4.3 Lighting Fires ........................................................................................................17
4.3.1 Conventional Fire Starting .................................................................................17
4.3.2 The Top Down Fire............................................................................................18
4.3.3 Two Parallel Logs ..............................................................................................18
4.3.4 Using Fire Starters.............................................................................................18
4.4 Maintaining Wood Fires ........................................................................................18
4.4.1 General Advice ..................................................................................................18
4.4.2 Ash Removal .....................................................................................................19
4.4.3 Raking Charcoal ................................................................................................19
4.4.4 Firing Each New Load Hot.................................................................................20
4.4.5 Turning Down the Air Supply .............................................................................20
4.4.6 Building Different Fires for Different Needs .......................................................21

4 HE250 - Installation and Operation Manual
5Maintaining Your Wood Heating System ........................................23
5.1 Fireplace Maintenance..........................................................................................23
5.1.1 Plated Finish Maintenance ................................................................................23
5.1.2 Glass Door Cleaning..........................................................................................23
5.1.3 Door Adjustment................................................................................................24
5.1.4 Door Alignment..................................................................................................24
5.1.5 Replacing the Door Gasket................................................................................26
5.1.6 Cleaning and Painting the Fireplace..................................................................27
5.2 Chimney and Chimney Liner Maintenance ...........................................................27
5.2.1 Why Chimney Cleaning is Necessary................................................................27
5.2.2 How Often Should You Clean the Chimney?.....................................................28
5.2.3 Cleaning the Chimney .......................................................................................28
5.2.4 Fire Baffle Removal Prior to Cleaning the Chimney ..........................................29
5.2.5 Chimney Fire .....................................................................................................29
PART B – INSTALLATION ...................................................................30
6Safety Information ..............................................................................30
6.1 Summary of Installation Cautions and Warnings ..................................................30
6.2 Regulations Covering Fireplace Installation..........................................................31
6.3 Fireplace Installation .............................................................................................32
6.3.1 Locating the HE250 ...........................................................................................32
6.3.2 Minimum Hearth Extension Requirements ........................................................39
6.3.3 Framing, Facing, Mantel, and Combustible Shelf ..............................................40
7Clearances to Combustible Material.................................................46
7.1 Locating the Certification Label.............................................................................46
8The Venting System ............................................................................47
8.1 General .................................................................................................................47
8.2 Suitable Chimney..................................................................................................47
8.3 Minimum Chimney Height.....................................................................................47
8.4 The Relationship Between the Chimney and the House.......................................47
8.4.1 Why the chimney should penetrate the highest heated space...........................47
8.5 Chimney Installation Notes ...................................................................................48
8.6 Chimney Installation Instructions ..........................................................................51
8.6.1 Examples of Typical Chimney Installation .........................................................51
8.6.2 Offset Chimney Installation................................................................................55
8.7 Angled Wall Radiation Shield................................................................................57
8.8 Chimney Support Installation ................................................................................57
8.8.1 Universal Roof Support......................................................................................57
8.8.2 Universal Offset Support....................................................................................57
8.9 Installation Instructions for Masonry Application ...................................................58

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8.10 Supply of Combustion Air .....................................................................................60
8.10.1 Air Supply in Conventional Houses ...................................................................60
Appendix 1: Optional Heat Distribution Systems Installation ............61
Appendix 2: Blower Maintenance or Replacement ..............................73
Appendix 3: Installing the Optional Door Overlay...............................76
Appendix 4: Installing the Fresh Air Intake Kit ...................................77
Appendix 5: Installing the Optional Firescreen (AC01560).................81
Appendix 6: Installation of Secondary Air Tubes and Baffle..............82
Appendix 7: Refractory slabs Replacement...........................................86
Appendix 8: Exploded Diagram and Parts List ....................................88
VENTIS LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY ....................................91
REGISTER YOUR WARRANTY ONLINE
To receive full warranty coverage, you will need to show evidence of
the date you purchased your unit. Keep your sales invoice. We also
recommend that you register your warranty online at
http://www.occanada.com/en/service-support/warranty-
registration
Registering your warranty online will help us track rapidly the
information we need on your unit.

6 HE250 - Installation and Operation Manual
PART A - OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE
Please see Part B for installation instructions.
1SAFETY INFORMATION
1.1 Summary of Operation and Maintenance Cautions and Warnings
•HOT WHILE IN OPERATION, KEEP CHILDREN, CLOTHING AND FURNITURE AWAY. CONTACT MAY
CAUSE SKIN BURNS. GLOVES MAY BE NEEDED FOR FIREPLACE OPERATION.
•USING A FIREPLACE WITH CRACKED OR BROKEN COMPONENTS, SUCH AS GLASS OR FIREBRICKS OR
BAFFLES MAY PRODUCE AN UNSAFE CONDITION AND MAY DAMAGE THE FIREPLACE.
•OPERATE ONLY WITH DOOR FULLY CLOSED OR FULLY OPEN WITH FIRESCREEN IN PLACE. IF DOOR IS
LEFT PARTLY OPEN, GAS AND FLAME MAY BE DRAWN OUT OF THE OPENING, CREATING RISKS FROM
BOTH FIRE AND SMOKE.
•OPEN THE AIR CONTROL FULLY BEFORE OPENING THE LOADING DOOR.
•THIS FIREPLACE HAS BEEN TESTED FOR USE WITH AN OPEN DOOR IN CONJUNCTION WITH A
FIRESCREEN (AC01560, SOLD SEPARATELY). THE DOOR MAY BE OPEN OR FIRESCREEN REMOVED ONLY
DURING LIGHTING PROCEDURES OR RELOADING. ALWAYS CLOSE THE DOOR OR PUT BACK THE
FIRESCREEN AFTER IGNITION. DO NOT LEAVE THE FIREPLACE UNATTENDED WHEN THE DOOR IS
OPENED WITH OR WITHOUT FIRESCREEN.
•DO NOT INSTALL THE FIREPLACE OUTDOORS.
•THE FIREPLACE AND CHIMNEY MUST BE IN AN ENCLOSURE UP TO THE ATTIC.
•NEVER USE GASOLINE, LANTERN FUEL (NAPHTHA), FUEL OIL, MOTOR OIL, KEROSENE, CHARCOAL
LIGHTER FLUID, OR SIMILAR LIQUIDS OR AEROSOLS TO START A FIRE IN THIS FIREPLACE. KEEP ALL
SUCH LIQUIDS OR AEROSOLS WELL AWAY FROM THE FIREPLACE WHILE IT IS IN USE.
•DO NOT STORE FUEL WITHIN HEATER MINIMUM INSTALLATION CLEARANCES.
•BURN ONLY SEASONED NATURAL FIREWOOD.
•DO NOT BURN:
oGARBAGE OF ANY KIND,
oCOAL OR CHARCOAL,
oTREATED, PAINTED OR COATED WOOD,
oPLYWOOD OR PARTICLE BOARD,
oFINE PAPER, COLORED PAPER OR CARDBOARD,
oSALT WATER DRIFTWOOD,
oMANUFACTURED LOGS CONTAINING WAX OR CHEMICAL ADDITIVES,
oRAILROAD TIES OR
oLIQUIDS SUCH AS KEROSCENE OR DIESEL FUEL TO START A FIRE.
•THIS APPLIANCE SHOULD BE MAINTAINED AND OPERATED AT ALL TIMES IN ACCORDANCE WITH
THESE INSTRUCTIONS.
•DO NOT ELEVATE THE FIRE BY MEANS OF GRATES, ANDIRONS OR OTHER MEANS.

HE250 - Installation and Operation Manual 7
•THIS FIREPLACE MUST ALWAYS BE USED WITH THE ORIGINAL ANDIRONS (SEE APPENDIX 8: EXPLODED
DIAGRAM AND PARTS LIST FOR REPLACEMENT PARTS).
•SOME JURISDICTIONS IN THE USA REQUIRE A SUPPLY OF OUTDOOR COMBUSTION AIR FOR THE
FIREPLACE. IN CANADA, AN OUTDOOR AIR SUPPLY IS NOT REQUIRED, IF A CARBON MONOXIDE (CO)
DETECTOR/ALARM IS LOCATED IN THE ROOM IN WHICH THE FIREPLACE IS INSTALLED. THE CO
DETECTOR WILL PROVIDE WARNING IF FOR ANY REASON THE WOOD FIREPLACE FAILS TO FUNCTION
CORRECTLY. IF YOU ARE REQUIRED TO INSTALL AN OUTDOOR AIR SUPPLY, WE RECOMMEND THAT
YOU ALSO INSTALL A CO DETECTOR/ALARM TO PROVIDE WARNING IF SMOKE SPILLAGE FROM THE
FIREPLACE OCCURS.
CAUTION:
•KEEP COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS AT LEAST 48 INCHES AWAY FROM THE FRONT OF THE FIREPLACE
OPENING.
•DO NOT USE A FIREPLACE INSERT AND OTHER PRODUCTS NOT SPECIFIED FOR USE WITH THIS
FIREPLACE.
•DO NOT OBSTRUCT AIR INTLETS. THIS FIREPLACE NEEDS AIR FOR ITS GOOD OPERATION.
•DO NOT BLOCK THE HOT AIR VENTS TO THE FIREPLACE AS THIS WILL CAUSE THE FIREPLACE
TOOVERHEAT.
WARNING: DO NOT USE MATERIALS OTHER THAN THOSE LISTED IN THE REPLACEMENT PARTS
SECTION DURING INSTALLATION AS THEY MAY BE SAFETY HAZARDS AND A FIRE COULD
RESULT.
WARNING: THIS FIREPLACE HAS NOT BEEN TESTED WITH AN UNVENTED OR VENTED GAS LOG SET. TO
REDUCE RISK OF FIRE OR INJURY, DO NOT INSTALL AN UNVENTED GAS LOG SET INTO THIS
FIREPLACE.
CAUTION: DO NOT INSTALL IN A MOBILE HOME (CANADA) OR MANUFACTURED HOME* (USA).
* The US department of Housing and Urban Development describes “manufactured
homes” better known as “mobile home” as followed; Buildings built on fixed wheels
and those transported on temporary wheels/axles and set on a permanent
foundation.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THE PICTURES SHOWN IN THIS MANUAL ARE GENERIC
AND MAY NOT MATCH EXACTLY THE LOOK OF YOUR FIREPLACE.
WARNING:
This product can expose you to chemicals including carbon
monoxide, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects
or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65warnings.ca.gov/

8 HE250 - Installation and Operation Manual
2GENERAL INFORMATION ON HE250 (VB00002)
2.1 Appliance performance(1)
Fuel type Dry cordwood
Recommended heating area[*] 500 to 2,100 ft2(46 to 195 m2)
Firebox volume 2.5 ft3(0.071 m3)
Maximum burn time[*] 9 h
Maximum heat output (dry cordwood)(2) 75,000 BTU/h (22.0 kW)
Overall heat output rate (min. to max.)(2)(3) 11,500 BTU/h to 30,500 BTU/h (3.4 kW to 8.9 kW)
Average overall efficiency(3) - EPA Cribs / Douglas Fir 55.0% (HHV(4)) 60.0% (LHV(5))
Average overall efficiency(3) - Dry cordwood To come% (HHV(4)) To come% (LHV(5))
Optimum efficiency(2)(6) 75.0%
Average particulate emissions rate(7) 4.4 g/h (EPA / CSA B415.1-10)
Average CO(8) To come
[*] Recommended heating area and maximum burn time may vary subject to location in home, chimney draft, heat loss factors,
climate, fuel type and other variables. The recommended heated area for a given appliance is defined by the manufacturer as
its capacity to maintain a minimum acceptable temperature in the designated area in case of a power failure.
(1) Values are as measured per test method, except for the recommended heating area, firebox volume, maximum burn time and
maximum heat output.
(2) The maximum heat output (dry cordwood) is based on a loading density varying between 15 lb/ft3and 20 lb/ft3. Other
performances are based on a fuel load prescribed by the standard. The specified loading density varies between 7 lb/ft³ and 12
lb/ft3. The moisture content is between 19% and 25%.
(3) As measured per CSA B415.1-10 stack loss method.
(4) Higher Heating Value of the fuel.
(5) Lower Heating Value of the fuel.
(6) Optimum overall efficiency at a specific burn rate (LHV).
(7) This appliance is officially tested and certified by an independent agency.
(8) Carbon monoxide.

HE250 - Installation and Operation Manual 9
2.2 General Features
Maximum log length 21 in (533 mm) east-west*
Flue outlet diameter 6 in (152 mm)
Chimney diameter 6 in (152 mm)
Type of chimney CAN/ULC S629, UL 103 HT (2100 °F)
Baffle material C-Cast
Approved for alcove installation Not approved
Approved for mobile home installation‡Not approved
Type of door Single, glass with steel frame
Type of glass Ceramic glass
Blower Included (up to 176 CFM)
Particulate emission standard EPA / CSA B415.1-10
USA standard (safety) UL 127
Canadian standard (safety) ULC-S610
** East-west: through the door you see the longitudinal sides of the logs; north-south: through the door you see the tips of the
logs.
‡Mobile home (Canada) or manufactured home (USA): The US department of Housing and Urban Development describes
“manufactured homes” better known as “mobile homes” as followed; buildings built on fixed wheels and those transported on
temporary wheels/axles and set on a permanent foundation. In Canada, a mobile home is a dwelling for which the manufacture
and assembly of each component is completed or substantially completed prior to being moved to a site for installation on a
foundation and connection to service facilities and which conforms to the CAN/CSA-Z240 MH standard.
8”/203mm HOT AIR GRAVITY DISTRIBUTION KIT (2)

10 HE250 - Installation and Operation Manual
6”/142mm FORCED AIR
DISTRIBUTION KIT (3)