The second factor in determining heat output is its density or weight per cord. With equal seasoning and dryness, heavier, denser wood has more heating value per cord. For example, hickory is denser wood than pine, so a cord of hickory will give more heat than a cord of pine.
For longer and safer heater life, never use manufactured composition logs, salt water soaked wood (driftwood), or chemical additives in this heater.
HOW TO TAKE CARE OF THE HEATER AND VENTING SYSTEM (ROUTINE MAINTENANCE)
HEATER MAINTENANCE
The heater’s outer cabinet may be wiped free of dust with a soft cloth. The use of any other cleaning method may damage the cabinet’s finish.
Check the following items regularly during the heating season to ensure proper heater operation:
1.Condition of feed door and ash door gaskets--replace if excessive wear is observed.
2.Condition of the feed door, ash door and cabinet latching pawls and handles--ensures that operation will securely close the door adjust as necessary.
At the end of each heating season, the heater should be thoroughly cleaned of all ashes. Ashes remaining in the heater in combination with moisture in the air can cause severe corrosion of the heater. All rust spots on the heater should be wire brushed and covered with a coat of high temperature paint. If the heater is to be stored until the next heating season, be sure the storage area is dry.
The heater should never be used with damaged or missing parts.
DISPOSAL OF ASHES
Ashes should not be allowed to accumulate until they obstruct the airflow through the burning wood. If ashes are allowed to accumulate to within two inches of the bottom of the grates, poor burning of the fuel is likely, and the grates will be damaged from overheating.
When removing the ash pan from the heater, wear gloves to protect your hands from glowing embers and hot surfaces.
ASHES SHOULD BE PLACED IN A METAL CONTAINER WITH A TIGHT FITTING LID. THE CLOSED CONTAINER OF ASHES SHOULD BE PLACED ON A NONCOMBUSTIBLE FLOOR OR ON THE GROUND, WELL AWAY FROM ALL COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS, PENDING FINAL DISPOSAL. IF THE ASHES ARE DISPOSED OF BY BURIAL IN SOIL OR OTHERWISE LOCALLY DISPERSED, THEY SHOULD BE RETAINED IN THE CLOSED CONTAINER UNTIL ALL CINDERS HAVE THOROUGHLY COOLED.
Ashes should never be placed in wooden or plastic containers, or in paper or plastic bags, no matter how long the fire has been out. Coals have been known to stay hot for several days when embedded in ashes.
VENTING SYSTEM (CHIMNEY CONNECTOR AND CHIMNEY)
The venting system consists of the heater’s chimney connector (the pipe which connects the heater to the chimney) and the chimney itself.
When wood is burned slowly, it produces tar and other organic vapors which combine the expelled moisture to form creosote. The creosote vapors condense in the relatively cool chimney flue of a slow burning fire. As a result, creosote residue accumulates on the flue lining. When ignited, this creosote makes an extremely hot fire.
The chimney connector and chimney should be inspected twice a month during the heating season to determine if a creosote buildup has occurred.
If creosote has accumulated, if should be removed to reduce the risk of chimney fire. NOTE: When removing creosote from e chimney connector and chimney, the heater should be disconnected from the chimney connector to prevent the dislodged creosote from entering the heater.
A chimney fire is usually indicated by a roaring noise within the chimney and/or a pinging noise within the chimney connector. Well developed chimney fires will emit ash and sparks from the top of the chimney.
If a chimney fire occurs, turn the thermostat to “Lo”, keep the feed, ash and cabinet doors closed, call the fire depart- ment and protect the roof by wetting it with a garden hose or buckets of water. After the chimney fire is over, thoroughly inspect all combustible materials around the chimney and chimney connector for fires that might have been ignited by the intense heat. The chimney and chimney connector should then be inspected for any damage and repairs made if necessary.
Although a properly constructed chimney should not be damaged by a chimney fire, it is best to prevent chimney fires by properly cleaning the chimney. There are special chimney cleaning services available in most cities. Most fire departments make free chimney inspections and can provide assistance in locating chimney cleaning or repair services.
CHIMNEY CONNECTOR PIPE-CORROSION INSPECTION
Chimney connector pipes do not last forever. Corrosion is particularly a problem if the inside of the pipe tends to get damp from condensation of flue gases or from rain or snow getting into the chimney. Just being on an ocean coast can also accelerate chimney connector pipe corrosion.
Chimney connector pipe replacement may be necessary more than once a season, but once every few years is more typical. Every time the chimney and chimney connector are checked for creosote buildup, the strength and integrity of the chimney connector pipes should also be checked.
