Operating Instructions
3. Refueling the Stove:
Use a long pair of gloves (barbecue gloves) when feeding the fire because these stoves burn at the front they are clean and efficient, but they are also very hot and gloves are useful. Keep a small steel shovel and whisk nearby for moving a log or lifting a fallen ember and for keeping the hearth clean.
a)Before attempting to add fuel to the stove, OPEN the damper control fully by pulling it all the way out. This allows the chimney to carry away the additional smoke, which occurs when the door is open.
b)DO NOT OVERLOAD THE STOVE. Normally, three or four logs will provide heat for several hours. Never operate this stove where portions glow red hot.
c)DO NOT OVERFIRE. If the heater or chimney connector glows, you are overfiring.
d)CAUTION: DO NOT PLACE FUEL WITHIN SPACE HEATER INSTALLATION CLEARANCES OR WITHIN
THE SPACE REQUIRED FOR CHARGING AND ASH REMOVAL.
4. For Maximum Efficiency:
When the stove is hot, load it fully to the top of the door opening, and burn at medium low settings. When the fuel is mostly consumed, leaving a bed of red coals, repeat the process. Maximum heat for minimum fuel occurs when the stove top temperature is between 250 °F (120 °C) and 550 °F (290 °C). The most likely causes of dirty glass are: not enough fuel to get the stove thoroughly hot, burning green or wet wood, closing the draft until there is insufficient air for complete combustion, or a weak chimney draw. Indeed, the cleanness of the glass is a good indicator of the stove operating efficiently.
Helpful Hints Worth Repeating
1. Helpful advice on the correct way to start your fire.
a)You will need small pieces of dry wood, called kindling, and paper. Use only newspaper or paper that has not been coated or had other materials glued or applied to it. Never use coated (typically advertising flyers) or coloured paper.
b)Always open the door of the woodstove slowly to prevent suction and drawing smoke into the room.
c)Crumple several pieces of paper and place them in the center of the firebox and directly onto the firebricks of the wood stove. Never use a grate to elevate the fire.
d)Place small pieces of dry wood (kindling) over the paper in a “teepee” manner. This allows for good air circulation, which is critical for good combustion.
e)Light the crumpled paper in 2 or 3 locations. Note: It is important to heat the air in the stovepipe for draft to start.
f)Fully open the air controls of the wood stove and close the door until it is slightly open, allowing for much needed air to be introduced into the firebox. Never leave the door fully open, as sparks from the kindling may fly out of the stove, causing damage or injury. As the fire begins to burn the kindling, some additional kindling may be needed to sustain the fire. DO NOT add more paper after the fire has started.
g)Once the kindling has started to burn, add some smaller pieces of seasoned, dry firewood. Note: Adding large pieces at the early stages will only serve to smother the fire. Continue adding small pieces of seasoned dry firewood, keeping the door slightly open until each piece starts to ignite. Remember to always open the door slowly between placing wood into the fire.
h)Once the wood has started to ignite and the smoke has reduced, close the wood stove door fully. The reduction of smoke is a good indication that the draft in the chimney has started and good combustion is now possible. Larger pieces of seasoned, dry firewood can now be added when there is sufficient space in the firebox. Adjust the air control setting to desired setting. Note: The lower the air control setting, the longer the burn time of your firewood.
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