Hearth and Home Technologies 810-02901 (MBK) Operating Instructions, Fuel Size And Material

R

Castile Pellet Insert

8 Operating Instructions

A. Fuel Size And Material

1. Wood Pellets

Fuel pellets are made from sawdust or wood by-products. If the source material is hardwood, they can have a higher mineral content, creating more ash. Fuels containing bark will also have higher ash content. Minerals and other non-combustible materials such as sand will turn into a hard, glass-like substance called a clinker when heated to the extreme temperatures our firepot reaches. This is what forms clinkers in the bottom of the firepot. Trees from different areas will vary in mineral content. That is why some fuels produce more clinkers than others. Pellets are manufactured in either 1/4 inch or 5/16 inch (6-8mm) diameter and should be no more than 1-1/2 inches (38mm) in length. Pellet lengths may even vary by lot from the same manufacturer which is why the feed rate may need to be adjusted occasionally. If you

burn pellets longer than 1-1/2 inches (38mm) you may have an inconsistent fuel feed rate and/or missed ignitions.

Pellet fuel quality can greatly fluctuate. We recommend using premium grade fuel with ash content less than 1%. Even in some fuel labeled “premium” ash content can vary from bag to bag and possibly exceed 1%. High ash fuel, or lack of maintenance, can cause the firepot to fill up and thus create a potential for smoking, sooting and possible hopper fires.

Always burn dry fuel. Burning fuel with high moisture content takes heat from the fuel and tends to cool the appliance, robbing heat from your home. Damp pellet fuel can clog the feed system.

We recommend that you buy fuel in multi-ton lots whenever possible. Buying large quantities of fuel at once will greatly reduce the number of times the feed adjustments will need to be made. However, we do recommend trying various brands before purchasing multi-ton lots to ensure your satisfaction.

WARNING

Fire Risk.

•High ash fuels, or lack of maintenance, can cause the firepot to fill with ash and clinker. If the firepot fills to the top, immediately shut down the appliance and clean.

•Failure to do so could result in smoking, sooting and possible hoper fires.

2.Shelled Field Corn

Shelled field corn can be an efficient and economical fuel. We recommend using a 50-50 blend of corn and wood pellets. The only change in operation; 1) the feed rate may require a slight adjustment and 2) firepot will require more frequent cleanings. The BTU output varies slightly compared to pellets, depending on the quality of the corn used. In cases where it is acceptable for the appliance to run full time, 100% corn will work after the fire has been started using wood pellets.

B. General Operating Information

1. Thermostat Calls For Heat

The appliance is like most modern furnaces; when the thermostat calls for heat, your appliance will automatically light and deliver heat. When the room is up to temperature and the thermostat is satisfied, the red call light will shut off and the appliance will shut down. The red call light is located behind the left access panel.

2. Heat Output Controls

This appliance is equipped with a heat output control switch that has three settings or burn rates; low, medium and high. The appliance will turn on and off as the thermostat demands. When the thermostat calls for heat, the appliance will always start up on High. After burning approximately 4 minutes, the appliance will then burn at the rate at which it was originally set. If the appliance is set at one of the lower settings, it will run quieter but takes longer to heat up an area than if it were set at a higher burn rate. Regardless of the burn rate, when the area is warm enough to satisfy the thermostat, the appliance will shut off.

Heat Output

Switch

Right

Side

Ash Pan

Reset Button

Figure 22.1

WARNING

Fire Risk.

Keep combustible materials, gasoline and other flammable vapors and liquids clear of appliance.

•Do NOT store flammable materials in the appliance’s vicinity.

•Do NOT use gasoline, lantern fuel, kerosene, charcoal lighter fluid or similar liquids to start or “freshen up” a fire in this heater.

•Keep all such liquids well away from the heater while it is in use.

•Combustible materials may ignite.

Page 22 250-7251F September 1, 2008