10
M. Wood Fuel

Hardwood vs Softwood

Your fi replace performance depends on the quality of the
fi rewood you use.
• Seasoned wood contains about 8,000 BTUs per
pound.
• Hard woods are more dense than soft woods.
• Hard woods contain 60% more BTUs than soft woods.
• Hard woods require more time to season, burn slower
and are harder to ignite.
• Soft woods require less time to dry, burn faster and are
easier to ignite.
• Start the fi re with soft wood to bring the fi replace up to
operating temperature and to establish draft.
• Add hard wood for slow, even heat and longer burn
time.
The majority of the problems fi replace owners experience
are caused by trying to burn wet, unseasoned wood.
• Wet, unseasoned wood requires energy to evaporate
the water instead of heating your home, and
• Evaporating moisture cools your chimney, accelerating
formation of creosote.
WARNING! Risk of Fire!
• DO NOT burn wet or green wood.
• Wet, unseasoned wood can cause accumulation of
creosote.

Moisture

Soft woods Hard woods
• Douglas Fir • Oak
• Pine • Maple
• Spruce • Apple
• Cedar • Birch
• Poplar
• Aspen
• Alder

Storing Wood

Steps to ensure properly seasoned wood:
• Stack wood to allow air to circulate freely around and
through woodpile.
• Elevate wood pile off ground to allow air circulation
underneath.
• Smaller pieces of wood dry faster. Any piece over 6 in.
(152 mm) in diameter should be split.
• Wood (whole or split) should be stacked so both ends
of each peice are exposed to air. More drying occurs
through the cut ends than the sides.
• Store wood under cover to prevent water absorbtion
from rain or snow. Avoid covering the sides and ends
completely.

Seasoned Wood

• Cut logs to size
• Split to 6 in. (152 mm) or less
• Air dry to a moisture content of around 20%
- Soft wood - about nine months
- Hard wood - about eighteen months
NOTICE: Seasoning time may vary depending on drying
conditions.
WARNING! Fire Risk! DO NOT store wood:
• In front of the fi replace.
• In space required for loading or ash removal.

Processed Solid Fuel Firelogs

Manufactured fi relogs may be used with this fi replace.
Hearth & Home Technologies Inc. recommends the use of
UL Classifi ed processed fuel fi relogs. Follow the manufac-
turer’s lighting and safety instructions.
Using fi relogs may require more frequent chimney inspec-
tion and cleaning.
Do not poke or stir the logs while they are burning. Use
only fi relogs that have been evaluated for the application
in manufactured fi replaces and refer to fi relog warnings
and caution markings on packaging prior to use.
Heat & Glo • EXCLAIM-50 • 4013-041 • Rev U • 11/08