Building a Fire

(starting and maintaining a fire)

Note: Leave 1/2 inch of ashes at the bottom of the firebox.

To start a fire, place several crumpled up balls of newspaper in the firebox. Place small dry pieces of kindling on top of the paper, criss-crossing the kindling so that there are air spaces in be- tween. Keep the fuel far back enough so that air can get underneath. Open the air controls fully and light the newspaper. Once the newspaper and the kindling is well ignited, close the door. Once the kindling fire is well established, cord wood can be added (see Primary Air Combustion Control section for proper operation of the air controls).

The unit will burn best with 1-2 pieces of cord wood spaced 1 to 2 inches apart and allowing air to get under the fuel. Criss-crossing or arranging the fuel so that air can get underneath, will help the fire to get started easily. The unit should be operated with the air control fully open long enough to get the cord wood well ignited.

COMBUSTION CONTROLS

Primary Air and Air Boost Controls

There is no flue damper in the Ladera™ fire- place. As is common with air tight stoves, the combustion air control sets the flow of air entering the firebox. This allows for a more precise control of the fire. The combustion air control is located below the door on the left side. The main source of air (primary air) entering the firebox can be diminished by moving the air combustion control from left to right. The primary air is fully opened when the air control is completely moved to the left. The air control device can also be used to add an extra boost of air especially during fire start up and reloading of the unit.

Combustion Air Register

Open

Ouvert

Figure 1

Pulling the air combustion control will induce an air boost at the base of the fire allowing an easier fire start up. When the fire is well established, the control can be pushed in to shut down the air boost allowing for a longer burn time. The combustion air control should be in the closed position (primary air and air boost) when the fireplace is not in use. This will minimize air leakage up the chimney. The combustion air control should be opened before opening the door to minimize the possibility of back draft coming into the room.

Accelerated Combustion

The maximum heat output for the Ladera fireplace is achieved by burning with the door closed and the combustion air opened. By this method, the Ladera fireplace can produce the maximum BTU of heat per hour. However, it will be necessary to reload with wood every one or two hours. This is the least efficient method of burning the Ladera fireplace.

Use caution when firing with the combustion air control wide open. Only burn cord wood in this manner. Small dry pieces of softwood and construction scraps will burn very intensely using this method and may damage the firebox.

Medium Combustion

This is the recommended mode of operating the Ladera fireplace and should be the one normally used since it will deposit the least amount of creosote on the glass and in the chimney. The combustion air control must be 3/4 closed and pushed in to close the air boost. The precise setting will depend on many factors, including chimney length and the moisture content of the wood.

Push to Close Air Boost

Pull to Open Air Boost

Closed

Ferme

For instance, a long chimney will necessitate closing the damper more. To obtain the proper combustion, close the damper completely, then open it about 1/4” to 1/2” (6.4mm to 13mm). Two medium size pieces of wood should be burning on a bed of hot coals. The heat output will be approximately 25,000 BTU per hour and the loading time will be about every 3-4 hours. Softwoods may be burned using this method but the time will be substantially reduced.

Slow Combustion

When the air combustion control is completely closed,thefireplaceisinaslowcombustionphase. If the hearth is hot enough, slow combustion will not extinguish the fire, but there will be a noticeable change in the flame pattern. The flames will be slow and may appear dirty if the wood is too wet (moisture content of 20% and more). Do not allow the wood to burn without flame, since this will produce excessive creosote in the unit.

Creosote may accumulate on the glass door. This method of burning should be used only after operating the Ladera fireplace with the air control opened to produce a hot fire for about an hour or at medium pace for at least three

(3)hours. Slow combustion can be used at night in order to reduce the heat output and to prolong the burn. The loading time will be between 6-8 hours.

REFUELING FOR BEST PERFORMANCE

The Ladera fireplace will operate best if attention is given to operating the unit with the damper fully opened after refueling in order to bring the firebox and the chimney system up to their optimum operating temperature. Combustion efficiency is relative to firebox temperature. A temperature of 500º C (932º F) and up, with a visible flame, in the upper part of the firebox indicates a maximum efficiency. To obtain this temperature, the fireplace must be operated with the primary air and air boost controls fully opened during 10 to 20 minutes after reloading, depending on the heat and on the moisture content of the wood.

Once you have reached the desired temperature, the air boost can be closed and the primary air set to a medium setting. You know you have reached the desired temperature when, closing the primary air control, you can see a flame at the top of the firebox. The benefit of this technique will be cleaner glass, less creosoting, greater efficiency and the most pleasing fire for your enjoyment.

SMOKING –

CAUSES AND TROUBLESHOOTING

To reduce the likelihood of smoking when opening the door, set the combustion air controls to the left before opening the door. Your fireplace has been designed and tested to provide smoke free operation. Occasionally, there may be a small amount of smoking upon lighting the fire, until the chimney heats up but this should not continue. If the fireplace continues to smoke it is probably for one of the following reasons: