However, most wood is sold by volume, not by weight. To determine the best heating source, look at the density of various wood types. (Density is the weight for a given size.) The higher the density, the more potential heat output. A standard cord has a volume of 128 cubic feet. This figure also includes the air space between and around the wood. The actual volume in a standard cord is between 60 and 100 cubic feet; depending on how tightly the wood is packed.

Assuming that you are comparing two standard cords of different species but the same volume and moisture content, the denser species will provide more BTU’s. The table of wood species/ densities reveals more helpful guidelines.

HARDWOODS

DENSITY

Alser, Red

.41

Ash

.49-.60

Aspen

.38-.39

Basswood, American

.37

Beech, American

.64

Birch

.55-.65

Butternut

.38

Cherry, Black

.50

Chestnut, American

.43

Cottonwood

.34-.40

Elm

.60.63

Hackberry

.53

Hickory, Pecan

.60.66

Hickory, True

.69-.75

Honey locust

.66 (est.)

Locust, Black

.69

Magnolia

.48-.50

Maple

.48-.63

Oak, Red

.59-.67

Oak, White

.64-.88

Poplar

.42

Sassafras

.42

Sweet gum

.52

Sycamore, American

.49

Tanoak

.64 (est.)

Tupelo

.50

Walnut, Black

.55

Willow, Black

.39

SOFTWOODS

DENSITY

Bald cypress

.46

Cedar

.31-.47

Douglas Fir

.46-.50

Fir

.32-.43

Hemlock

.40-.45

Larch, Western

.52

Pine

.39-.59

Redwood

.35-.40

Spruce

.35-.41

Tamarack

.53

 

 

4

STARTING A FIRE

1.To start a fire in a the fireplace properly, first check the operation of the flue damper.

2.To prevent smoking at start-up, close any window located near the fireplace when first lighting a fire. The closed windows may be reopened once a chimney draft is drawn in the fireplace.

DAMPER CONTROL

This fireplace is fitted with a manually controlled chimney damper. The chimney damper should be closed when the fireplace is not in use to prevent cold air from entering the home through the chimney system.

The damper is controlled through the use of a control lever located within the firebox opening at the top center just behind the firebox lintel (Figure 2 ).

The control lever snaps into place at the extreme range of motion, up and back in the closed position. When pulled forward and down, the damper is open.

Damper Damper

Closed Open

Lintel

Combustion

Air Actuator

Figure 2

The appliance flue damper must always remain open when operating.

2.The grate in the firebox should be centered on or over the bottom hearth so your fire can breath properly. Crumble and twist plenty of newspapers UNDER the grate and criss-cross some small dry kindling sticks on top of the paper or on the bottom of the grate.

3.Build a pyramid of three split logs (split will start much faster). Arrange the uneven wood to provide plenty of air space between.

NOTE: DIAGRAMS & ILLUSTRATIONS NOT TO SCALE.

4.Now, light the paper at both sides of the firebox.

5.Close the screens to prevent the escape of sparks and embers.

6.Close the damper only when your fire is completely out and ashes are cold. Keep closed when fireplace is not in use to prevent unneces- sary loss of heated or cooled air.

GLASS DOOR OPERATING SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS

These fireplaces may be equipped with glass doors. Refer to the end of this document for a listing of the glass doors approved for use with these fireplaces.

WARNING: IF YOUR FIREPLACE IS EQUIPPED WITH GLASS DOORS, IT SHOULD BE OPERATED WITH THE DOORS FULLY OPEN OR FULLY CLOSED. IF THE DOORS ARE LEFT PARTIALLY OPEN, GAS AND FLAMES MAY BE DRAWN OUT OF THE OPENING, CREATING RISKS OF BOTH FIRE AND SMOKE. REFER TO FIGURE 3 FOR PROPER OPERATING CONDITIONS.

Glass Doors

Fully Open or

Fully Closed

(Bi-Fold Doors)

Figure 3

CAUTION: IF A SMOKING CONDITION EX- ISTS, GLASS DOORS SHOULD BE CLOSED DURING FIREPLACE OPERATION.