FIREPLACE OPERATION

BUILDING AND TENDING A FIRE

The first three fires should be of moderate size to allow the fireplace to adjust and cure before being subjected to larger fires.

First, make sure your room is well ventilated, your damper open and the flue is unobstructed. Then make sure your wood is dry and seasoned. Unseasoned wood burns poorly. If you use unseasoned wood with poor ventilation or an obstructed chimney, smoking could occur.

Open the outside combustion air damper by pushing upward on its control lever located above the firebrick on the left side of the firebox. This damper should be open while the fireplace is in use. See Figure 5, page 7.

The flue damper control lever is located just below the upper grille of the fireplace. You can reach the control lever through the front opening of the fireplace. The damper is operated by simply unlocking up to open or pulling and locking down to close.

WARNING

The flue damper is counterweighted

to maintain the fully open position.

is completely out and all smoking has

 

The flue damper must be fully pen

 

while the fireplace is in use. The flue

 

damper must be open unless the fire

 

stopped.

 

 

WOOD VS. FOSSIL FUELS

Compared to fossil fuels, a full cord of dry hickory weighs about two tons and is approximately equal in heating value to a ton of hard coal. On a per pound basis, heavy hardwoods have about half the heating value of coal. The table below shows the relative densities and heat values of a variety of dry woods. Varieties at the top of the list (Dogwood) burn longer and those near the bottom (White Pine) ignite and burn quicker. A combination of both light and heavy wood is desired.

SPECIES VALUE

DENSITY

HEAT

Dogwood

.70-.79

100-107

Hickory

.70-.74

100

Oak

.60-.73

86-99

Black Locust

.69-.70

95-98

Beech

.64-.66

89-91

Hard Maple

.58-.65

83-88

Birch

.55-.64

79-86

Apple

.58-.62

83-84

Ash

.57-.61

81-82

Southern Pine

.51-.60

73-81

Elm

.50-.59

71-80

Cherry

.50-.52

70

Douglas Fir

.45-.51

64-69

Spruce

.41-.44

59

Redwood

.33-.40

47-54

White Pine

.35-.37

50

 

 

 

WARNING

Never use gasoline, gasoline-type lantern fuel, kerosene, charcoal lighter fluid, or similar liquids to start or “freshen up” a fire in this fireplace. Keep all such liquids well away from the fireplace while it is in use. Use of this fuel can cause a serious explosion.

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Monessen Hearth BWBC400MHB, BWBC500MHB manual Building and Tending a Fire, Wood VS. Fossil Fuels

BWBC500MHB, BWBC400MHB specifications

The Monessen Hearth BWBC500MHB and BWBC400MHB are two sophisticated gas-burning fireplaces designed to combine aesthetic appeal with efficiency and functionality. Known for their innovative technologies and remarkable features, these models cater to various needs, making them ideal for any modern home.

One of the standout features of both models is their impressive heating capabilities. The BWBC500MHB delivers a heat output of up to 38,000 BTUs, making it suitable for larger spaces. In contrast, the BWBC400MHB provides up to 30,000 BTUs, catering well to smaller areas without compromising warmth. These fireplaces are engineered to heat your space effectively while maintaining a visually appealing ambience.

Aesthetically, both models showcase a clean and contemporary design, featuring a large viewing area. This expansive glass front offers an unobstructed view of the mesmerizing flames, allowing you to enjoy the flickering fire from various angles in the room. Further enhancing the visual allure, Monessen provides optional decorative media such as glass beads or ceramic logs, enabling you to customize the look of your fireplace to match your interior décor.

The Monessen Hearth models utilize advanced technology to maximize efficiency and ease of use. Each unit incorporates an electronic ignition system that ensures a reliable start-up. This feature eliminates the need for matchsticks, providing convenience for users. Additionally, both fireplaces come standard with a remote control option, allowing users to adjust flame height and heat settings without having to leave the comfort of their seat.

Another critical aspect of these models is their versatility in venting options. Both the BWBC500MHB and BWBC400MHB can be vented vertically or horizontally, making them adaptable to various installation configurations and building requirements. This flexibility allows homeowners to integrate these elegant units seamlessly into their existing architecture.

Moreover, they are designed with energy efficiency in mind. Their sealed combustion system draws air from outside the home, maximizing heat retention and minimizing energy loss. This feature not only contributes to reduced heating costs but also enhances overall indoor air quality.

In summary, the Monessen Hearth BWBC500MHB and BWBC400MHB are exceptional gas-burning fireplaces that bring warmth, style, and comfort to any living space. With their advanced features, customizable design options, and efficient technologies, these models set a high standard in the world of modern fireplaces, ensuring that homeowners can enjoy the beauty and warmth of a fire any time of year.