Operating instructions

Helpful Hints Worth Repeating
1. Helpful advice on the correct way to start your fire.
a) You will need small pieces of dry wood, called kindling, and paper. Use only newspaper or paper that has
not been coated or had other materials glued or applied to it. Never use coated (typically advertising flyers) or
coloured paper.
b) Always open the door of the wood stove slowly to prevent suction and drawing smoke into the room.
c) Crumple several pieces of paper and place them in the center of the firebox and directly onto the firebricks
of the wood stove. Never use a grate to elevate the fire.
d) Place small pieces of dry wood (kindling) over the paper in a “teepee” manner. This allows for good air
circulation, which is critical for good combustion.
e) Light the crumpled paper in 2 or 3 locations. Note: It is important to heat the air in the stovepipe for draft to
start.
f) Fully open the air controls of the wood stove and close the door until it is slightly open, allowing for much
needed air to be introduced into the firebox. Never leave the door fully open, as sparks from the kindling may
fly out of the stove, causing damage or injury. As the fire begins to burn the kindling, some additional kindling
may be needed to sustain the fire. DO NOT add more paper after the fire has started.
g) Once the kindling has started to burn, add some smaller pieces of seasoned, dry firewood. Note: Adding
large pieces at the early stages will only serve to smother the fire. Continue adding small pieces of seasoned
dry firewood, keeping the door slightly open until each piece starts to ignite. Remember to always open the
door slowly between placing wood into the fire.
h) Once the wood has started to ignite and the smoke has reduced, close the wood stove door fully. The
reduction of smoke is a good indication that the draft in the chimney has started and good combustion is now
possible. Larger pieces of seasoned, dry firewood can now be added when there is sufficient space in the
firebox. Adjust the air control setting to desired setting. Note: The lower the air control setting, the longer the
burn time of your firewood.
2. What type of wood is best to use as firewood?
Both hardwood and softwood burn well in this stove. Both woods contain about 8,000 BTUs per pound, but
hardwood is generally denser, will weigh more per cord, and burns a little slower and longer. Cutting firewood so
that it will fit horizontally, front to back, makes it easier loading and less likely for the fuel to roll on the glass.
Except for a cold start, there is no need to crisis-cross the logs. Ideal lengths would be about 12 “ for models
1000, 16.5” for model 1600, 21 “ for model 2100. Burn only dry, seasoned wood. It produces more heat and less
soot or creosote. Freshly cut wood has about 50% moisture. A ten-pound log contains 5 pounds of water. To
season firewood split and stack it so that air can get to all parts of the wood. Burn beach wood only if its salt
content has been washed away in a season of rain and then the wood dried. To prevent smoke spillage, when
refueling, open the door slowly.
3. What does dry, seasoned wood mean?
Wood that has been dried for a period of one year in a well-ventilated and sheltered area would be considered
dry, seasoned wood. Wood from slow-growing trees is generally considered better than wood from fast-growing
trees. To season firewood split and stack it so that air can get to all parts of the wood.
4. Will following the above-listed steps for starting a fire mean perfect results every time?
The quick answer is ‘ most of the time’. There are many variables that may affect your success when starting a
fire. Most of those variables and how to deal with them will be learned through experience. Your ability to start a
good fire will significantly increase with time and patience. Some of the reasons for poor stove performance will
be covered in the next section of these instructions.
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