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An example of the energy values of some common wood fuels is given in Table 3.1
For recommended wood sizes, refer to the specifications.
Common Heating Values of Cordwood
Hardwoods
Million Btu/Cord
Softwoods
Million Btu/Cord
Birch
23.6
Douglas Fir
20.6
White Oak
28.3
Hemlock
17.1
Alder
17.6
Jack Pine
18.4
Table 3.1
3.2.1 Simple Wood Moisture Test
Add one large piece of wood to the top of an established fire. If it starts to burn on three sides within one
minute, it is dry and seasoned and right for burning. If it turns black and starts to burn in three minutes,
it is damp. If it turns black and does not start burning until after five minutes, it is green and wet. If it
hisses at any time, the wood is soaked and will not burn until excess moisture is boiled away.
3.3 Notes About First Firing
Before firing ensure that the room is well ventilated. Curing the paint is recommended to preserve the
best quality finish. Heating the insert too intensely on the first fire will dull and lighten the colour on
overheated areas, and cause smoke and odour to be emitted into the room. To cure the paint, the first
two fires should be burned for only about twenty minutes each.
The paint curing process will produce a light fume with an unpleasant odour. Open windows. Leave the
room if the smell is too intense. The fume is non-toxic and will disappear completely after the unit
will have been used a few times at higher firing temperatures.
Allow the insert to get warm only, but not hot, i.e. 250
o
F (120
o
C) as measured by an insert top
thermometer, then allow the insert to cool down. Light a third fire and burn it for about forty minutes to
450
o
F (230
o
C) or less. Once again cool the insert to room temperature, then operate it according to the
following instructions. This extra care will result in a more durable, and uniform finish.
3.4 Lighting A Fire
1. Place enough crumpled balls of newspaper or other paper into the insert to cover the
bottom of the firebox.
2. Place small dry kindling on the crumpled paper.
3. Place larger dry kindling on top of the small kindling.
4. Open the draft control fully to the right (located on the right side of the faceplate, Figure 3.1)
5. Light a fire at the bottom of the crumpled paper and close the door. If the fire tends to go out,
momentarily hold the door slightly ajar to fan the fire. As soon as the fire catches hold, close the
door.