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3.5 MAINTAINING THE FIRE
Once the wood has been consumed (or partially consumed) and you have obtained a
good bed of embers, you should reload the unit. In order to do so, open the air control to
its maximum for approximately 15 seconds prior to opening the stove door. Then,
proceed by opening the door very slowly. Open it by 2” to 4” (52 to 104 mm) for 10 to 15
seconds before opening it completely. This procedure will increase the draft and thus
eliminate the smoke which is stagnant in a state of slow combustion in the stove. Then,
bring the red embers to the front of the stove and reload the unit. Depending on the
type of wood you burn and the strength of the draft in your flue, you may have to
leave the air control open to its maximum for more than 15 seconds to avoid
smoke spillage before you reload the stove.
Your E.P.A Drolet stove will work best if a thick bed of hot embers is maintained
in the bottom of the firebox and a minimum of two large pieces of seasoned fuel
are added. Combustion efficiency is largely related to establishing a hot ember
bed, and hot firebox temperatures. The quicker the stove and chimney (flue) get
up to normal operating temperatures, the better. A small intense fire is preferred
to a large smouldering fire, both to improve combustion efficiency and to reduce
the amount of creosote build-up. The best performance will be obtained by
adding relatively small amounts of fuel to a well established ember bed, and then
operating with the air inlet control open long enough to achieve a hot fire. The
wood should be placed with air in between individual pieces. Use a poker to
make an air channel in the embers below the wood. This will allow air to flow
under the wood for a more efficient burn.
In order to achieve an optimum efficiency from your unit, we suggest that you
operate it with the air control completely closed. Make sure that you have a good
fire going and an adequate ember bed before you completely close the air
control. Use a chimney thermometer if necessary. Closing the air control too
soon will lower combustion efficiency and may cause the fire to die out. The
addition of a blower (if not already included) is highly recommended to maximize
your unit’s efficiency.
3.6 FAN (BLOWER) OPERATION
If you have purchased and installed and optional fan (blower), allow the stove to reach
operating temperature (approximately one hour), before turning on the fan. The
increased airflow from the fan will cool the firebox and affect the start-up combustion
efficiency if the fan is turned on too quick.
CAUTIONS:
ENSURE THAT THE FAN’S OR THERMODISC’S POWER CORD ARE NOT IN CONTACT WITH ANY
SURFACE OF THE STOVE TO PREVENT ELECTRICAL SHOCK OR FIRE DAMAGE. DO NOT RUN
ANY POWER CORD BENEATH THE STOVE.