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WOOD PILE MAINTENANCE
Burn only dry, clean unpainted wood that has been
seasoned. It produces more heat and less soot or
creosote. Freshly cut wood contains about 50% moisture
while after proper seasoning only about 20% of the water
remains. As wood is burned, this water boils off consuming
energy that should be used in heating. The wetter the
wood, the less heat is given off and the more creosote is
produced.
Both hardwood and softwood burn equally well in this
stove but hardwood is denser, will weigh more per cord
and burn a little slower and longer. Firewood should be
split, stacked in a manner that air can get to all parts of it
and covered in early spring to be ready for burning that fall.
Dry firewood has cracks in the end grain. Cut the wood so
that it will fit horizontally, sideways, making for easier
loading and less of a likelihood that the wood will roll onto
the glass.
STOVE MAINTENANCE
Check your chimney and chimney connector for creosote
and soot buildup weekly until a safe frequency for cleaning
is established. If accumulation is excessive, disconnect
the stove and clean both the chimney and the stove. You
may want to call a professional chimney sweep to clean
them. Both have to be cleaned at least once a year or as
often as necessary.
SMOKING : Aproperly installed stove should not smoke. If
yours does, check the following : Has the chimney had
time to get hot ? Is the smoke passage blocked anywhere
in the stove, chimney connector or chimney ? Is the room
too airtight ? Try with a window partly open. Is the smoke
flow impeded by too long a horizontal pipe or too many
bends ? Is it a weak draft perhaps caused by a leaky
chimney, a cold outside chimney, too short a chimney, or a
chimney too close to trees or a higher roof ?
Creosote formation and removal
When wood is burned slowly, it produces tar and other
organic vapours which combine with expelled moisture to
form creosote. These vapours condense in the relatively
cooler chimney flue of a slow burning fireand when ignited,
make an extremely hot fire. So, the smoke pipe and
chimney should be inspected monthly during the heating
season to determine if a buildup has occurred. If creosote
has accumulated it should be removed to reduce the risk of
a chimney fire.
Runaway or chimney fire
Runaway fires can be the result of two major factors :
1. Using incorrect fuel, or small fuel pieces which would
normally be used as kindling.
2. Leaving the door ajar too long and creating extreme
temperatures as the air rushes in the open door.
Solutions :
1. Do not burn treated or processed wood, coal, charcoal,
coloured paper or cardboard.
2. Be careful not to over-fire the unit by leaving the door
open too long after initial start-up. A thermometer on the
chimney connector and/or stove top helps.
What to do if a runaway or chimney fire starts ?
1. Close the draft fully.
2. Call local fire department.
3. Examine flue-pipes, chimney, attic, and roof of the
house, to see if any part has become hot enough to
catch fire. If necessary spray with a fire extinguisher or
water from a garden hose.
4. Do not operate the stove again until you are certain the
chimney and its lining have not been damaged.