User manual

Version: 10/09 Page 9
Fuel
Recently-felled wood contains 60-70% water and
must therefore be seasoned before it can be used
in a wood burning stove. It must be cut, split
and air dried, and must contain no more than
approx. 25% water before use. This equates to the
wood being left in the open for approx. 1 year -
covered only to protect against rain.
It is very important to always use dry wood. Damp wood requires a
lot of air for combustion, as extra energy in the form of heat is
needed to dry it out. Heat emission is therefore minimal.
When wood is burned slowly, it produces tar and
other organic vapors, which combine with expelled
moisture to form creosote. The creosote vapors
condense in the relatively cool chimney flue of a
slow-burning fire. As a result, creosote residue
accumulates on the flue lining. When ignited,
this creosote makes an extremely hot fire. The
chimney and chimney connector should be inspected
at least once every two months during the heating
season to determine if a creosote buildup has
occurred. If creosote has accumulated, it should
be removed to reduce the risk of a chimney fire.
4. OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
First Fire
Once your insert is installed and all instructions have been read,
the first fire can be started. However, please take careful note of
the following:
- Your new insert should be broken in gently for top performance
and to prevent paint damage, cracks in the vermiculite or
firebox lining, and excessive wear and tear.
- The baffle plate and vermiculite panels may crack under hard
impact. These are not covered by the warranty, so avoid tossing
the wood in the firebox.
- Avoid touching the metal during initial fires, as the paint is
hardening at this stage. Otherwise this may mar the paint.
It is a good idea to ensure effective ventilation during the first
firing, as the stove will generate smoke and an odor of paint. The
smoke and paint odor will dissipate after about 1 hour’s operation
and is not hazardous to health.
Do not use a grate or elevate the fire – build wood fire directly on
hearth.