Preparing For Use; Type Of Wood; Storing The Wood; Ventilation - Kalfire W Series Installation And User Manual

4 Preparing for use

4.1 Type of wood

The Kalfire W built-in fireplace is suitable for burning dry wood.
We recommend using only chopped wood, which has not
undergone any treatment; MDF, stained or coated wood, and
flammable waste should not be used as fuel in the Kalfire on
environmental grounds and to protect the working life of the
fireplace. The most suitable types of wood are beech, oak and
birch.
Dry wood (approximately 15% moisture content) is extremely
important for a good combustion process. If damp wood is
used, the ceramic window pane in the door will become soiled
and there is an increased risk of chimney fire. It will also form an
environmental nuisance and a nuisance to the neighbours as a
result of the excessive smoke/odour that is released (extremely
dark smoke). This is why you should always make sure that dry
wood is stored suitably. To obtain the ideal moisture content of
15%, the chopped wood often needs to dry outside for a period of
2 to 3 years.
If the Kalfire W is lit with an open door, we advise you to use
broadleaf wood such as oak, beech and birch. These types of
wood do not contain much resin. When burning types of wood
that do contain resin, such as pine and larch and fir, a lot of sparks
are released. We also discourage the use of hardwood. It is better
to mix the different types of wood, for example, by combining
broadleaf wood with hardwood. This will benefit the lifespan of
the Kalfire W and will create a more attractive play of flames.
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4.2 Storing the wood

All types of wood should be stored for about 2 to 3 years in a
dry, protected and well-ventilated area. For example in a lean-to
next to the house. A cellar or a garage without good ventilation is
not suitable as a storage place for wood. Also, the wood should
be stored chopped; otherwise the bark will impede the drying
process. Wood often contains insects; therefore do not store the
wood in the living room for lengthy periods.

4.3 Ventilation

The risk of discolouration can be reduced by effective ventilation
in the room where the appliance is installed (see also section 3.5).
Below are some tips, from the Dutch decorative heating guild, to
avoid discolouration:
•
The area in which the fireplace is situated must be well
ventilated.
•
Minimise the use of candles and oil lamps and keep the wick
as short as possible. These 'decorative touches' produce
considerable amounts of soiling and unhealthy soot
particles in your home.
•
Wait at least 6 weeks before lighting a newly installed
masonry mantelpiece or after building work. The building
moisture must be allowed to disappear completely from
walls, the floor and ceiling.
•
Avoid smoking. Smoking is not only bad for your health, but
cigarette and cigar smoke also contain tar, that will cause
deposits on colder and damp walls when heated.
•
With renovations or new building work, ensure there is extra
ventilation to remove volatile solutions from your home.