Heating - Drolet 5135 ML Manual

Heating

Once you have obtained a good bed of embers you should reload the unit. In order to do
so, open the air controls to maximum a few seconds prior to opening the stove door.
Then proceed by opening the door very slowly; open it one or two inches for 5 to 10
seconds, before opening it completely to increase the draught 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. Use only the quantity of wood
required depending on the circumstances; for example, in severe cold load the stove to
maximum, in milder temperatures the stove should be only half loaded.
For optimal operation of your woodstove, we recommend you operate it with a wood load
approximately equivalent to the height of fire bricks (this should be the maximum height of
wood lead).
The combustion air supply control is located above the door. The air intake is opened
when the control knob is completely on the left side and closed when it is pushed towards
the right.
It is extremely important that you use your stove in such a way that you do not lower the
temperature of the combustion gases inside the chimney too much. For this purpose, we
strongly recommend that you install a magnetic thermometer on your smoke exhaust
pipe, approximately 18" (457 mm) above the stove. This thermometer will indicate the
temperature of your gas exhaust fumes within the smoke exhaust system. The ideal
temperature for these gases is somewhere between 275° F and 500° F (135 °C and 260
°C). Below this temperature, the build-up of creosote is promoted while above 500 °F
(260 °C) , heat is wasted since too large a quantity is emitted into the atmosphere.
In summary, it is very easy to operate your controlled combustion woodstove, and you
can prevent all potential problems by taking this advice:
1. Select a stove of adequate size: selecting a stove that is too big for the area to be
heated is a common mistake.
2. Follow the installation standards scrupulously and respect the combustible material
clearances for the stove, coupling pipes and the chimney.
3. Burn only dried wood, that is, with a maximum 20% humidity content; this is the most
important recommendation of all.
4. Install a magnetic thermometer on your pipe, 18" (457 mm) above the stove, and
maintain the temperature of your exhaust gas fumes between 275 °F and 500° F (135
°C and 260 °C).
12