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FIREPLACE OPERATION
WARNING: If a decorative gas appliance is used in the
fireplace the fireplace damper must be fixed in an open
position. (See additional operation information in section
titled "Operation Guidelines".)
WARNING: Fireplaces equipped with doors should be
operated only with the doors fully open or doors fully
closed. If doors are left partly open, gas and flame may
be drawn out of the fireplace opening, creating risks of
both fire and smoke. Figure 31
Figure 31
Operate Fireplace Only With
all Doors in the Fully Closed
Position
CLOSED
RIGHT
Advantages of a Wood Burning Fireplace
These are the practical, ecological advantages of wood
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as a fuel. Also to be considered is the aesthetic appeal.
door position
Most of us consider a wood fire with nostalgia. We enjoy
the aroma, and find the flickering light of a cozy hearth
conductive to a happy remembrance of things past. Wood
has a low ash content. And the little ash that remains af-
ter burning is useful in home gardening as a fertilizer and
soil conditioner. WARNING: This appliance is not for use
as cooking equipment.
Which Woods Are Best?
Each wood species offers something different in aroma
or heat value, and you should consider your needs and
desires before building your fire. Softwoods, like pine,
spruce, and fir are easy to ignite because they are res-
inous. However, a fire built entirely of softwoods burns
out quickly and requires frequent replenishment. While
a softwood fire is not too desirable for a long evening, it's
fine in the morning when you want quick warmth, or late in
the evening when you want a fire that will burn out before
you go to bed.
On occasion when a longer fire is desired, it's best to
combine softwoods with the heavier hardwoods such as
ash, beech, birch, maple, oak and hickory. These hard-
wood species burn less rapidly, with shorter flames, and
produce steady, glowing coals.
87D0174
For the most pleasing aroma, burn the wood of fruit trees
such as apple and cherry, or nut trees such as beech,
hickory and pecan. Such wood is generally more expen-
sive, but a little combined with other wood, goes a long
way. Start your fire with a mixture of softwood and hard-
wood, then add some fruit or nut wood for nostalgic aro-
ma. Since most woods will not burn well when freshly cut,
the wood you purchase should be reasonably dry. The
sizes you buy are dictated by the size of your fireplace.
Purchase logs that will fit when laid across your grate, and
ask that the larger, heavier logs be split. Kindling should
be short, easily split lengths of softwood, lumber yard or
mill scraps, or twigs and branches gathered from your
yard.
How To Build A Better Fire
The first three fires should be of moderate size to allow
the fireplace to adjust and the bricks to cure before be-
ing subjected to larger fires. First, make sure your room
is well ventilated, your damper open and the flue is un-
obstructed. Then make sure your wood is dry and sea-
soned. Unseasoned wood burns poorly and coupled with
poor ventilation or an obstructed chimney, leads to smok-
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ing problems. If your fireplace is equipped with an outside
combustion air assembly, open the combustion air inlet by
WRONG
pushing upward on the lever located above the firebrick
on the left side of the firebox.
NEVER USE GASOLINE, GASOLINE-TYPE LANTERN
FUEL, KEROSENE, CHARCOAL LIGHTER FLUID, OR
SIMILAR LIQUIDS TO START OR "FRESHEN UP" A
FIRE IN THIS FIREPLACE. KEEP ALL SUCH LIQUIDS
WELL AWAY FROM THE FIREPLACE WHILE IT IS IN
USE. USE OF THIS FUEL CAN CAUSE A SERIOUS
EXPLOSION.
Prepare your fire by placing two logs on the iron grate or
fire basket, and laying the tinder between them. Tinder
may be dry scrap paper, twigs, or bark. On top place a
small handful of twigs or split softwood kindling. Place
more dry logs over this base. Keep logs close together,
as narrow air spaces between them promote better drafts,
and heat reflected between adjacent surfaces aids in rais-
ing and maintaining combustion temperatures.
You'll need a minimum of three logs, preferably four, to
make a good fire. Add kindling and new logs as needed
to rekindle a dying fire. New logs should be added at the
rear grate after raking the coals toward the front. DO NOT
OVERFIRE THE FIREPLACE. Overfire conditions may
be created by large amounts of kindling, building scraps,
or other improper fuels.
Ashes, important because they form a bed of glowing
coals, should only be left to accumulate within an inch or
two of the bottom of the grate. Excess ashes can be used
to check a flaming fire; or to "bank" your fire, cover the
SSTB11 Woodburning Fireplace
25
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