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FAqS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. What is the correct way to start a fire?
a) You will need small pieces of dry wood (kindling) and paper. Use only newspaper or paper that has not
been coated or had unknown materials glued or applied to it. Never use coated (typically advertising
flyers) or colored paper.
b) Open the door of the wood stove.
c) Crumple several pieces of paper and place them in the center of the firebox and directly on to the
firebricks of the wood stove. Never use a grate to elevate the fire.
d) Place small pieces of dry wood (kindling) over the paper in a "Teepee" manner. This allows for good
air circulation, which is critical for good combustion.
e) Light the crumpled paper in 2 or 3 locations. Note: It is important to heat the air in the stovepipe for
draft to start.
f) Fully open the air control of the wood stove (refer to Page 17) and close the door until it is slightly
open, allowing for much needed air to be introduced into the firebox. Never leave the door fully open
as sparks from the kindling may occur causing injury. As the fire begins to burn the kindling, some
additional kindling may be needed to sustain the fire. DO NOT add more paper after the fire has
started.
g) Once the kindling has started to burn, start by adding some of your smaller pieces of seasoned (dry)
firewood. Note: Adding large pieces at the early stages will only serve to smother the fire. Continue
adding small pieces of seasoned (dry) firewood, keeping the door slightly open until each piece starts
to ignite. Remember to always open the door slowly between placing wood into the fire.
h) Once the wood has started to ignite and the smoke has reduced, close the wood stove door fully. The
reduction of smoke, is a good indication that the draft in the chimney has started and good combustion
is now possible. Larger pieces of seasoned (dry) firewood can now be added when there is sufficient
space in the firebox. Adjust the air control setting to desired setting (page 17)
i) NOTE: The lower the air control setting the longer the burn time of your firewood.
2. What type of wood is best to use as firewood?
Dry seasoned hardwood should be used. Avoid green unseasoned wood. Green wood, besides burning
at only 60 percent of the fuel value of dry seasoned wood, will deposit creosote on the inside of your
stove and along the inside of your chimney.
3. What does dry seasoned wood mean, and what is considered hardwood?
Wood that has been dried for a period of one year in a well-ventilated and sheltered area would be
considered dry seasoned wood. Hardwoods are generally from slow growth trees (Example: Oak and
Fir). Softwoods are generally from fast growth trees (Example: Pine and Spruce).
4. Will following the above listed steps for starting a fire result in perfect results all the time?
The quick answer is most of the time. There are many variables that may affect your success rate when
starting a fire. Most of those variables and how to deal with them will be learned through experience.
Your ability to start a good fire will significantly increase with time and patience. Some of the reasons for
poor stove performance will be covered in the next section of these instructions
5. Why can't I get the fire lit?
Damp or wet wood and poor draft are the main reasons for poor results in starting a fire. Always use
dry seasoned wood for your fire. Even wood dried for two years will be difficult to ignite if it has become
wet.
6. Why is there always a large quantity of thick black smoke present in the firebox?
A large quantity of thick black smoke in the firebox is a good indication that the draft is poor.
7. Is it normal for soot to cover the glass at the beginning of a fire?
Your stove has been built with an air wash system that will help keep the glass clear when the firebox
has reached a good operating temperature, and has a good draft. Cold firebox temperature and poor
draft cause sooting of the glass. Once the firebox temperature and the draft increases, the soot will burn
off.
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VSW20 Wood Stove
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