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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".)
advaNTageS OF a WOOd BurNINg
FIrepLaCe
These are the practical, ecological advantages of wood
as a fuel. Also to be considered is the aesthetic appeal.
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 after
burning is useful in home gardening as a fertilizer and soil
conditioner.
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 resinous. 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 hardwood
species burn less rapidly, with shorter flames, and produce
steady, glowing coals.
For the most pleasing aroma, you'll want to 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
expensive, but a little combined with other wood, goes a
long way. Start your fire with a mixture of softwood and
hardwood, then add some fruit or nut wood for nostalgic
aroma. 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.
87D0058
SB50HB Series Woodburning Fireplace
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 being
subjected to larger fires.
First, make sure your room is well ventilated, your damper
open and the flue is unobstructed. Then make sure your
wood is dry and seasoned. Unseasoned wood burns poorly
and coupled with poor ventilation or an obstructed chimney,
leads to smoking problems.
If your fireplace is equipped with an outside combustion
air assembly, open the combustion air inlet by 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 raising and
maintaining combustion temperatures.
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