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A longer burning time is not necessarily an indication of efficient fireplace operation. It is
preferable to build a smaller fire that will provide three or four hours of heating than to fully load
the firebox for a much longer burn. Shorter burn cycles make it easier to match the heat output
of the fireplace to the heat demand for the space.
5.7.5
Logs Orientation
In a relatively square firebox, the wood can be loaded north-south (ends of the logs visible) or
east-west (sides of the logs visible).
North-south loads allow more wood to be loaded at the same time. On the other hand, they
break into smaller pieces faster. North-south loading is good for high output, long lasting fires
for cold weather.
East-west loads allow a limited amount of wood since too many logs could cause them to fall
on the glass. East-west loads, placed in a compact way, take a long time before breaking down.
They are excellent for low-intensity, long-lasting fires in relatively mild weather.
5.7.6
Carbon Monoxide
When there is no more flame in the firebox and there are still some unburned logs, check outside
if there is smoke coming out of the chimney. If this is the case, it means that the fire is out of
air to burn properly. In this situation, the level of CO increase and it is important to react. Open
the door slightly and move the logs with a poker. Create a passage for the air below by making
a trench with the ember bed. Add small pieces of wood to restart the combustion.
6. Maintenance
This heater will give many years of reliable service if used and maintained properly. Internal
components of the firebox such as firebricks or refractory panels, baffle and air tubes will wear
over time. Defective parts should always be replaced with original parts.
To avoid premature deterioration, follow the lighting and reloading procedures in section
«5. Burning Wood Efficiently»
for entire burn cycles.
6.1
Cleaning and Painting
Painted and plated surfaces can be wiped down with a soft, damp cloth. If the paint is scratched
or damaged, it is possible to repaint the fireplace with a heat-resistant paint. Do not clean or
paint the fireplace when it is hot. Before painting, the surface should be sanded lightly with
sandpaper and then wiped off to remove dust. Apply two thin layers of paint.
6.2
Refractory Material and Baffle
The intense heat of the fire can cause slight cracks in the refractory panels. It is possible to
minimize the appearance of these cracks by hardening the panels as described in the section
«5.1 First
Use». Slight cracks will not reduce the effectiveness of the panels. On the other hand,
if wider cracks appear, they must be replaced. Inspect the refractory panels and the baffle for
damage periodically and replace anything that is cracked or broken.
Operation of the heater with a cracked or missing baffle may cause unsafe temperatures
and hazardous conditions and will void the warranty.
Installation and Operation Manual - Stratford II
and also avoid letting the heater run with the air intake fully open
Page 23
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