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Although the insert may be able to heat the main living areas of the house to an adequate
temperature, it is strongly recommended to also have a conventional oil, gas or electric heating
system to provide backup heating.
The success of zone heating will depend on several factors, including the correct sizing and
location of the insert, the size, layout and age of the home and the climate zone. Three-season
vacation homes can usually be heated with smaller inserts than houses that are heated all winter.
2.6
Emissions and Efficiency
The low smoke emissions produced by the special features inside this insert firebox means
that the household will release up to 90% less smoke into the outside environment than if an
older conventional insert was used. But there is more to the emission control technologies than
protecting the environment.
The smoke released from wood when it is heated contains about half of the energy content of
the fuel. By burning the wood completely, this insert releases all the heat energy from the wood
instead of wasting it as smoke up the chimney. Also, the features inside the firebox allow control
of the air supply meaning controlling the heat output, while maintaining clean and efficient
flaming combustion, which boosts the efficient delivery of heat to the home.
The emission control and advanced combustion features of this insert can only work properly
if the fuel used is in the correct moisture content range of 15% to 20%. Refer to the following
section for suggestions on preparing fuelwood and judging its moisture.
3. Fuel
Good firewood has been cut to the correct length for the insert, split to a range of sizes and
stacked in an open area until its moisture content is down to 15% to 20%.
DO NOT BURN:
• Garbage;
• Lawn clippings or yard waste;
• Materials containing rubber, including tires;
• Materials containing plastic;
• Waste petroleum products, paints or paint
thinners, or asphalt products;
• Materials containing asbestos;
• Construction or demolition debris;
• Railroad ties or pressure-treated wood;
Burning these materials may result in release of toxic fumes or render the heater ineffective and
cause smoke.
Installation and Operation Manual - Osburn 3500-I
• Manure or animal remains;
• Salt water driftwood or other previously salt
water saturated materials;
• Unseasoned wood; or
• Paper
products,
particleboard. the prohibition against burning
these materials does not prohibit the use of fire
starters made from paper, cardboard, saw dust,
wax and similar substances for the purpose of
starting a fire in an affected wood heater.
cardboard,
plywood,
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