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5.7.4
Maximum Burn Cycle Times
The burn cycle time is the period between loading wood on a coal bed and the consumption of
that wood back to a coal bed of the same size. The flaming phase of the fire lasts for roughly
the first half of the burn cycle and the second half is the coal bed phase during which there is
little or no flame. The burning time expected from this insert, including both phases, will vary
depending on a number of things, such as:
− firebox size,
− the amount of wood loaded,
− the species of wood,
− the wood moisture content,
The table below gives an approximate maximum burn cycle times, based on firebox volume.
FIREBOX VOLUME
A longer burning time is not necessarily an indication of efficient insert 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 insert
to the heat demand of 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 increases 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.
Page 22
Table 1 : Approximate Maximum Burn Cycle Time
<1.5 cubic feet
1.5 c.f. to 2.0 c.f
2.0 c.f. to 2.5 c.f.
2.5 c.f. to 3.0 c.f.
>3.0 c.f.
− the size of the space to be heated,
− the climate zone where the house is, and
− the time of the year.
MAXIMUM BURN CYCLE
TIME
3 to 5 hours
5 to 6 hours
6 to 8 hours
8 to 9 hours
9 to 10 hours
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