Maintaining Wood Fires - Osburn OB02042 Installation And Operation Manual

5.2.3 Two Parallel Logs Method
Two spit logs are placed in the firebox with a few sheets of twisted newspapers in between the
logs. Fine kindling is added across the two logs and some larger kindling across those, log cabin
style. Newspaper is lit.
5.2.4 Using Fire Starters
Commercial fire starters can be used instead of a newspaper. Some of these starters are made
of sawdust and wax and others are made of specialized flammable solid chemicals. Always
follow the package directions when using. Gel starters can also be used, but only to light a fire,
in a cold combustion chamber without hot embers inside.

5.3 Maintaining Wood Fires

5.3.1 General Advice
Wood heating with a space heater is very different than other forms of heating. There will be
temperature variations in different parts of the house and there will be temperature variations
throughout day and night. This is normal, and for experienced wood burners these are advantages
of zone heating wood burning.
Wood stoves don't have a steady heat output. It is normal for the temperature to rise after a new
load of wood is ignited and for its temperature to gradually decrease throughout the burning
cycle. This increasing and decreasing temperature can be matched with the household routines.
For example, the temperature in the area can be cooler when the household is active, and it can
be warmer when it is inactive.
Wood burns best in cycles. A cycle starts when a new load of wood is ignited by hot coals and
ends when that load has been consumed down to a bed of charcoal about the same size as it
was when the wood was loaded. Trying to produce a steady heat output by placing a single log
on the fire at regular intervals is not recommended. Always place at least three, and preferably
more pieces on the fire at a time so that the heat radiated from one piece helps to ignite the
pieces next to it. Each load of wood should provide several hours of heating. The size of each
load may vary depending on the amount of heat required.
Burning in cycles means the stove door does not need to be opened while the wood is flaming.
This is an advantage since it is preventing smoke leaking from the stove when the door is opened
as a full fire is burning. This is especially true if the chimney is on the outside wall of the house.
If the door must be opened while the fire is flaming, fully open air control for a few
minutes then open the door slowly.
5.3.2 Ash Removal
Ash should be removed from the firebox every two to three days of full time heating. Ash should
not accumulate excessively in the firebox since it will affect the proper operation of the stove.
The best time to remove ash is in the morning, after an overnight fire when the stove is relatively
cold, but there is still a little chimney draft to draw the ash dust into the stove and prevent going
out into the room.
Installation and Operation Manual - Inspire 2000 Page 23