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2.6
Emissions and Efficiency
The low smoke emissions produced by the special features inside this fireplace firebox mean
that the household will release up to 90% less smoke into the outside environment than if an
older conventional fireplace 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 fireplace 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 fireplace can only work properly
if the fuel used is in the correct moisture content range of 15% to 20%. Refer to the following
section of suggestions on preparing fuelwood and judging its moisture.
3. Fuel
Good firewood has been cut to the correct length for the fireplace, split to a range of sizes and
stacked in the open 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.
3.1
Tree Species
The tree species the firewood is produced from is less important than its moisture content. The
main difference in firewood from various tree species is the density of the wood. Hardwoods are
denser than softwoods.
Homeowners with access to both hardwood and softwood use both types for different purposes.
Softer woods make good fuel for mild weather in spring and fall because they light quickly and
produce less heat.
Softwoods are not as dense as hardwoods so a given volume of wood contains less energy.
Using softwoods avoids overheating the house, which can be a common problem with wood
heating in moderate weather. Harder woods are best for colder winter weather when more heat
and longer burn cycles are desirable.
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• 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.
Installation and Operation Manual - St. Clair 3000
cardboard,
plywood,
or
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