Fan Operation; Building Different Fires For Different Needs - Osburn 2000 Installation And Operation Manual

2000 Insert Installation and Operation Manual
4.5 FAN OPERATION
Allow the insert to reach operating temperature (approximately one hour), before turning on the
fan, since increased airflow from the fan will remove heat and affect the start‐up combustion
efficiency.
NOTE: ENSURE THE FAN CORD IS NOT IN CONTACT WITH ANY SURFACE OF THE INSERT TO
PREVENT ELECTRICAL SHOCK OR FIRE DAMAGE. DO NOT RUN CORD BENEATH THE INSERT.
The insert's fan is equipped with a heat sensor. Therefore, you can leave the variable speed
control to the desired speed. The fan will function automatically when the insert becomes hot and
it will stop when the insert has cooled.
4.5.1 BUILDING DIFFERENT FIRES FOR DIFFERENT NEEDS
Using the air control is not the only way to match the insert's heat output to the heat demand.
Your house will need far less heat in October than in January to be kept at a comfortable
temperature. If you fill the firebox full in fall weather, you will either overheat the space or turn
the insert down so much that the fire will be smoky and inefficient. Here are some suggestions for
building fires to match different heat demand.
4.5.1.1 Small Fires to Take the Chill Off the House
To build a small fire that will produce a low heat output, use small pieces of firewood and load
them crisscross in the firebox. The pieces should be only 3" to 4" in diameter. After raking the
coals, you can lay two pieces parallel to each other corner to corner in the firebox and lay two
more across them in the other direction. Open the air control fully and only reduce the air after
the wood is fully flaming. This kind of fire is good for mild weather when you are around to tend
the insert and should provide enough heat for four hours or more. Small fires like this are a good
time to use softer wood species so there will be less chance of overheating the house.
4.5.1.2 Long Lasting Low Output Fires
Sometimes you will want to build a fire to last up to eight hours, but don't need intense heat. In
this case use soft wood species and place the logs compactly in the firebox so the pieces are
packed tightly together. You will need to fire the load hot for long enough to fully char the log
surfaces before you can turn the air down. Make sure the fire is flaming brightly before leaving the
fire to burn.
4.5.1.3 High Output Fires for Cold Weather
When the heat demand is high during cold weather, you'll need a fire that burns steadily and
brightly. This is the time to use larger pieces of hardwood fuel if you have it. Put the biggest pieces
at the back of the firebox and place the rest of the pieces compactly. A densely built fire like this
will produce the longest burn your insert is capable of.
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