Faqs - Lexington Forge SSW30FTAL Owner's Manual

FAQS

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1) What is the correct way to start a fi re?
a) You will need small pieces of dry wood (kindling) and paper. Use only newspaper or paper that has not been coated or had
unknown materials glued or applied to it. Never use coated (typically advertising fl yers) or colored paper.
b) Open the door of the wood stove.
c) Crumple several pieces of paper and place them in the center of the fi rebox and directly on to the fi rebricks of the wood stove
(see page 6 of this manual). Never use a grate to elevate the fi re.
d) Place small pieces of dry wood (kindling) over the paper in a "Teepee" manner. This allows for good air circulation, which
is critical for good combustion.
e) Light the crumpled paper in 2 or 3 locations. Note: It is important to heat the air in the stovepipe for draft to start.
f) Fully open the air control of the wood stove (see page 14 of this manual) and close the door until it is slightly open, allowing
for much needed air to be introduced into the fi rebox. Never leave the door fully open as sparks from the kindling may occur
causing injury. As the fi re begins to burn the kindling, some additional kindling may be needed to sustain the fi re. DO NOT
add more paper after the fi re has started.
g) Once the kindling has started to burn, start by adding some of your smaller pieces of seasoned (dry) fi rewood. Note: Adding
large pieces at the early stages will only serve to smother the fi re. Continue adding small pieces of seasoned (dry) fi rewood,
keeping the door slightly open until each piece starts to ignite. Remember to always open the door slowly between placing
wood into the fi re.
h) Once the wood has started to ignite and the smoke has reduced, close the wood stove door fully. The reduction of smoke, is
a good indication that the draft in the chimney has started and good combustion is now possible. Larger pieces of seasoned
(dry) fi rewood can now be added when there is suffi cient space in the fi rebox. Adjust the air control setting to desired setting
(see page 14)
i) Note: The lower the air control setting the longer the burn time of your fi rewood.
2) What type of wood is best to use as fi rewood?
Dry seasoned hardwood should be used. Avoid green unseasoned wood. Green wood, besides burning at only 60 percent of the
fuel value of dry seasoned wood, will deposit creosote on the inside of your stove and along the inside of your chimney.
3) What does dry seasoned wood mean, and what is considered hardwood?
Wood that has been dried for a period of one year in a well-ventilated and sheltered area would be considered dry seasoned
wood. Hardwoods are generally from slow growth trees (Example: Oak and Fir). Softwoods are generally from fast growth trees
(Example: Pine and Spruce).
4) Will following the above listed steps for starting a fi re result in perfect results all the time?
The quick answer is most of the time. There are many variables that may affect your success rate when starting a fi re. Most of
those variables and how to deal with them will be learned through experience. Your ability to start a good fi re will signifi cantly
increase with time and patience. Some of the reasons for poor stove performance will be covered in the next section of these
instructions
5) Why can't I get the fi re lit?
Damp or wet wood and poor draft are the main reasons for poor results in starting a fi re. Always use dry seasoned wood for your
fi re. Even wood dried for two years will be diffi cult to ignite if it has become wet.
6) Why is there always a large quantity of thick black smoke present in the fi rebox?
A large quantity of thick black smoke in the fi rebox is a good indication that the draft is poor.
7) Is it normal for soot to cover the glass at the beginning of a fi re?
Your stove has been built with an air wash system that will help keep the glass clear when the fi rebox has reached a good
operating temperature, and has a good draft. Cold fi rebox temperature and poor draft cause sooting of the glass. Once the fi rebox
temperature and the draft increases, the soot will burn off.
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