Fireplace Operation; Advantages Of A Wood Burning Fireplace; Which Woods Are Best; How To Build A Better Fire - MHSC SB44SS Installation, Operation And Maintenance Manual

FIrepLaCe OperaTION

SB44SS Outdoor Woodburning Fireplace
WarNINg: If a decorative gas appliance is used in the fireplace the fireplace damper must
be fixed in an open position. (See additional operation information in section titled "Operation
Guidelines".)

advaNTageS OF a WOOd BurNINg FIrepLaCe

These are the practical, ecological advantages of wood as a fuel. Also to be considered is the
aesthetic appeal. Most of us consider a wood fire with nostalgia. We enjoy the aroma, and find
the flickering light of a cozy hearth conductive to a happy remembrance of things past. Wood
has a low ash content. And the little ash that remains after burning is useful in home gardening
as a fertilizer and soil conditioner.
WarNINg: This appliance is not for use as cooking equipment.

WhICh WOOdS are BeST?

Each wood species offers something different in aroma or heat value, and you should consider
your needs and desires before building your fire.
Softwoods, like pine, spruce, and fir are easy to ignite because they are resinous. However, a
fire built entirely of softwoods burns out quickly and requires frequent replenishment. While a
softwood fire is not too desirable for a long evening, it's fine in the morning when you want quick
warmth, or late in the evening when you want a fire that will burn out before you go to bed.
On occasion when a longer fire is desired, it's best to combine softwoods with the heavier
hardwoods such as ash, beech, birch, maple, oak and hickory. These hardwood species burn
less rapidly, with shorter flames, and produce steady, glowing coals.
For the most pleasing aroma, you'll want to burn the wood of fruit trees such as apple and cherry,
or nut trees such as beech, hickory and pecan. Such wood is generally more expensive, but
a little combined with other wood, goes a long way. Start your fire with a mixture of softwood
and hardwood, then add some fruit or nut wood for nostalgic aroma. Since most woods will not
burn well when freshly cut, the wood you purchase should be reasonably dry. The sizes you
buy are dictated by the size of your fireplace. Purchase logs that will fit when laid across your
grate, and ask that the larger, heavier logs be split. Kindling should be short, easily split lengths
of softwood, lumber yard or mill scraps, or twigs and branches gathered from your yard.

hOW TO BuILd a BeTTer FIre

The first three fires should be of moderate size to allow the fireplace to adjust and the bricks to
cure before being subjected to larger fires.
First, make sure your room is well ventilated, your damper open and the flue is unobstructed.
Then make sure your wood is dry and seasoned. Unseasoned wood burns poorly and coupled
with poor ventilation or an obstructed chimney, leads to smoking problems.
If your fireplace is equipped with an outside combustion air assembly, open the combustion air
inlet by pushing upward on the lever located above the firebrick on the left side of the firebox.
Never use gasoline, gasoline-type lantern fuel, kerosene, charcoal lighter fluid, or similar
liquids to start or "freshen up" a fire in this fireplace. keep all such liquids well away
from the fireplace while it is in use. use of this fuel can cause a serious explosion.
Prepare your fire by placing two logs on the iron grate or fire basket, and laying the tinder
between them. Tinder may be dry scrap paper, twigs, or bark. On top place a small handful of
twigs or split softwood kindling. Place more dry logs over this base. Keep logs close together,
as narrow air spaces between them promote better drafts, and heat reflected between adjacent
surfaces aids in raising and maintaining combustion temperatures.
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