Combustion Settings - Osburn STRATFORD Installation Instructions Manual

2.2.7 Combustion Settings

Accelerated Combustion
The maximum heat output for the OSBURN STRATFORD is achieved by burning with the door
closed and the combustion air opened. By this method, the OSBURN STRATFORD can produce
up to 75,000 BTU of heat per hour. However, it will be necessary to reload with wood every one
or two hours. This is the least efficient method of burning the OSBURN STRATFORD. Use
caution when firing with the combustion air control wide open. Only burn cordwood in this
manner. Small dry pieces of softwood and construction scraps will burn very intensely using this
method and may damage the firebox.
Medium Combustion
This is the recommended mode of operating the OSBURN STRATFORD and should be the one
normally used since it will deposit the least amount of creosote on the glass and in the chimney.
The combustion air control must be ¾ closed. The precise setting will depend on many factors,
including chimney length and the moisture content of the wood.
For instance, a long chimney will necessitate closing the combustion air control. To obtain the
proper combustion, close the combustion air control completely, and then open it about ¼" to ½".
Three medium size pieces of wood should be burning on a bed of hot coals. The heat output will
be approximately 35,000 BTU per hour and the loading time will be about every 3-4 hours.
Softwoods may be burned using this method but the time will be substantially reduced.
Slow Combustion
When the air combustion control is completely closed, the fireplace is in a slow combustion
phase. If the heart is hot enough, slow combustion will not stop the fire, but there will be a
noticeable change in the flame pattern. The flames will be slow and may appear dirty if the wood
is too wet (moisture content of 20% and more). Do not allow the wood to burn without flame,
since this will produce excessive creosote in the unit.
Creosote may accumulate on the glass door. This method of burning should be used only after
operating the OSBURN STRATFORD with the air control opened to produce a hot fire for about
an hour or at medium pace for at least 2 hours. Slow combustion can be used at night in order to
reduce the heat output and to prolong the burn. The refuelling interval time will be between 6-8
hours.
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