Chapter
5
Maintenance
&
Troubleshooting
America’s
Favorite
Stoves
Since
1980
Page
25
P
ROPER
F
UEL
&
S
TORAGE
Use
only
dry,
natural
wood
in
your
stove.
Dry,
well
seasoned
wood
will
provide
a
good
clean
burn
with
plenty
of
heat
and
low
smoke
with
proper
airflow.
Dry
wood
is
the
key
to
experiencing
the
best
performance.
Using
green
or
unseasoned
wood
will
potentially
increase
creosote
formation
and
reduce
your
stoves
efficieny.
Testing
Wood
Moisture
Split
wood
stored
in
a
dry
area
will
be
fully
dry
within
a
year.
This
insures
dry
well
seasoned
wood.
If
purchasing
wood
for
immediate
use,
test
the
wood
with
a
moisture
meter.
Some
experienced
wood
burners
can
measure
wood
moisture
by
knocking
pieces
together
and
listening
for
a
clear
"knock"
and
not
a
"thud".
Why
Dry
Wood
is
Key
Wet
wood,
when
burned,
must
release
water
stored
within
the
wood.
This
cools
the
fire,
creates
creosote,
and
hampers
a
complete
burn.
Ask
any
experienced
wood
burner
and
he
or
she
will
agree:
dry
wood
is
crucial
to
good
performance.
Wood
Cutting
and
Storage
Cut
wood
to
length
and
chop
into
quarters.
Store
the
wood
off
the
ground
in
a
covered
area.
Allow
for
airflow
around
the
wood
to
dry
the
wood.
CAUTION:
DO
NOT
STORE
WOOD
WITHIN
MINIMUM
CLEARANCES
OF
THE
STOVE
OR
WITH
THE
SPACE
REQUIRED
FOR
CHARGEING
AND
ASH
REMOVEL.
FAILURE
TO
MAINTAIN
PROPER
CLEARANCES
MAY
RESULT
IN
A
DANGEROUS
CONDITION.
