CARE AND OPERATION
PAGE 16
BYPASS DAMPER CONTROL
The operating handle of your bypass damper control is lo-
cated on the front of the stove flue collar. By moving the by-
pass damper control, the operator can route the fire either
through the catalytic combustor (pushed in) or directly up the
flue (pulled out). When starting a fire or refueling, the bypass
damper control must be pulled out. Once the fire is estab-
lished, it must be pushed in.
CATALYTIC TEMPERATURE PROBE
The catalytic temperature probe monitors the tempera-
ture of your catalytic combustor. Once you have estab-
lished a fire and the catalytic temperature probe indicates
the temperature of your catalytic combustor. When it
reaches a minimum temperature of 500 degrees, close
the bypass damper control (this will take approximately 20 -
25 minutes). Depending on the type and size of the fuel
load as well as the length of time the stove has been
burning, your temperature probe reading should be be-
tween 1000 to 1800 degrees. When the blower is operating
it can affect the temperature probe reading. Turn the blower
off for an accurate reading.
How it works:
From 5 to 30 percent of the chemical en-
ergy contained in every log escapes up the chimney
when wood is burned in a conventional stove. The cata-
lytic combustor is designed to make use of this energy,
converting it into useful heat as it lessens chimney creo-
sote build-up and air pollution. The catalytic combustor
consists of a durable temperature resistant ceramic com-
position, which is extruded into a cellular, or honeycomb,
configuration. After extrusion, this ceramic monolith is
fired and then covered with a noble-metal catalyst. When
wood smoke contacts this catalyst, chemical changes
occur that causes the smoke to ignite at temperatures
around 500
°
F. Normally, smoke will ignite and burn only
at temperatures around 1000
°
F.
BURN RECOMMENDED FUEL
This appliance is approved for use with natural dry wood
only. Burning materials other than natural wood will shorten
the life of the catalytic combustor. Do not burn particleboard
or pressed logs using bonding agents as they can produce
conditions which will deteriorate metal or damage the cata-
lyst. Green or uncured wood does not work well as fuel,
and can cause increased creosote buildups and plugging of
the catalytic combustor.
The value of green wood as a source of heat is limited. Do
not overload or use kindling wood or mill ends for primary
fuel as this may cause overfiring. Overfiring is a condition
where excessive temperatures are reached, beyond the
design capabilities of the fireplace insert. The damage that
occurs from overfiring is not covered under the fireplace
insert warranty.
WHY SEASON WOOD?
The key to the success of a good fire that produces heat
from a wood burning insert is the wood. It needs to be well-
seasoned natural wood.
What does “Well-Seasoned” mean?
When a tree is cut down, the wood is green, full of sap and
moisture. This moisture content can exceed 80%, which
must be reduced to less than 20%. Wood properly sea-
soned is then capable of generating the heat the fireplace
insert was designed to provide.
Green wood does not burn easily. Attempting to burn green
wood often results in a lot of smoke and very little fire. Time
is the most important factor in seasoning wood. Ideally the
moisture content should be reduced to 11-20%, although
very few of us will be able to check that figure. There are
several steps that should be taken to ensure that that you
come close to these figures.
SEASONING GUIDE
Softwoods – 6 months to 18 months
Hardwoods – 12 months to 24 months
Logs that are 5” diameter across or larger should be split in
half, three pieces if over 8 inches, and four pieces when
over a foot across. If the tree was fell 2 to 4 years ago, it
still needs to be cut, split, and seasoned for 6 to 24 months
depending on the wood.
WOOD STORAGE
Wood to be seasoned should be stacked in an area open
enough to ensure good air circulation on both sides – leav-
ing adequate space between woodpiles to walk comfort-
able. Do not stack wood against a wall or building. It helps
to elevate the woodpiles off the ground (two 2 x 4’s running
lengthwise beneath the woodpile works well). This allows
air to flow under the bottom logs.
Wood that is kept outdoors, either covered with a tarp, or
not covered at all, will not burn well until it has been in an
enclose space for one to two months.
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