moisture content, draft, and fuel selection. Do not be afraid to experiment to find the optimum
position to satisfy your requirements for a warm and satisfying fire. As an example, a tall warm
chimney will necessitate closing the combustion air damper more due to the natural draw created by
the flue gases being drawn through the chimney. A stovetop thermometer should be used for
maximum stove performance and safety.
FIGURE 3: MEDIUM BURN AIR DAMPER SETTING
To establish proper medium combustion burn mode, close the combustion air damper completely
and then set the combustion air damper somewhere between the ¼ to ½ closed setting. The firebox
should contain at least several medium size pieces of wood burning on a bed of hot coals. The
Ovation Stove heat output will be between 30,000 and 50,000 BTU per hour in the medium
combustion burn mode. In order to maintain a constant medium heat output, load more firewood
about every four to five hours. Burn times and heat output will be significantly reduced if
softwoods are used in place of seasoned hardwoods.
LOW BURN MODE
When the Ovation Stove air combustion control is fully closed, as shown in Figure 4, a low
combustion fire will occur. Low combustion will not put the fire out but there will be a noticeable
change in the flame pattern. The flames will be slow and intermittent and may appear dirty if the
wood is too wet i.e., a moisture content of 20% or more.
FIGURE 4: LOW BURN AIR DAMPER SETTING
Version OV-1a
10/5/2004
13
During the low combustion burn mode, creosote may accumulate on the glass doors. Low
combustion burning should only be used after the firebox has been allowed to reach a hot operating
temperature i.e., the air combustion control has been fully open to produce a hot fire for about an
hour. Low combustion can be used at night in order to reduce the heat output and to prolong the
burn. The loading time will be between six to twelve hours. This however, may cause excessive
creosote buildup.
