page 8
www.jayline.co.nz
JUNE 2018
Important points to remember
• Do not attempt to add fuel (or any objects) into the lower chamber.
• Keep the lower door closed at all times during operation
• Because of the high temperatures achieved, surface colour may change
PURCHASING THE FIREWOOD
The quality of the fi rewood you burn can have a dramatic effect on the effi ciency and operation of the heater.
The main factors that affect the burning characteristics of fi rewood are moisture content, tree species and
piece size.
The moisture content of the wood affects the rate at which it burns and the effi ciency of combustion. When
trees are cut, the wood moisture content ranges between 35% and 60% by weight. If you attempt to burn
wood this wet it will be hard to ignite, slow to burn and will hiss and sizzle in the fi rebox. So much energy will
be consumed in boiling off the excess water that the effi ciency of combustion and the heat to your home will
be low, condensation and corrosion may be occurring in the fl ue and smoke may be causing problems to
your neighbours. Properly seasoned wood ignites readily and burns effi ciently.
PLEASE NOTE: WOOD WITH A MOISTURE CONTENT OF 10% - 20% IS THE RECOMMENDED WOOD
TO USE IN CLEAN AIR ZONES
Firewood should be cut and split in the early spring and stacked under cover, with good ventilation,
to be ready for burning when required.
Look for cracks in the end grain as a sign of dry wood. Stacks of fi rewood should be in an open area so that
air can circulate through them. During the summer, as warm breezes fl ow through the stacks, carrying away
the evaporating water, the moisture content of the wood will fall to around 20%. At this moisture content the
wood is ready for burning. This can be checked with a moisture meter.
Although the energy content of dry wood per kilogram is almost the same regardless of species, some burn
differently because of differences in density e.g pine is less dense than woods like Gum, Manuka or Black
Wattle. A denser wood will produce a longer-lasting burn, while a less dense wood will bring a fi re to an
optimum burning temperature more quickly.
In general, commercial fi rewood dealers supply fi rewood in thicker pieces than modern wood-burning
heaters can handle. It is often necessary to split some of the wood again before using it. The thickest
piece size for high-effi ciency and use in the UL200 fi re should not exceed about 150mm (6 in.)
across the largest dimension, or weigh no more than approximately 1.3kg. A range of smaller pieces will
be needed for effective starting as described in the lighting instructions. Maximum log length should be
no more than 300mm.
