38
FIREPLACE OPERATION
Hussong Mfg. Co., Inc. • Kozy Heat Fireplaces
#ABY R.2 October 2020
Figure 9.4, Air Intake Adjustment
HIGH: 100% OPEN
LOW: CLOSED
9.5 How to Operate the Albany Fireplace
WARNING: This fireplace should be operated only with the door closed
and latched. Operating the fireplace with the door open causes flames
to be drawn out into the living space, creating a smoke and fire risk.
1. Open intake damper by setting it in the ‘high’ open position. See
the drawing below.
2. Open the door.
3. Build a base of kindling wood and small logs placed on the
firebox floor, with a couple of larger logs on top. The base should
be in the front center of the firebox.
For cold startups, we suggest using an fire starter. See Section
9.3.4 Use of fire starters on page 37 for approved fire starters.
4. Do not elevate fire. Do not use a grate, andirons, or other
methods of supporting the fuel.
5. Light fire with matches.
NEVER USE GASOLINE, GASOLINE-TYPE LANTERN FUEL,
KEROSENE, CHARCOAL LIGHTER FLUID OR SIMILAR LIQUIDS TO
START OR ‘FRESHEN UP’ A FIRE. KEEP ALL SUCH LIQUIDS WELL
AWAY FROM FIREPLACE WHILE IT IS IN USE.
6. As the fire builds push the door closer to the firebox to promote
a good fire start-up. Leave approximately a 1” gap between
the door and the firebox. Keep the damper in the ‘high’ open
position.
7. As the kindling continues to burn add slightly larger wood. Leave
the door open at the approximate 1” (25mm) gap until this wood
has burned through to create a good bed of coals.
8. With a good coal bed and fire you are able to load average sized
wood. Load 2-3 pieces and close the door completely.
Do not leave the fireplace unattended while a fire is being started.
Once the fire is fully started, and the door is completely sealed, you are
able to leave the fire unattended.
9. Adjust intake damper to desired heat output position. See
Figure 9.4.
To keep glass cleaner, never completely close the
intake damper. See Section 9.5.1 Air intake damper for more
information.
9.5.1 Air intake damper
The Albany has an air intake damper, which regulates how much
outside air is brought into the fireplace for combustion. When
performing a cold start or rekindling a fire from a coal bed make
sure the damper is in the fully open position. By leaving the damper
fully open, you will produce the most heat. This will also burn the
fuel quicker. As you become experienced with your fireplace and
matching its use to your lifestyle, you will figure out when it is
applicable to close the air intake to achieve a longer fire.
When you are loading the fireplace to produce heat for the remaining
of the night, you will want to have the air intake fully open for a brief
period to ensure flames engulf the new firewood. Make sure you have
a large bed of coals for overnight burns like this. Do not leave the air
intake fully open for too long before you begin to close the air intake
damper until you have it at your desired position. A fully closed air
intake will achieve the slowest burn and allow more heat transfer
from the fireplace. As the flames in the fireplace slow down you are
increasing the efficiency of the fireplace. Depending on the wood
and other factors, some soot may build up on the glass when the air
intake is fully closed.
