MHSC B36LA8 Installation, Operation And Maintenance Manual Download Page 28

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B36LA8 & B36RA8 Woodburning Fireplaces

FIREPLACE OPERATION

WARNING:

If a decorative gas appliance is used in the

fireplace the fireplace damper must be fixed in an open
position. (See additional operation information in section
titled “Operation Guidelines”.)

Which Woods Are Best?

Each  wood  species  offers  something  different  in  aroma
or heat value, and you should consider your needs and
desires  before  building  your  fire.  Softwoods,  like  pine,
spruce, and fir are easy to ignite because they are res-
inous.    However,  a  fire  built  entirely  of  softwoods  burns
out  quickly  and  requires  frequent  replenishment.    While
a softwood fire is not too desirable for a long evening, it’s
fine in the morning when you want quick warmth, or late in
the evening when you want a fire that will burn out before
you go to bed.On occasion when a longer fire is desired,
it’s best to combine softwoods with the heavier hardwoods
such as ash, beech, birch, maple, oak and hickory.  These
hardwood species burn less rapidly, with shorter flames,
and produce steady, glowing coals. For the most pleasing
aroma,  you’ll  want  to  burn  the  wood  of  fruit  trees  such
as apple and cherry, or nut trees such as beech, hickory
and pecan.  Such wood is generally more expensive, but
a little combined with other wood, goes a long way.  Start
your fire with a mixture of softwood and hardwood, then
add  some  fruit  or  nut  wood  for  nostalgic  aroma.    Since
most woods will not burn well when freshly cut, the wood
you purchase should be reasonably dry.  The sizes you
buy are dictated by the size of your fireplace. Purchase
logs that will fit when laid across your grate, and ask that
the larger, heavier logs be split. Kindling should be short,
easily split lengths of softwood, lumber yard or mill scraps,
or twigs and branches gathered from your yard.

How To Build A Better Fire

The first three fires should be of moderate size to allow
the fireplace to adjust and the bricks to cure before be-
ing subjected to larger fires. First, make sure your room
is well ventilated, your damper open and the flue is un-
obstructed. Then make sure your wood is dry and sea-
soned. Unseasoned wood burns poorly and coupled with
poor ventilation or an obstructed chimney, leads to smok-
ing problems.If your fireplace is equipped with an outside
combustion air assembly, open the combustion air inlet by
pushing upward on the lever located above the firebrick
on the left side of the firebox.

NEVER USE GASOLINE, GASOLINE-TYPE LANTERN
FUEL, KEROSENE, CHARCOAL LIGHTER FLUID, OR
SIMILAR  LIQUIDS  TO  START  OR  “FRESHEN  UP”  A
FIRE IN THIS FIREPLACE.  KEEP ALL SUCH LIQUIDS
WELL AWAY FROM THE FIREPLACE WHILE IT IS IN
USE.    USE  OF  THIS  FUEL  CAN  CAUSE A  SERIOUS
EXPLOSION.

Prepare your fire by placing two logs on the iron grate or
fire basket, and laying the tinder between them.  Tinder
may be dry scrap paper, twigs, or bark.  On top place a
small  handful  of  twigs  or  split  softwood  kindling.    Place
more dry logs over this base.  Keep logs close together,
as narrow air spaces between them promote better drafts,
and heat reflected between adjacent surfaces aids in rais-
ing and maintaining combustion temperatures.
You’ll  need  a  minimum  of  three  logs,  preferably  four,  to
make a good fire.  Add kindling and new logs as needed
to rekindle a dying fire.  New logs should be added at the
rear grate after raking the coals toward the front.

DO NOT

OVERFIRE THE FIREPLACE.

Overfire conditions may

be created by large amounts of kindling, building scraps,
or other improper fuels.
Ashes,  important  because  they  form  a  bed  of  glowing
coals, should only be left to accumulate within an inch or
two of the bottom of the grate.  Excess ashes can be used
to check a flaming fire; or to  “bank” your fire, cover the
logs with ashes.  A “banked” fire will hold glowing coals for
8-10 hours, thereby saving a fire for later use.

Wood vs. Fossil Fuels

Compared to fossil fuels, a full cord of dry hickory weighs
about  two  tons  and  is  approximately  equal  in  heating
value  to  a  ton  of  hard  coal.    On  a  pound  basis,  heavy
hardwoods have about half the heating value of coal.  The
tabulation  shows  the  relative  densities  and  heat  values
of a variety of dry woods.  Varieties at the top of the list
(Dogwood) burn longer and those near the bottom (White
Pine) ignite and burn quicker.  A combination of both light
and heavy wood is desired.

Species

Density

Heat Value

Dogwood

.70-.79

100-107

Hickory

.70-.74

100

Oak

.60-.73

86-99