Nature's Comfort NCB-175, Installation And Operating Manual

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Caution! Flammable gases fill the firebox when idling. Pause at blowback catch for 30
seconds and then stand to the side when fully opening until smoke dissipates enough to see
inside. Failure to do this can result in possible flashback to the face from gases igniting.
Always stir ash to prevent “caking” before loading new wood.
It is ok for some coals to drop
through the slots in the floor as they will burn up.
Make sure slots in floor do not become
jammed with coals or clogged with ash or operation will be affected.
Load as quickly as possible, making sure you don’t leave the door open long enough that would
cause excessive heat and possible flames to exit the opening and damage the door jamb and
unseal the caulking. If this starts to happen when loading, close the loading door to smolder down
the fuel. Once the flames have died down (after several minutes), open the door again (pause at
the blowback) and continue loading. Add wood before the previous load has burned down to 25% of
firebox capacity to have enough hot coals to dry out the next load of wood.
Most often the boiler can be loaded in the morning and at night. Burn times vary from 6-24 hours
depending on fuel being used (wood with higher moisture content will require more frequent
loading), installation, temperatures maintained and size of area being heated. Nature’s Comfort
makes no guarantees on burn times as there are too many variables outside of its control.
D. Power Loss, Running On A Generator
The controls are designed for the control plug to be used on a generator or vehicle inverter if
needed. If the water jacket ever starts to overheat from lack of circulation during a power outage,
first make sure to keep the water level full then use this feature to keep the pump running.
E. Warm Weather Operation, Bypass For Domestic Hot Water Only
Operation in warmer weather will result in larger amounts of creosote due to longer idle times and
can also be more difficult as too many coals may cause the water jacket to boil if not enough heat is
pulled from the water to heat the home. Use smaller loads of wood if this happens. Adequate water
circulation is critical for preventing water from boiling. Also make sure all rope seals are properly
sealed to prevent any extra air from feeding the fire. See the maintenance section for how to adjust
door seals.
For heating of domestic hot water without heating the home, install a 3-valve bypass system shown
in the next figure (shown on a water-to-air heat exchanger). This permits use of the boiler during the
spring, summer and fall seasons to heat domestic hot water when heating the home may not
needed or wanted. Use of union fittings between the isolation valves and the heat exchanger for
easy removal is recommended.
V. Maintenance
A. Cleaning
Wear heavy gloves and clothing and safety glasses as metal, coals and ashes will be hot.
Moisture combined with ash will eat through a boiler in short order and ash corrosion is NOT
covered under warranty.