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IV. Operation
A. Wood Requirements
For maximum efficiency and burn times only burn wood that has been cut, split and seasoned for
12-24 months, sheltered from rain and snow. The wood should be split 6-
8” in diameter and cut 12
-
16” for the fastest seasoning and should be around 20% moisture co
ntent by weight before burning.
Moisture content of 30% and higher is considered “wet” and the more moisture, the more smoke
and creosote is created while the wood heats up and dries out to burn clean. Large or un-split
pieces will have more moisture and make more smoke and creosote than pieces that are properly
cut and split.
To test moisture content, use several pieces to get an average of a pile and first split the wood then
test using a moisture tester with pins suitable for wood (available from Nature’s Comfo
rt or your
dealer), placing the pins in line with the wood grain. Testing the ends or outside of pieces will give
you a false, low reading.
Never burn driftwood, painted, stained or pressure treated wood. Do not burn trash, plastics,
gasoline, rubber, naphtha, household garbage, material treated with petroleum products (particle
board, railroad ties and pressure treated wood), leaves, paper products or cardboard.
The following are guidelines for wood:
Stack covered on rails off the ground,
stored outside of clearance area and away from front and
back of stove for space required for fueling, ash removal & other routine maintenance
operations
.
As rain and snow will greatly hamper seasoning, keep wood pile covered but open to the wind.
Wood will not dry out (season) properly until split.
Hardwoods burn longer than softwoods as they are denser and have more available BTU’s.
Larger pieces burn longer than smaller pieces but take longer to season properly.
Wood with higher moisture content wastes energy to dry out wood and produces increased
amounts of creosote which, when mixed with ash and heat is corrosive and will shorten the life of
the boiler and is not covered under warranty.
If you see moisture oozing from the ends of burning pieces, this points to improper seasoning.
Too small of pieces also burn rapidly and make more smoke due to the extra surface area.
Rotten, old wood burns rapidly and does not have enough fuel mass for decent burn times.
B. Starting A Fire
Do not use combustible fluids or chemicals. Turn on the rear switch to run the blower. Starting over
the holes in the floor, criss-cross a small pile of sticks or pieces of split kindling about the size of a
dinner plate on top of several crumbled newspaper pages and light with a torch or match and slowly
add larger kindling pieces. Once this is sufficiently ignited, add 2-4 logs and close the fuel door.
Wait for these pieces to sufficiently ignite to get a good, hot coal bed before loading the firebox full.
Caution! Follow
procedures as outlined in “Loading Wood” (next section) for opening fuel
door.
NOTE: There will also be a large amount of condensation created until the water jacket comes up to
temperature. This may drip from access doors and covers and will dry out within 24 hours.
C. Loading Wood
Caution! Doors, covers, coals & ashes are hot!
Wear safety glasses and use heavy gloves.
Caution! Never open fuel door without first turning off the boiler at the rear switch or flame
spillage may occur!
