Matrix Insert Installation and Operation Manual
22 ______________________________________________________________________________
Although it is important to fire each new load hot,
do not allow the fire to burn at full intensity
for more than a few minutes.
DO NOT LEAVE THE INSERT UNATTENDED WHILE A NEW LOAD IS BEING FIRED HOT.
DO NOT OVERFIRE.
When a new load of wood is ignited, there will be a surge of heat from the insert. This heat surge
is welcome when the room temperature is a little lower than desirable, but not welcome if the
space is already warm. Therefore, each load of wood should burn completely so that the space
begins to cool off a little before loading. Letting the space cool before loading is one of the secrets
to clean burning and effective zone heating.
5.3.5
CONTROLLING THE AIR INTAKE
Once the firewood, firebox and chimney are hot, you can begin to reduce the air supply for a
steady burn.
As the air intake is reduced, the burn rate decreases. This has the effect of distributing the thermal
energy of the fuel over a longer period of time. In addition, the flow rate of exhaust through the
insert and flue pipe slows down, which increases the duration of the energy transfer of the
exhaust gases. As the air intake is reduced, the flame slows down.
If the flames diminish to the point of
disappearing, the air intake has been
reduced too early in the combustion cycle
or the wood used is too wet. If the wood is
dry and the air control is used properly, the
flames should decrease, but remain bright
and stable.
5.4
FIRE TYPES
Using the air intake control is not the only way to match the insert heat output to the desired
temperature in the house. A house will need far less heating in October than in January to
maintain a comfortable temperature. Filling the firebox full in fall weather will overheat the space.
Otherwise, the combustion rate will have to be reduced to a minimum and the fire will be smoky
and inefficient. Here are some suggestions for building fires suitable for different heating needs.
5.4.1
SMALL FIRES TO TAKE THE CHILL OFF THE HOUSE
To build a small fire that will produce a low heat output, use small pieces of firewood and load
them crisscross in the firebox. The pieces should only be 3" to 4" in diameter. After raking the
coals, lay two pieces parallel to each other diagonally in the firebox and lay two more across them
in the other direction. Open the air control fully and only reduce the air after the wood is fully
flaming.
