Osburn MATRIX OB02032, Installation And Operation Manual

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Page 20 Installation and Operation Manual - Matrix
ENGLISH
5.2.4 Using Fire Starters
Commercial fire starters can be used instead of newspaper. Some of these fire starters are made
of sawdust and wax and others are made of special flammable chemicals. Always follow the
instructions on the packaging before use.
A gel starter can also be used, but only to light a fire, in a cold combustion chamber, without
hot embers inside.
5.3 Combustion Cycles
Wood heating with a space heater is very different than other forms of heating. There will be
temperature variations in different parts of the house and there will be temperature variations
throughout day and night. This is normal, and for experienced users of wood heating, these are
advantages of zone heating.
Wood heaters don’t have a steady heat output. It is normal for the temperature to rise after
a new load of wood is ignited and for its temperature to gradually decrease throughout the
burning cycle. This increasing and decreasing temperature can be matched with the household
routines. For example, the temperature in the area can be cooler when the household is active,
and it can be warmer when it is inactive.
A cycle begins when a new load of wood is ignited by the hot embers and ends when it is
consumed and only remains embers the size of those found in the firebox when the wood has
been added.
Trying to produce a steady heat output by placing a single log on the fire at regular intervals
is not recommended. Always place at least three, and preferably more pieces on the fire at a
time so that the heat radiated from one piece helps to ignite the pieces next to it. Each load of
wood should provide several hours of heating. The size of each load may vary depending on the
amount of heat required.
Burning in cycles means the loading door does not need to be opened while the wood is flaming.
This is an advantage since it is preventing smoke leaking from the heater when the door is
opened as a full fire is burning. This is especially true if the chimney is on the outside wall of the
house.
5.4 Rekindling a Fire
When the temperature of the room is lower and all that remains is embers, it is time to reload.
Remove excess ash from the front of the firebox and bring the ashes forward. Place a new load
of wood on, and at the back of the embers, not too close to the glass. Open the air control
completely and close the door.
If the door must be opened while the fire is flaming, fully open air control for a few
minutes then open the door slowly.