RSF Woodburning Fireplaces OPEL 2, Owner'S Manual

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OPEL PLUS C Owner's Manual 10 RSF Woodburning Fireplaces
stoves, there is no need to cure the fireplace itself by starting with small fires and progressively larger ones. Feel
free to light a large fire from the very start.
You will experience a slight odor during the first few fires. This odor comes from curing paint and oil burning off the
metal. The odor may be strong enough to set off your smoke detector. Open the doors and windows to allow the
room to properly ventilate.
LIGHTING
Ensure that the combustion air control lever is all the way to the right in the open position. You will want as much
air as possible for the lighting process.
Start by laying your fire starter and kindling. Traditional fire starter is crumpled newspaper; make sure to use enough
to light the kindling (5-6 pieces should do). Next lay the kindling crisscrossed over the newspaper. Using plenty of
kindling ensures that the chimney will heat up quickly and establish a strong draft, never use any flammable
liquids . Light the paper and close the door most of the way, but don’t shut it completely. If the door is positioned
correctly you will see air rushing into the fireplace, this will help the lighting process.
Once the kindling is lit and sustaining fire, you can add some small pieces of seasoned cordwood. Use the andirons
in front to help position the cordwood so as not to flatten and smother the fire you’ve just created. Always add at
least 3 pieces of cordwood. Position your cordwood in a manner that the fire will hit several pieces as it rises and
has air gaps to flow through. Continue to leave the door slightly open until the cordwood is lit. Close the door
completely when the fire is established, if the fire goes out you’ve shut the door too early.
❖
WARNING: DO NOT USE A GRATE OR ELEVATE THE FIRE.
❖
WARNING: MAKE SURE TO KEEP THE FIRE BEHIND THE ANDIRONS. REPOSITION THE LOGS IF THEY
FALL AGAINST THE GLASS.
ADJUSTING THE BURN RATE
To get maximum efficiency out of your fireplace you will want to adjust the amount of combustion air entering the
firebox at the appropriate times. Gauge how much to close the combustion air by how the fire reacts once the
combustion air control lever has been moved. If the fire goes out and begins to smolder, there’s too little combustion
air entering the firebox. If there’s no change to the burn pattern, you can continue to close the combustion air further.
Eventually you should be able to close the combustion air all or most of the way. There should always be visible
fire inside the firebox at every step of the process.
REFUELING
Have your next wood load ready when you open the door. The temperature in the firebox will decrease dramatically
while the door is open, so decreasing the amount of time the door is open will allow the firebox to remain hot. Do
not rush.
Turn off the central heat and internal blowers, if installed. The blowers may cause smoke to spill out of the fireplace
if they are running.
The door should be opened slowly to keep smoke from spilling into your room. If you have a problem with smoke
spillage, check to see that all kitchen and bathroom fans have been shut off. They can cause negative pressure in
the house which pulls smoke out of the fireplace.
Take the time to poke and stir the unburnt wood that is left in the firebox. This will help revive the fire. Place the
new logs in the firebox. Try to maintain a clear path in front of the pilot, which is the metal tube centered between
the two andiron posts. The pilot brings an influx of air close to the coals that will help to keep the fire going. Once
the new wood has been loaded, keep the door slightly ajar for about 3-10 minutes to get the fire going depending
on how well seasoned your cordwood is and how much coals were left in the firebox. Once the new wood is well lit,
close the door.
TROUBLESHOOTING PROBLEMS
If smoke comes into the house when the door is opened: