OPEL3 Owner's Manual
7
RSF Woodburning Fireplaces
THE FIRST FIRE
You will experience a slow start-up during the first few fires. The refractory bricks contain moisture from
manufacturing and require a few hot fires to evaporate the moisture. While there is still moisture in the bricks, the
bricks will be black with smoke deposits. When the moisture has dissipated, the bricks will turn white. You will
experience a slight odor during the first few fires. This odor comes from curing paint and oil burning off the metal.
Before the first fire, be absolutely sure to wipe off all fingerprints and debris from the gold plating, if you
have chosen this option. The plating cures during this first fire, and the acid from your finger prints will
permanently etch the gold plating.
REFUELING
Fuel wood can be of any species but the fireplace will not burn cleanly or efficiently unless the wood is well
seasoned. Keep your firewood under cover.
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.
NOTE
: The central heat and internal blowers, if installed, should be shut off during refuelling to prevent smoke
from spilling out of the fireplace.
MAINTENANCE
GENERAL CLEANING
The high heat paint and plating can be cleaned with a soft damp cloth. Use a mild detergent and water. Do not
use abrasive cleaners.
PAINT
You can touch up the face of the OPEL3 with
Stove Bright
Metallic Black high temperature paint which is
available at most fireplaces dealers. Follow the directions outlined on the spray can.
DO NOT
attempt to paint the
fireplace while it is still warm. Keep the spray can away from any source of heat or open flame. Ensure that there
is adequate ventilation in the room from the time you start painting until the paint is dry.
Stove Bright
is available
in a wide range of colors if you want to change the color of your OPEL3.
We recommend that you take the time to protect or remove any item that you do not want to paint such as: the
door glass, the plated door, the fireplace surroundings, etc. The glass can be removed from the door but you will
have to replace the window gasket.
GLASS CLEANING
In a controlled combustion firebox, temperatures are not always high enough to keep the glass perfectly clean. A
good hot fire once a day usually cleans off most of the deposits that have accumulated. Remember: the drier the
wood and the hotter the fire, the cleaner the glass. A word of caution: although heat will not break the glass,
impact can. Be careful not to hit the glass.
WARNING: NEVER CLEAN THE GLASS WITH AN ABRASIVE CLEANER. USE ONLY A CLEANER
RECOMMENDED BY YOUR DEALER. NEVER CLEAN THE GLASS WHILE IT IS HOT, A SERIOUS BURN
CAN RESULT. THERE ARE A NUMBER OF EXCELLENT WOOD STOVE GLASS CLEANERS AVAILABLE
WHICH ARE FAR SUPERIOR TO REGULAR GLASS AND OVEN CLEANERS FOR WOOD STOVE
APPLICATIONS.
CHIMNEY CLEANING
Check the chimney for creosote buildup every week or so until experience shows how often you need to clean it.
A buildup of ¼" or more should be cleaned before more creosote accumulates. Use an 7" round brush. The baffle
in the firebox can be removed to gain access to the flue from below.
