OPERATION
AIR CONTROLS
The CHAMELEON is designed to use outside air for combus-
tion. The control for the outside air is located on the left side,
underneath the door (see Figure 1). Pushing the control handle
to the far right will completely open the outside air damper and
allow fresh air into the base of the fireplace. Because outside
air is generally colder and denser it will help to start the fire. In
some cases this fresh air will also help compensate for nega-
tive pressure problems within the house; however it will not
prevent the fireplace from smoking in a severely depressurized
house.
We recommend always using outside air for combustion but
you may choose to use room air for combustion instead. To do
so, push the control handle to the far left. You can even "lock"
the damper in the closed position by pushing the control han-
dle to the far left and then up. The control handle will then latch
in the closed position. To unlock the outside air damper, push
the control handle towards the left and down before moving it
toward the right to open it. This control should be closed when
the fireplace isn’t burning to prevent cold air infiltration.
The combustion air control handle is located on the right side,
under the door (see Figure 2). When the handle is to the far
left, the control is fully open and the fire will burn more quickly.
When the handle is to the far right, it is fully closed and the fire
will burn more slowly. Any setting in between will allow you to
fine tune the fire and output of the unit.
LIGHTING
Before starting a fire, make sure to completely open the primary air control. It is located on the right side under-
neath the door and it should be pushed completely to the left. Light a fire in the fireplace, starting with paper and
kindling only. Then add three or four pieces of wood, about 3" diameter. After the fire is established, close the door.
Never use any flammable liquids. Once a coal bed is established, add standard cord wood. Leave the draft con-
trol open until the fire is well lit, then adjust it to the level you desire.
WARNING: DO NOT USE A GRATE OR ELEVATE THE FIRE.
THE FIRST FIRE
You will experience a slow start-up during the first few fires. The refractory bricks contain moisture from manufac-
turing 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.
REFUELING
Fuel wood can be of any species but the fireplace will not burn cleanly or efficiently unless the wood is well sea-
soned. Keep your firewood under cover. Fourteen to sixteen inch lengths work the best.
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 internal blower should be shut off during refuelling to prevent smoke from spilling into your room.
CHAMELEON Owner's Manual
RSF Woodburning Fireplaces
5
Figure 2: Primary air control
Figure 1: Outside air control
Towards the
left to close.
Towards the
right to open.
Towards the
left to open.
Towards the
right to close.
