USING
YOUR
HEATER
Page 6
3B
WOOD SELECTION
22B
THE
IMPORTANCE
OF
SEASONED
HARDWOOD
In our experience, there is very little difference between different types of hardwood (eg box gums,
stringy bark etc). What is far more important is how well the wood is seasoned. When wood is first cut
down, it has a very high moisture content. If the wood is cut to smaller pieces then stored in a dry, airy
location for 12 months, the moisture escapes, leaving dry, quality wood fuel.
If unseasoned hardwood is burned, the moisture in the wood prevents the heater from reaching proper
temperatures, resulting in more smoke, less heat, and a creosote (soot) build up in the flue.
23B
BUYING,
COLLECTING
AND
STORING
WOOD
Buy wood from a reputable merchant that offers dry seasoned wood cut to convenient lengths. Buying
unseasoned wood is a waste of money, partly because wood is sold by weight, and unseasoned wood
has a high water content.
When collecting wood, ensure you collect only hardwood, and arrange for it to be stored for at least 12
months prior to use.
Even seasoned wood can absorb moisture if exposed to rain. Store the wood under cover, allowing plenty
of air flow between the logs. A criss‐cross pattern works best.
24B
SPLITTING
THE
FIREWOOD
Use a log splitter rather than an axe. Split the pieces so that you have a range of sizes:
•
Very thin pieces (kindling) are excellent as fire starters.
•
Moderate sized pieces 50‐75mm (2‐3”) should be used to help encourage a fire that is starting to be
established, or to re‐establish a fire from embers.
•
Larger logs can be used once the fire is hot and well established. Putting large logs in before the fire
is hot enough will absorb too much heat and result in smoke rather than flame.
4B
FIRST TIME USE – CURING THE PAINT
The outer panels of your heater are coated with a high temperature paint that needs to be “cured”.
During the first few firings, smoke will come off the heater surface – this is normal, and should cause no
concern. Ensure the room is fully ventilated during this time. Do not touch the paint during this time as
it may be soft and tacky.
The first firing should be a small fire only, preferably limited to kindling and small pieces of wood, and
should last about 20‐30 minutes. Leave the heater to cool, and fire up again with a larger fire. The paint
should be cured after 3 fires.