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when adding a new charge of wood, the fireplace needs additional air in order to establish a good fire. When the
wood starts to burn properly, the amount of air can be reduced depending on the heating requirements.
The left combustion control lever is the Activator. When starting a fire or adding a new load of wood, the Activator
must be pushed in to allow maximum air to enter the firebox. The right combustion control lever is the Burn Rate
Selector. The Burn Rate Selector can slide sideways to achieve different burn rates. When the Burn Rate
Selector is positioned to the left, a maximum burn rate is achieved and when it is positioned to the right, a
minimum burn rate is set. Keeping the Burn Rate Selector to the right will burn the wood slower. Keeping the
Burn Rate Selector to the left will provide a stronger fire and keep the glass of the fireplace cleaner for longer.
Adjust the burn rate according to your heating requiremments and the quality of your wood. The combustion air
control will automatically and gradually close the primary air source to the selected burn rate setting (right lever)
with the presence of heat to maximize the burn time.
NOTE:
The Burn Rate Selector can remain at the same setting at all times if the burn rate is satisfactory.
However, the Activator must be pushed in when starting a fire or when adding a new load of wood.
WARNING: The combustion air openings should never be obstructed.
WARNING: Never manipulate the Combustion Air Control with bare hands as it gets hot when the FLAIR
is in operation. Use the Cold Hand Key to adjust the Combustion Air Control.
WARNING: This wood heater has a manufacturer-set minimum low burn rate that must not be altered. It
is against federal regulations to alter this setting or otherwise operate this wood heater in a manner
inconsistent with operating instructions in this manual.
4.4 Starting a Fire
The FLAIR has patented technologies and innovative features that make starting a fire quick and easy. Before
starting a fire, assure that all the safety precautions mentioned in the owne
r’s manual are being respected. Prior
to starting a fire, check whether the unit is drafting correctly
– please refer to Section 5.1 if a light breeze is felt
from within the firebox. The following instructions describe starting a fire in the FLAIR fireplace insert using a
“top-down” approach, which results in a cleaner, more efficient, and longer burn:
a) Place small to medium size logs on the hearth of the firebox in the north-south
direction. The logs should sit directly on the hearth with adequate space
between them to allow for proper air flow. Do not use a fireplace grate.
b) Place kindling wood or small logs on top of the logs from step a). Keep a good
distance from the top layer of the kindling/logs and the baffle system
(approximately 3 inches).
c) Push the left combustion control lever (the Activator) inwards.
d) Slide the right combustion control lever (the Burn Rate Selector) to the
maximum burn rate position (towards the left)
e)
To achieve a “top-down” combustion, ignite the top layer of kindling/logs. A
firestarter can be used to facilitate ignition.
f) Once the top layer has properly ignited, close the door. Do not leave the door
open for more than 2 minutes.
CAUTION:
The wood should be placed away from the door to avoid damage
to the glass.
WARNING: Do not use fire accelerants to rekindle the fire if the first attempt to
start the fire failed. Do not open the door. Simply reactivate the Activator by
pushing it inwards.
NOTE: Sufficient air exchange is necessary for the fireplace to operate properly. Air
is required in order to maintain the combustion of the fireplace. If the house is airtight,
Figure 4-1: Non-recommended
Wood Configuration
Figure 4-2: Recommended
Wood Configuration
