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4 OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS
4.1 Fuel
The FUSION 18 is designed to burn natural wood only. Higher efficiencies and lower emissions generally
result when burning air dried seasoned hardwoods (moisture content below 20%), as compared to softwoods
or to green or freshly cut hardwoods. The following are a few signs indicating that firewood is sufficiently dry for
use: (a) cracks on the ends and surface of the logs, (b) lighter in weight, and (c) color (yellow/grey). It is
recommended to use a moisture meter with pin sensors for determining accurately the moisture content of
firewood (read manufacturer’s instruction manual before operating). The optimum log length is 16-18 inches,
preferably split in halves or quarters and left to dry under a cover or away from external elements for a
minimum of one year prior to use. Use good quality dry cordwood only. DO NOT burn garbage, lawn clipping,
yard waste, materials containing rubber (including tires), materials containing plastic, waste petroleum
products, paints, paint thinners, asphalt products, materials containing asbestos, construction debris,
demolition debris, railroad ties, pressure-treated wood, manure, animal remains, coal, salt water driftwood or
other previously salt water saturated materials, unseasoned wood, paper products, cardboard, plywood,
particle boards, or other foreign materials in this product. The prohibition against burning these materials does
not prohibit the use of fire starters made from paper, cardboard, saw dust, wax and similar substances for the
purpose of starting a fire in an affected wood heater. Burning these materials may result in release of toxic
fumes or render the heater ineffective and cause smoke. Do not over fire the FUSION 18 fireplace insert. Over
firing will damage the fireplace, is hazardous and will void the warranty. NOTE: Gas logs cannot be installed in
the FUSION 18 fireplace insert.
WARNING: Never use gasoline, gasoline-type lantern fuel, kerosene, charcoal lighter fluid, or similar
liquids to start or “freshen up” a fire in this unit. Keep all such liquids well away from the fireplace
insert while it is in use.
Ecological or compressed logs containing chemical additives are not tested and approved to be used with the
FUSION 18. Using them will overheat and damage the fireplace and void the warranty. Ecological or
compressed logs that are 100% wood and contain no other additives can be safely used in the FUSION 18.
Never use more than three of these logs at a time. Using more is not only dangerous, but will damage the
fireplace and void the warranty. Follow the ecological log manufacturer’s safety guidelines and
recommendations and be sure that they are intended for use in fireplaces. Reload only once the previous load
of wood has been consumed and only embers remain.
WARNING: Do not keep the door open while the fireplace is in operation.
4.2 First Fires
For the first 3 fires, burn a maximum of 3 logs at the medium to low burn rate (refer to Section 4.3) to allow for
proper conditioning of the unit. Due to oil residues and the curing of the paint of the fireplace, it is normal to
smell an odor for the first fires of the FUSION 18. Open a window or a door near the fireplace insert to ventilate
the house during the first fires. Oil residues may cause light smoking.
4.3 Operating the Combustion Air Control
The burn rate and the heat output are related to the amount of air entering into the firebox. The combustion air
control of the FUSION 18 has two components: the Activator and the Burn Rate Selector. When starting the
fire or 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.
