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Operational Tips
BUILDING A FIRE
The top down method of fire building is recommended for this appliance. Place the largest pieces of wood on
the bottom, laid in parallel and close together. Smaller pieces are placed in a second layer, crossways to the
first. A third layer of still smaller pieces is laid crossways to the second, this time with some spaces between. Then
a fourth layer of loose, small kindling and twisted newspaper sheets tops off the pile.
VISIBLE SMOKE
Visible smoke is basically unburned fuel and moisture leaving your stove. The amount of visible smoke being
produced can be an effective method of determining how efficiently the combustion process is taking place at
the given settings. Learn to adjust the air settings of your specific unit to produce the smallest amount of visible
smoke. Remember that wood that has not been seasoned properly and has a high wood moisture content will
produce excess visible smoke and burn poorly.
ASH REMOVAL AND DISPOSAL
Whenever ashes get 3 to 4 inches deep in your firebox or ash pan, and when the fire has burned down and
cooled, remove excess ashes. Leave an ash bed approximately 1 inch deep on the firebox bottom to help
maintain a hot charcoal bed.
Ashes should be placed in a metal container with a tight-fitting lid. The closed container of ashes should be
placed on a noncombustible floor or on the ground, away from all combustible materials, pending final disposal.
The ashes should be retained in the closed container until all cinders have thoroughly cooled.
AIR TUBES
The air tubes assembled in this unit are designed to provide an accurate mix of secondary air to insure the
highest efficiency. Any damage or deterioration of these tubes may reduce the efficiency of combustion. The
air tubes are held in position by either screws or snap pins. Locate these to either side of the tube and remove to
allow the tube to be removed and replaced.
OVER FIRING
Attempts to achieve heat output rates that exceed heater design specifications can result in permanent
damage to the heater and to the catalytic combustor if so equipped.
IMPORTANCE OF PROPER DRAFT
Draft is the force which moves air from the appliance up through the chimney. The amount of draft in your
chimney depends on the length of the chimney, local geography, nearby obstructions and other factors. Too
much draft may cause excessive temperatures in the appliance and may damage the catalytic combustor
(if equipped). Inadequate draft may cause backpuffing into the room and ‘plugging’ of the chimney or the
catalyst (if equipped). Inadequate draft will cause the appliance to leak smoke into the room through appliance
and chimney connector joints. An uncontrollable burn or excessive temperature indicates excessive draft.
CHIMNEY
Take into account the chimney’s location to insure it is not too close to neighbors or in a valley which may cause
unhealthy or nuisance conditions.
Summary of Contents for 1269E
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