Valcourt Saguency FP8, Installation And Operation Manual

Page: 23 / 31

23
In order to achieve an optimum efficiency from your unit, we suggest that you operate it with the air control
completely closed. Make sure that you have a good fire going and an adequate ember bed before you
completely close the air control. Closing the air control too soon will lower combustion efficiency and may
cause the fire to die out. The addition of a blower (if not already included) is highly recommended to maximize
your unit’s efficiency.
Maximum Air Intake
Maximum heat is produced when the air intake damper is opened to its maximum. This combustion
method will yield up to 65,000 BTU/h. However, the fire will need to be fed more often. Indeed, you will have
to add logs every 1 or 2 hours. If the air intake damper remains in the maximum position too long, certain parts
of the fireplace may become red-hot. This may cause permanent damage to the appliance or result in a chimney
fire.
Figure #15: Combustion Control
Medium Air Intake
This is the recommended
combustion method that should be
normally used. It leaves little creosote on
the glass doors and in the flue. The exact
position of the air intake damper depends
on a number of factors, including the
flue’s configuration and the percentage of
humidity in the wood. Three average-
sized logs on a bed of embers should take
3 to 4 hours to burn before more wood
must be added to sustain the fire.
Combustion time will be shorter with
softwood.
Minimum Air Intake
Burning wood with the air intake damper in the minimum open position maximizes combustion time,
therefore, making it necessary to refuel only every 6 to 8 hours. Decreasing air intake will not put the fire out
but it will substantially reduce its intensity, and the creosote produced by the smoldering fire may blacken the
glass doors. For the fire to burn brightly and cleanly, you must leave the air intake damper wide open for at least
30 minutes before reducing it to the minimum intake position.
Minimum air intake combustion is suitable for overnight use of the fireplace, since the wood will take
longer to burn and the fire will not need to be fed so often. It must be noted however that the fire will produce
less heat. While this method will save wood, it creates more creosote in the flue and thus requires more frequent
chimney inspections and cleaning. Note that, if the fireplace is adequately heated before reducing the air intake
it will produce almost no creosote.