Valcourt Waterloo, Installation And Operation Manual

Page: 21 / 88

FP15 & FP15A Waterloo - Installation and Operation Manual
21
DO NOT LEAVE THE FIREPLACE UNATTENDED WHEN THE DOOR IS SLIGHTLY OPENED. ALWAYS CLOSE AND
LATCH THE DOOR AFTER THE FIRE IGNITES.
After the kindling fire has mostly burned, you can add standard firewood pieces until you have a fire of the
right size for the conditions.
CAUTION: PLACE THE WOOD LOGS FAR ENOUGH FROM THE GLASS TO ALLOW PROPER PRIMARY AIR
FLOW
4.2.3
Two Parallel Logs
Place two split logs in the firebox. Place a few sheets of twisted newspaper between the logs. Now place
some fine kindling across the two logs and some larger kindling across those, log cabin style. Light the
newspaper.
4.2.4 Using Fire Starters
Many people like to use commercial fire starters instead of newspaper. Some of these starters are made of
sawdust and wax and others are specialized flammable solid chemicals. Follow the package directions for
use.
Gel starter may be used but only if there are no hot embers present. Use only in a cold firebox to start a
fire.
DO NOT USE FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS SUCH AS GASOLINE, NAPHTHA, FUEL OIL, MOTOR OIL, OR AEROSOLS
TO START OR REKINDLE THE FIRE.
4.3 Maintaining Wood Fires
4.3.1 General Advice
Wood heating with a space heater is very different than other forms of heating. There will be variations in
the temperature in different parts of the house and there will be variations in temperature throughout the
day and night. This is normal, and for experienced wood burners these are advantages of zone heating with
wood.
Do not expect steady heat output from your fireplace. It is normal for its surface temperature to rise after a
new load of wood is ignited and for its temperature to gradually decline as the fire progresses. This rising
and falling of temperature can be matched to your household routines. For example, the area temperature
can be cooler when you are active, such as when doing housework or cooking, and it can be warmer when
you are inactive, such as when reading or watching television.
IMPORTANT
: Wood burns best in cycles. A cycle starts when a new load of wood is ignited by hot coals and
ends when that load has been consumed down to a bed of charcoal about the same size as it was when the
wood was loaded. Do not attempt to produce a steady heat output by placing a single log on the fire at
regular intervals. Always place at least 5 to 8 pieces on the fire at a time in the North-South orientation so
that the heat radiated from one piece helps to ignite the pieces next to it. Each load of wood should provide
several hours of heating. The size of each load can be matched to the amount of heat needed.
When you burn in cycles, you rarely need to open the fireplace’s loading door while the wood is flaming.
This is an advantage because there is more chance that smoke will leak from the fireplace when the door is
opened as a full fire is burning.
IF YOU MUST OPEN THE DOOR WHILE THE FUEL IS FLAMING, OPEN THE AIR CONTROL FULLY FOR A FEW
MINUTES, THEN UNLATCH AND OPEN THE DOOR SLOWLY.