31
3.5
MAINTAINING THE FIRE
Once the wood has been consumed (or partially consumed) and you have obtained a good bed of
embers, you should reload the unit. In order to do so, open the air control to its maximum for
approximately 15 seconds prior to opening the stove door. Then, proceed by opening the door
very slowly. Open it by 2” to 4” (52 to 104 mm) for 10 to 15 seconds before opening it
completely. This procedure will increase the draft and thus eliminate the smoke which is
stagnant in a state of slow combustion in the stove. Then, bring the red embers to the front of the
stove and reload the unit. Depending on the type of wood you burn and the strength of the
draft in your flue, you may have to leave the air control open to its maximum for more than
15 seconds to avoid smoke spillage before you reload the stove.
Your E.P.A Enerzone stove will work best if a thick bed of hot embers is maintained in the
bottom of the firebox and a minimum of two large pieces of seasoned fuel are added.
Combustion efficiency is largely related to establishing a hot ember bed, and hot firebox
temperatures. The quicker the stove and chimney (flue) get up to normal operating temperatures,
the better. A small intense fire is preferred to a large smouldering fire, both to improve
combustion efficiency and to reduce the amount of creosote build-up. The best performance will
be obtained by adding relatively small amounts of fuel to a well established ember bed, and then
operating with the air inlet control open long enough to achieve a hot fire. The wood should be
placed with air in between individual pieces. Use a poker to make an air channel in the embers
below the wood. This will allow air to flow under the wood for a more efficient burn.
In order to achieve an optimum efficiency from the Solution 1.8, we suggest that you operate it
with the air control slightly open (approximately 10%). For the Solution 2.9 model, we suggest
that you operate it with the air control completely closed. In both cases make sure that you have a
good fire going and an adequate ember bed before you completely close the air control. Also, use
a chimney thermometer if necessary. Closing the air control too soon will lower combustion
efficiency and may cause the fire to die out.
In all Enerzone appliances the addition of a blower is highly recommended to maximize your
unit’s efficiency.
3.6
BLOWER OPERATION
If you have purchased and installed and optional blower, allow the stove to reach its operating
temperature before turning it on (approximately one hour). The increased airflow from the blower
will cool the firebox and affect the start-up combustion efficiency if the blower is turned on too
quick.
C
AUTION
:
ENSURE THAT THE BLOWER
’
S POWER CORD IS NOT IN CONTACT WITH ANY SURFACE OF THE
S
TOVE TO PREVENT ELECTRICAL SHOCK OR FIRE DAMAGE
.
DO NOT RUN THE POWER CORD BENEATH THE
STOVE
.
