19 May 2021
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Storing/Drying Fuel
Damp wood is dried naturally while it is stored. Use dry timber preferably cut and stored under cover the previous year.
Purchasing the Firewood
The quality of the firewood you burn can have a dramatic effect on the efficiency and operation of the heater. The main factors that affect the burning
characteristics of firewood are moisture content, tree species and piece size.
The moisture content of the wood affects the rate at which burns and the efficiency of combustion. When trees are cut, wood moisture content ranges
between 35 and 60 percent by weight. If you attempt to burn wood this wet, it will be hard to ignite, slow to burn and will hiss and sizzle in the firebox.
So much energy will be consumed in boiling off the excess water that the efficiency of combustion and the heat to your home will be low, condensation
and corrosion may be occurring in the flue and smoke may be causing problems to your neighbours. Properly seasoned wood ignites readily and burns
efficiently.
Firewood should be cut and split in the early spring and stacked under cover, with good ventilation, to be ready for burning when required.
Look and check for cracks in the end grain as a sign of dry wood. The stacks of firewood should be in an open area so that air can circulate between
them. During the summer, as warm breezes flow through the stacks, carrying away the evaporating water, the moisture content of the wood will fall to
around 20 percent. At this moisture content the wood is ready for burning.
Although the energy content of dry wood per kilogram is almost the same regardless of species, softwoods and hardwoods burn differently because of
differences in density. Softwoods, such as pine, are less dense than hardwoods like gums, Manuka or ironbark. A denser wood will produce a longer
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lasting coal bed, while a less dense wood will bring a fire to an optimum burning temperature more quickly.
The size of the firewood pieces affects the rate of combustion. Larger pieces ignite and release their energy more slowly than small pieces. Smaller
pieces are better for short, hot fires and larger pieces are preferable for extended firing cycles. In general, commercial firewood dealers produce
firewood in larger pieces than modern wood
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burning appliances can handle. It is often necessary to split some of the wood again before using it.
Firewood harvesting can have an effect on native woodlands and a variety of threatened species. Dead standing and fallen timber provides habitat for
numerous species of animals and birds. Wood heater operators should be encouraged to be sensitive about the source of their firewood. If collecting it
privately, operators should leave some dead wood behind as it provides habitat for birds and animals.
Burn Control and Operation
The primary air control wooden knob controls the amount of air drawn into the stove and thus the combustion rate. Turing the air control
clockwise will let more air into the fire thus giving you a higher peak power out but shorter burn time, screwing the air control knob anti
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clockwise will give you a longer burn time however you will get a lower peak power output.
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When lighting the stove, the air control should be fully open (Turn the air control wooden ball clockwise).
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Place paper or fire lighters into the base of the firebox.
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Arrange kindling on top of paper or firelighters, allowing air to move easily through the kindling.
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Light the fire around the base to ensure good ignition of paper or firelighters.
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Leave the door ajar 5 to 10 mm to aid with speedy ignition of the fire. Do not run the fire for long periods with the door ajar as
damage may result.
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When the fire is happily burning the main fuel loads can be placed into the fire, from the front to the rear in a lined pattern, ensuring
that the flames can easily move through the fuel load.
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Close the door to ensure a seal to the firebox.
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Once the fire is fully established and burning brightly the air supply can be considerably reduced to control heat output (and fuel
consumption). Note, the air control is designed such that even when fully closed some air still enter the firebox. This keeps
unwanted flue emissions to a minimum.
Removing Ashes
When you use your fire for a few weeks you will find that ashes accumulate in the firebox. The ashes can be removed easily through the
fire door when the fire is at its lowest, such as first thing in the morning, or when it is completely out. The amount of charcoal in the ash is
often a good indicator of how well you are operating the heater. If there is no charcoal and only very fine ash then you are doing an
excellent job. If there is a lot of charcoal you may be turning the combustion air down to soon after refueling, or not raking the charcoal to
the combustion air inlet, or turning the combustion air down too low to support efficient combustion, or all of the above. Warmington wood
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burning appliances work best when a small amount of ash is left approximately 25mm deep in the firebox after cleaning, this aids with
stable burning. The ash should be placed in a noncombustible container with a tightly fitting lid and moved outdoors immediately to a
location clear of combustible materials.
Cooking
Because the top of the fire is in direct contact with the flame, it offers a large cooking surface. Ideal for entertainment at home or cooking
for holiday homes and farm cottages. If spillage occurs, clean the surface with a soft cloth and dish washing liquid, avoid scratching the
surface.
OPERATION
