Pleasant Hearth HWS-224172MH Manuel page 17

burning at only 60 percent of the fuel value of dry
seasoned wood, will deposit creosote on the inside of
your stove and along the inside of your chimney.
3. What does dry seasoned wood mean, and what is
considered hardwood?
Wood that has been dried for a period of one year in
a well-ventilated and sheltered area would be considered
dry seasoned wood. Hardwoods are generally from
slow growth trees (Example: Oak and Fir). Softwoods
are generally from fast growth trees. (Example: Pine
and Spruce)
4. Will following the above listed steps for starting a
fire result in perfect results all the time?
The quick answer is most of the time. There are
many variables that may affect your success rate
when staring a fire. Most of those variables and how
to deal with them will be learned through experience.
Your ability to start a good fire will significantly
increase with time and patience. Some of the reasons
for poor stove performance will be covered in the
next section of these instructions.
5. Why can't I get the fire lit?
Damp or wet wood and poor draft are the main
reasons for poor results in starting a fire. Always use
dry seasoned wood for your fire. Even wood dried for
two years will be difficult to ignite, if it has become wet.
6. Why is there always a large quantity of thick black
smoke present in the firebox?
A large quantity of thick black smoke in the firebox, is
a good indication that the draft is poor.
7. Is it normal for soot to cover the glass at the
beginning of a fire?
Your stove has been built with an air wash system
that will help keep the glass clear when the firebox
has reached a good operating temperature, and has a
good draft. Cold firebox temperature and poor draft
cause sooting of the glass. Once the firebox tempera
ture and the draft increases, the soot will burn off.
8. What is draft?
Draft is the ability of the chimney to exhaust draw by-
products produced during the normal combustion
process.
9. What can cause a poor draft?
The most common factors for poor draft are:
a) Atmospheric pressure and air supply
b) Environmental conditions
c) Cold chimney temperature
d) Poor chimney installation and maintenancea)
Atmospheric Pressure and Air Supply
Atmospheric pressure affecting the draft from a
chimney can be either outside the home, inside the
home or both. Outside the home, a high-pressure
day (clear and cool) generally creates a better draft in
the chimney than a low-pressure day (overcast and
damp). Inside the home, normal household appliances,
such as clothes dryers and forced air furnaces compete
for air resulting in inadequate amounts of air available
to fuel a fire and create a condition known as negative
pressure. Under extreme conditions of negative
pressure the combustion by-products can be drawn
from the chimney and into the house. This condition
is commonly referred to as down drafting.There
are several factors that impact the amount of air
available in the home. Increased amounts of insultion
vinyl windows, extra caulking in various places and
door seals can all keep heat in but may also make a
home too airtight. If you are in doubt about whether
or not there is sufficient air in your home for you
stove, refrain from using those appliances known to
consume the air where possible, or open a window
or door to allow air to enter the home.
Environmental Conditions
High trees, low lying house location such as in a
valley, tall buildings or structures surrounding your
house and windy conditions can cause pool draft or
down drafting.
Cold Chimney Temperature
Avoid cold chimney temperatures by burning a hot
fire for the first fifteen to forty minutes, being careful
not to over fire. If any part of the chimney or parts of
the stove start to glow, you are over firing the stove.
Where possible, install a temperature gauge on the
chimney so temperature drops can be seen.
Chimney Installation and Maintenance
Avoid using too many elbows or long horizontal runs.
If in doubt, contact a chimney expert and/or chimney
manufacturer for help. Clean chimney, rain caps and
especially spark arrester regularly, to prevent cresote
build-up, which will significantly reduce chimney draw
and may cause a chimney fire.
10. Should I close or open the air control fully when
shutting down the stove?
When shutting down the stove, fully open the air
control. This allows the chimney temperatures to
remain as high as possible for as long as possible.
Cold chimney temperatures create creosote.
NOTE: This sheet is intended as an aid and does not
supersede any local, provincial or state requirements.
Check with officials or authorities having jurisdiction in
your area.
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