American Energy Systems O2 Catalytic - Manual (Page 34)

34
FIREBOX TIPS AND TECHNIQUES
Refer to the WOOD FUEL REQUIREMENTS section in this manual. Below are some tips that Country Flame
recommends a homeowner review if heating with wood:
1. Maintaining a home at a comfortable heat for extended periods is a learned talent that requires time and
experience. The exact technique will vary with the layout of the home, the location of the stove, the airflow
throughout the home, the chimney system, and the wood fuel used.
2. The timing of when wood is added to a fire greatly influences how long a fire will last. A full charge of wood
added to a good set of embers will burn several hours and produce heat that is ideal for overnight burns. The
same charge of wood when added to a very hot fire produces more intense heat for a shorter period.
3. Adding a large charge of wood to a fire will immediately cool the fire. Naturally, the stove’s heat output will be
drastically reduced for some period. Adding smaller charges of wood will produce faster starting and more even
heating.
4. Ashes in a Country Flame stove insulates the hot coals and makes them last longer. Remember that failure to
clean a stove regularly will allow too much ash to build up. This buildup of ash effectively reduces the size of the
firebox and lowers the overall heat output. ASH IS AN INSULATOR!
5. Ashes must be removed and stored in a fireproof metal container with a tight fitting lid. The container should be
kept on a noncombustible floor or on the ground, well away from all combustible materials, until all cinders have
thoroughly cooled. An accumulation of too much ash restricts airflow and reduces the available burning area. A
layer of an inch or two of ash in the bottom of the stove should be maintained to assist in the fire burn to support
combustion and insulate the bottom of the firebox.