Heat & Glo Fireplace RUTHERFORD 50 - Manual (Page 9)

9
M. Wood Fuel
Hardwood vs Softwood
Your fi replace performance depends on the quality of the
fi rewood you use.
• Seasoned wood contains about 8,000 BTUs per pound .
• Hard woods are more dense than soft woods.
• Hard woods contain 60% more BTUs than soft woods.
• Hard woods require more time to season, burn slower and
are harder to ignite.
• Soft woods require less time to dry, burn faster and are
easier to ignite.
• Start the fi re with soft wood to bring the fi replace up to
operating temperature and to establish draft.
• Add hard wood for slow, even heat and longer burn
time.
The majority of the problems fi replace owners experience
are caused by trying to burn wet, unseasoned wood.
• Wet, unseasoned wood requires energy to evaporate the
water instead of heating your home, and
• Evaporating moisture cools your chimney, accelerating
formation of creosote.
WARNING! Risk of Fire!
• DO
NOT burn wet or green wood.
• Wet, unseasoned wood can cause accumulation of
creosote.
Moisture
Storing Wood
Steps to ensure properly seasoned wood:
• Stack wood to allow air to circulate freely around and
through woodpile.
• Elevate wood pile off ground to allow air circulation
underneath.
• Smaller pieces of wood dry faster. Any piece over 6 in.
(152 mm) in diameter should be split.
• Wood (whole or split) should be stacked so both ends of
each peice are exposed to air. More drying occurs through
the cut ends than the sides.
• Store wood under cover to prevent water absorbtion
from rain or snow. Avoid covering the sides and ends
completely.
Seasoned Wood
• Cut logs to size
• Split to 6 in. (152 mm) or less
• Air dry to a moisture content of around 20%
- Soft wood - about nine months
- Hard wood - about eighteen months
NOTICE: Seasoning time may vary depending on drying
conditions.
WARNING! Fire Risk! DO NOT store wood:
• in front of the fi replace.
• in space required for loading or ash removal.
Soft woods Hard woods
• Douglas Fir • Oak
• Pine • Maple
• Spruce • Apple
• Cedar • Birch
• Poplar
• Aspen
• Alder
Processed Solid Fuel Firelogs
Manufactured fi relogs may be used with this fi replace.
Hearth & Home Technologies Inc. recommends the use of
UL Classifi ed processed fuel fi relogs. Follow the manufac-
turer’s lighting and safety instructions.
Using fi relogs may require more frequent chimney inspec-
tion and cleaning.
Do not poke or stir the logs while they are burning. Use
only fi relogs that have been evaluated for the application in
manufactured fi replaces and refer to fi relog warnings and
caution markings on packaging prior to use.
Heat & Glo • RUTHERFORD-50 • 4059-333 Rev D • 07/08