Ventis HE275CF User Manual
Safety tested according to ULC S610,
UL 127 standards by an accredited
US Environmental Protection Agency
phase II certified wood fireplace
compliant with 2020 cord wood standard.
Installation and Operation Manual
HE275CF
laboratory.
(VB00017 model)
ENGLISH
CONTACT LOCAL BUILDING OR FIRE OFFICIALS ABOUT RESTRICTIONS AND INSTALLATION INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS IN
LOCAL AREA.
READ THIS ENTIRE MANUAL BEFORE INSTALLATION AND USE OF THIS WOOD FIREPLACE. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE
INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN PROPERTY DAMAGE, BODILY INJURY OR EVEN DEATH.
READ AND KEEP THIS MANUAL FOR REFERENCE
Printed in Canada 46181A
2020-05-28
THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING
THIS WOOD FIREPLACE
If this fireplace is not
installed properly,
combustible materials
near it may overheat
and catch fire.
To reduce the
risk of fire, follow
the installation
instructions in this
manual.
As one of North America’s
largest and most respected
wood stove and fireplace
manufacturers, Stove Builder
International takes pride in the
quality and performance of all
its products.
The following pages
provide general advice on
wood heating, detailed
instructions for safe and
effective installation, and
guidance on how to get the
best performance from this
fireplace.
It is highly recommended
that this wood burning hearth
product be installed and
serviced by professionals who
are certified by a «Qualified
Agency» such as NFI (National
Fireplace Institute®) or CSIA
(Chimney Safety Institute of
America) in the United States
and in Canada by WETT
(Wood Energy Technology
Transfer) or in Quebec
by APC (Association des
Professionnels du Chauffage).
Contact local building or fire
officials about restrictions
and installation inspection
requirements in your local
area.
A building permit might be
required for the installation of
this fireplace and the chimney
that it is connected to. It is
also highly recommended to
inform your home insurance
company.
Please read this entire manual
before installing and using this
fireplace.
A primary alternative heat
source should be available in
the home. This heating unit
may serve as a supplementary
heat source. The manufacturer
cannot be responsible for
additional heating costs
associated with the use of an
alternative heat source.
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ONLINE WARRANTY REGISTRATION
If the unit requires repairs during the warranty period, proof of purchase must be provided. The
purchase invoice must be kept. The date indicated on it establishes the warranty period. If it
cannot be provided, the warranty period will be determined by the date of manufacture of the
product. It is also highly recommended to register the warranty online at
http://www.occanada.com/en/service-support/warranty/warranty-registration
Registering the warranty will help to quickly find the information
needed on the unit.
Installation and Operation Manual - HE275CF
Page 3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART A - OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE .............................................................................. 7
1. Safety Information ................................................................................................................... 7
2. General Information ................................................................................................................ 8
2.1 Performances .................................................................................................................. 8
2.2 Specifications ................................................................................................................. 9
2.3 Dimensions ....................................................................................................................10
2.4 Materials........................................................................................................................13
2.5 Zone Heating .................................................................................................................13
2.6 Emissions and Efficiency .................................................................................................14
3. Fuel ........................................................................................................................................ 14
3.1 Tree Species ..................................................................................................................15
3.2 Log Length ....................................................................................................................15
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3.3 Piece Size .....................................................................................................................15
3.4 Compressed Wood Logs .................................................................................................16
3.5 Drying Time ...................................................................................................................16
4. Operating the Fireplace ........................................................................................................ 17
4.1 Using a Fire Screen ........................................................................................................17
5. Burning Wood Efficiently ...................................................................................................... 17
5.1 First Use ........................................................................................................................17
5.2 Lighting Fires .................................................................................................................17
5.3 Combustion Cycles ........................................................................................................19
5.4 Rekindling a Fire .............................................................................................................20
5.5 Removing Ashes ............................................................................................................20
5.6 Air Intake Control ...........................................................................................................21
5.7 Fire Types ......................................................................................................................21
6. Maintenance .......................................................................................................................... 23
6.1 Cleaning and Painting .....................................................................................................23
6.2 Refractory Material and Baffle ..........................................................................................23
6.3 Glass Door ....................................................................................................................24
6.4 Door .............................................................................................................................25
6.5 Exhaust System .............................................................................................................28
PART B – INSTALLATION ........................................................................................................... 29
7. Safety Information and Standards ....................................................................................... 30
7.1 Safety ...........................................................................................................................30
7.2 Standards ......................................................................................................................30
8. Fireplace Installation ............................................................................................................. 31
8.1 Standoff installation ........................................................................................................31
8.2 Carrying Handles ............................................................................................................31
8.3 Location ........................................................................................................................31
8.4 Clearances to combustibles ............................................................................................32
8.5 Framing construction ......................................................................................................32
8.6 Hearth Extension Construction .........................................................................................37
8.7 Facing ...........................................................................................................................40
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Installation and Operation Manual - HE275CF
8.8 Combustible Shelf Installation ..........................................................................................41
8.9 Combustible/non Combustible Shelf Installation .................................................................41
9. The Venting System .............................................................................................................. 41
9.1 Location ........................................................................................................................41
9.2 Supply of Combustion Air ................................................................................................42
9.3 Chimney Installation ........................................................................................................42
9.4 Angled Wall Pass-Thru Installation ....................................................................................47
9.5 Chimney Support Installation ............................................................................................47
9.6 Approved Chimneys .......................................................................................................48
Appendix 1: Installation of the required Air Intake ................................................................... 49
Appendix 2: Optional Traditional Gravity Hot Air Distribution Kit Installation ........................ 52
Appendix 3: Optional Modern Gravity Hot Air Distribution Kit Installation ............................. 56
Appendix 4: Optional Forced Air Distribution Kit Installation .................................................. 61
Appendix 5: Optional Fire Screen Installation .......................................................................... 62
Appendix 6: Refractory Panels Replacement .......................................................................... 63
Appendix 7: Secondary Air Tubes and Baffle Installation ....................................................... 64
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Appendix 8: Exploded Diagram and Parts List ........................................................................ 65
VENTIS Limited Lifetime Warranty ............................................................................................ 68
Dealer:
Installer:
Phone Number:
Serial Number:
Installation and Operation Manual - HE275CF
Page 5
CERTIFICATION PLATE
ENGLISH
Page 6
Installation and Operation Manual - HE275CF
PART A - OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE
1. Safety Information
• This fireplace has been tested for use with an open door in conjunction with a fire screen, sold
separately. The door may be opened, or fire screen removed only during lighting procedures or
reloading. Always close the door or put back on the fire screen after ignition. Do not leave the
fireplace unattended when the door is opened with or without a fire screen.
• WARNING : OPERATE ONLY WITH THE DOOR FULLY CLOSED OR FULLY OPEN WITH THE
FIRE SCREEN IN PLACE. IF THE DOOR IS LEFT PARTLY OPEN, GAS AND FLAME MAY BE
DRAWN OUT OF THE OPENING, CREATING RISKS FROM BOTH FIRE AND SMOKE.
• HOT WHILE IN OPERATION. KEEP CHILDREN, CLOTHING AND FURNITURE AWAY.
CONTACT MAY CAUSE SKIN BURNS. GLOVES MAY BE NEEDED FOR THE FIREPLACE
OPERATION.
• Using a fireplace with cracked or broken components, such as glass, firebricks or baffle may
produce an unsafe condition and may damage the fireplace.
• NEVER USE GASOLINE, LANTERN FUEL (NAPHTHA), FUEL OIL, MOTOR OIL, KEROSENE,
CHARCOAL LIGHTER FLUID, OR SIMILAR LIQUIDS OR AEROSOLS TO START A FIRE
IN THIS FIREPLACE. KEEP ALL SUCH LIQUIDS OR AEROSOLS WELL AWAY FROM THE
FIREPLACE WHILE IT IS IN USE.
• Do not store fuel within heater minimum installation clearances.
• Burn only seasoned natural firewood.
• This wood heater needs periodic inspection and repairs for the proper operation. It is against
federal regulations to operate this wood heater in a manner inconsistent with operating instructions
in this manual.
• Do not obstruct air inlets. This fireplace needs air for its good operation.
• Do not block the hot air vents of the fireplace as this will cause the fireplace to overheat.
• A smoke detector, a carbon monoxide detector and a fire extinguisher should be installed in the
house. Location of detectors should be chosen wisely to avoid false alarm when reloading the
appliance. The location of the fire extinguisher should be known by all family members.
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• Do not use makeshift materials or make any compromises when installing this fireplace.
• Mixing of appliance components from different sources or modifying components is prohibited
and will void the warranty. Any modification of the fireplace that has not been approved in
writing by the testing authority is prohibited and violates CSA B365 and NFPA 211 standards.
• The manufacturer grants no warranty, implied or stated, for the poor installation or lack of
maintenance of this fireplace and assumes no responsibility for any consequential damages.
• Do not elevate the fire by means of grates, chenets, andirons or any other means.
WARNING This product can expose you to chemicals including carbon monoxide,
which is known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other
reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65warnings.ca.gov/
Installation and Operation Manual - HE275CF
Page 7
2. General Information
2.1 Performances
Values are as measured per test method, except for the recommended heating area, firebox volume,
maximum burn time and maximum heat output.
Model HE275CF (VB00017)
Fuel Type Dry Cordwood
Combustion Technology Non-Catalytic
Recommended heating area (sq. ft.
.)1
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Overall firebox volume 2.5 ft
EPA loading volume 1.69 ft
Maximum burn time
Maximum heat output (dry cordwood)
Overall heat output rate (min. to max.)
Average overall efficiency
Dry cordwood
Optimum efficiency
Average particulate emissions rate
1
2
2 3
3
6
7
750 to 2,200 ft2 (69 to 204 m2)
3
(0.071 m3)
3
(0.048 m3)
8 hours
80,000 BTU/h (23.4 kW)
14,200 BTU/h to 48,200 BTU/h
(4.16 kW to 14.13 kW)
68 % (HHV)
4
73 % (LHV)
74 %
1.14 g/h (EPA / CSA B415.1-10)
5
8
Average CO
1
Recommended heating area and maximum burn time may vary subject to location in home, chimney draft,heat loss factors, climate, fuel type
9
53 g/h
and other variables. The recommended heated area for a given appliance is dened by the manufacturer as its capacity to maintain a minimum
acceptable temperature in the designated area in case of a power failure.
2
The maximum heat output (dry cordwood) is based on a loading density varying between 15 lb/ft3 and 20 lb/ft3. Other performances are based on
a fuel load prescribed by the standard. The specied loading density varies between 7 lb/ft³ and 12 lb/ft3. The moisture content is between 19%
and 25%.
3
As measured per CSA B415.1-10 stack loss method.
4
Higher Heating Value of the fuel.
5
Lower Heating Value of the fuel.
6
Optimum overall efciency at a specic burn rate (LHV).
7
This appliance is ofcially tested and certied by an independent agency.
8
Tested and certied in compliance with CFR 40 part 60, subpart AAA, section 60.534(a)(1(ii) and ASTM E3053-17.
9
Carbon monoxide.
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Installation and Operation Manual - HE275CF
2.2 Specifications
Maximum log length
10
20 in (508 mm) east-west
Flue outlet diameter 6 in (150 mm)
Recommended connector pipe diameter 6 in (150 mm)
Type of chimney ULC-S629, UL 103 HT (2100 °F)
Baffle material C-Cast
Approved for mobile home installation
11
No
Type of door Simple, glass with steel frame
Type of glass Ceramic glass
Particulate emission standard
12
EPA / CSA B415.1-10
USA standard (Safety) UL 127
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Canada standard (Safety) ULC S610
10
North-south: ends of the logs visible, East-west: sides of the logs visible.
11
Mobile homes (Canada) or manufactured homes (USA): The US Department of Housing and Urban Development describes “manufactured homes”
better known as “mobile homes” as follows; buildings built on xed wheels and those transported on temporary wheels/axles and set on a permanent
foundation. In Canada, a mobile home is a dwelling for which the manufacture and assembly of each component is completed or substantially
completed prior to being moved to a site for installation on a foundation and connection to service facilities and which conforms to the CAN/CSAZ240 MH standard.
12
Tested and certied in compliance with CFR 40 part 60, subpart AAA, section 60.534(a)(1(ii) and ASTM E3053-17.
Installation and Operation Manual - HE275CF
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2.3 Dimensions
25 1/8"
638mm
9 1/8"
231mm
13 3/8"
341mm
35 3/8"
898mm
14 7/8"
378mm
6"
ø
152mm
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G
G
Top view
10 5/8"
271mm
24"
611mm
34 3/8"
874mm
Front view Front view - Door opening
G : Opening for gravity hot air distribution kit (ø 8").
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Installation and Operation Manual - HE275CF
Left side view Right side view
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F : Opening for forced air distribution kit (ø 6").
A : Opening for fresh air intake (ø 4").
Installation and Operation Manual - HE275CF
Bottom view
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ENGLISH
18 7/8"
479mm
20 3/8"
518mm
17 1/2"
446mm
9 7/8"
252mm
Combustion chamber - Top view
Page 12
Combustion chamber - Side view
Installation and Operation Manual - HE275CF
2.4 Materials
The body of this fireplace, which is most of its weight, is carbon steel. Should it ever become
necessary many years in the future, almost the entire fireplace can be recycled into new products,
thus eliminating the need to mine new materials.
The paint coating on the fireplace is very thin. Its VOC content (Volatile Organic Compounds)
is very low. VOCs can be responsible for smog, so all the paint used during the manufacturing
process meets the latest air quality requirements regarding VOC reduction or elimination.
The air tubes are stainless steel, which can also be recycled.
The baffle is made of aluminosilicate fibre material that is compressed with a binder to form a
rigid board. C-Cast can withstand temperatures above 2,000 °F. It is not considered hazardous
waste. Disposal at a waste management center is recommended.
Moulded refractory panels are mainly composed of silicon dioxide, also known as silica, a
product processed from a mined mineral. It is most commonly found in nature in the form
of sand and clay. Disposal at a waste management center is recommended. The steel mesh
contained in some refractory bricks can also be recycled.
The door and glass gaskets are fibreglass which is spun from melted sand. Black gaskets
have been dipped into a solvent-free solution. Disposal at a waste management center is
recommended.
The door glass is a 3/16" (5 mm) thick ceramic material that contains no toxic chemicals. It is
made of natural raw materials such as sand and quartz that are combined in such a way to form
a high temperature glass. Ceramic glass cannot be recycled in the same way as normal glass, so
it should not be disposed of with regular household products. Disposal at a waste management
center is recommended.
2.5 Zone Heating
This fireplace is a space heater, which means it is intended to heat the area it is installed in,
as well as spaces that connect to that area, although to a lower temperature. This is called
zone heating and it is an increasingly popular way to heat homes or spaces within homes. Zone
heating can be used to supplement another heating system by heating a particular space within
a home, such as a basement, a family room or an addition that lacks another heat source.
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Houses of moderate size and relatively new construction can be heated with a properly sized
and located wood fireplace. Whole house zone heating works best when the fireplace is in the
part of the house where the family spends most of its time. This is normally the main living area
where the kitchen, dining and living rooms are located.
Locating the fireplace in this area will give the maximum benefit of the heat it produces and will
achieve the highest possible heating efficiency and comfort. The space where the most time is
spent will be warmest, while bedrooms and basement (if there is one) will stay cooler. In this
way, less wood is burnt than with other forms of heating.
Although the fireplace may be able to heat the main living areas of the house to an adequate
temperature, it is strongly recommended to also have a conventional oil, gas or electric heating
system to provide backup heating.
Installation and Operation Manual - HE275CF
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The success of zone heating will depend on several factors, including the correct sizing and
location of the fireplace, the size, layout and age of your home and your climate zone. Threeseason vacation homes can usually be heated with smaller fireplaces than houses that are
heated all winter.
2.6 Emissions and Efficiency
The low smoke emissions produced by the special features inside this fireplace firebox mean
that the household will release up to 90% less smoke into the outside environment than if an
older conventional fireplace was used. But there is more to the emission control technologies
than protecting the environment.
The smoke released from wood when it is heated contains about half of the energy content
of the fuel. By burning the wood completely, this fireplace releases all the heat energy from
the wood instead of wasting it as smoke up the chimney. Also, the features inside the firebox
allow control of the air supply meaning controlling the heat output, while maintaining clean and
efficient flaming combustion, which boosts the efficient delivery of heat to the home.
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The emission control and advanced combustion features of this fireplace can only work properly
if the fuel used is in the correct moisture content range of 15% to 20%. Refer to the following
section of suggestions on preparing fuelwood and judging its moisture.
3. Fuel
Good firewood has been cut to the correct length for the fireplace, split to a range of sizes and
stacked in the open until its moisture content is down to 15% to 20%.
DO NOT BURN:
• GARBAGE;
• LAWN CLIPPINGS OR YARD WASTE;
• MATERIALS CONTAINING RUBBER,
INCLUDING TIRES;
• MATERIALS CONTAINING PLASTIC;
• WASTE PETROLEUM PRODUCTS, PAINTS
OR PAINT THINNERS, OR ASPHALT
PRODUCTS;
• MATERIALS CONTAINING ASBESTOS;
• CONSTRUCTION OR DEMOLITION DEBRIS;
• RAILROAD TIES OR PRESSURE-TREATED
WOOD;
• MANURE OR ANIMAL REMAINS;
• SALT WATER DRIFTWOOD OR OTHER
PREVIOUSLY SALT WATER SATURATED
MATERIALS;
• UNSEASONED WOOD; OR
• PAPER PRODUCTS, CARDBOARD,
PLYWOOD, OR PARTICLE BOARD. THE
PROHIBITION AGAINST BURNING THESE
MATERIALS DOES NOT PROHIBIT THE USE
OF FIRE STARTERS MADE FROM PAPER,
CARDBOARD, SAW DUST, WAX AND
SIMILAR SUBSTANCES FOR THE PURPOSE
OF STARTING A FIRE IN AN AFFECTED
WOOD HEATER.
BURNING THESE MATERIALS MAY RESULT IN THE RELEASE OF TOXIC FUMES OR
RENDER THE HEATER INEFFECTIVE AND CAUSE SMOKE.
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Installation and Operation Manual - HE275CF
3.1 Tree Species
The tree species the firewood is produced from is less important than its moisture content. The
main difference in firewood from various tree species is the density of the wood. Hardwoods are
denser than softwoods.
Homeowners with access to both hardwood and softwood use both types for different purposes.
Softer woods make good fuel for mild weather in spring and fall because they light quickly and
produce less heat.
Softwoods are not as dense as hardwoods so a given volume of wood contains less energy.
Using softwoods avoids overheating the house, which can be a common problem with wood
heating in moderate weather. Harder woods are best for colder winter weather when more heat
and longer burn cycles are desirable.
Hardwood trees like oak, maple, ash and beech are slower growing and longer lived than softer
woods like poplar and birch. That makes hardwood trees more valuable. The advice that only
hardwoods are good to burn is outdated. Old, leaky cast iron fireplaces wouldn’t hold a fire
overnight unless they were fed large pieces of hardwood.
3.2 Log Length
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Logs should be cut at least 1" (25 mm) shorter than the firebox so they fit in
easily. Pieces that are even slightly too long makes loading the fireplace very
difficult. The most common standard length of firewood is 16" (400 mm).
3.3 Piece Size
Firewood dries more quickly when it is split. Large unsplit rounds can take years to dry enough
to burn. Even when dried, unsplit logs are difficult to ignite because they don’t have the sharp
edges where the flames first catch.
Wood should be split to a range of sizes, from about 3" to 6" (75 mm to 150 mm) in cross
section. Having a range of sizes makes starting and rekindling fires much easier.
Installation and Operation Manual - HE275CF
Page 15
3.4 Compressed Wood Logs
Compressed wood logs made of 100% compressed sawdust can be
burned with caution in the number of these logs burned at once. Do
not burn compressed logs made of wax impregnated sawdust or logs
with any chemical additives. Do not poke or stir the logs while they
are burning.
Use only logs that meet the requirements of ULC/ORD C127 M1990 for composite logs.
Refer to package cautions and warnings before using logs.
3.5 Drying Time
Firewood that is not dry enough to burn is the cause of most complaints about wood-burning
appliances. Continually burning green or unseasoned wood produces more creosote and involves
lack of heat and dirty glass door. Firewood with a moisture content between 15% and 20% will
ENGLISH
allow the fireplace to produce its highest possible efficiency.
Here are some facts to consider in estimating drying time:
− Firewood bought from a dealer is rarely dry enough
to burn, so it is advisable to buy the wood in spring
and dry it yourself;
− Drying happens faster in dry weather than in a
damp climate;
− Drying happens faster in warm summer weather
than in winter weather;
− Split pieces dry more quickly than unsplit rounds;
− Softwoods like pine, spruce, poplar, and aspen
take less time to dry than hardwoods. They can be dry enough to burn after being stacked to air
dry only for the summer months;
− Hardwoods like oak, maple and ash can take one, or even two years to dry fully, especially if the
pieces are big;
− Firewood dries more quickly when stacked outside in a location exposed to sun and wind; it takes
much longer to dry when stacked in a wood shed;
− Firewood with a moisture content of 15% to 20% will allow the fireplace to reach its highest
efficiency.
Firewood is dry enough to burn when:
− Cracks form at the end of logs;
− The wood turns from white or cream colored to grey or yellow;
− Two pieces of wood struck together sounds hollow;
− The face of a fresh cut feels warm and dry;
− The moisture content read by a moisture meter is between 15% to 20%.
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Installation and Operation Manual - HE275CF
4. Operating the Fireplace
This wood heater has a manufacturer-set minimum low burn rate that
must not be altered. It is against federal regulations to alter this setting or
otherwise operate this wood heater in a manner inconsistent with operating
instructions in this manual.
4.1 Using a Fire Screen
This product should not be operated with door open using fire screen (AC01275) in the United
States or provinces where any particulate matter emission rate limit is enforced (ex: US EPA).
This fireplace has been tested for use with an open door in conjunction with a fire screen, sold
separately. The fire screen must be properly secured on the fireplace to avoid any risk of sparks
damaging the flooring. When the fire screen is in use, do not leave the fireplace unattended
to respond promptly in the event of smoke spillage into the room. Potential causes of smoke
spillage are described in Section «9. The Venting System» of this manual. See «Appendix 5:
Optional Fire Screen Installation» for installation instructions.
Operating the fireplace with a fire screen increases possibilities of generating carbon monoxide.
Carbon monoxide is an odourless gas that is highly toxic which can cause death at high concentration
in air. Installation of a carbon monoxide detector is highly recommended.
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5. Burning Wood Efficiently
5.1 First Use
Two things happen when burning the first few fires; the paint cures and the internal components are
conditioned. As the paint cures, some of the chemicals vaporize. The vapors are not poisonous,
but they smell bad. Fresh paint fumes can also trigger false alarms in smoke detectors. When
lighting the heater for the first few times, it may be wise to open doors and windows to ventilate
the house.
Burn two or three small fires to begin the curing and conditioning process. Then build bigger
and hotter fires until there is no longer paint smell from the fireplace. As hotter and hotter fires
are burned, more of the painted surfaces reach the curing temperature of the paint. The smell of
curing paint does not disappear until one or two very hot fires have been burned.
5.2 Lighting Fires
Each person heating with wood develops its own favorite way to light fires. Regardless of the
method chosen, the goal should be to have a hot fire burning, quickly. A fire that ignites fast
produces less smoke and deposits less creosote in the chimney.
Never use gasoline, gasoline-type lantern fuel (naphtha), fuel oil, motor oil,
kerosene, charcoal lighter fluid, or similar liquids or aerosols to start or
‘freshen up’ a fire in this wood fireplace. Keep all such liquids well away from
the fireplace while it is in use.
Here are three popular and effective ways to ignite wood fires.
Installation and Operation Manual - HE275CF
Page 17
5.2.1 Conventional Method
The conventional method to build a wood fire is to crumple 5 to 10
sheets of newspaper and place them in the firebox and hold them in
place with ten pieces of kindling wood. The kindling should be placed
on and behind the newspaper.
Then add two or three small pieces of firewood. Open the air intake
control completely and ignite the newspaper. Leave the door slightly
ajar. Once the fire has ignited, the door can be closed with the air
control still fully open. When the kindling is almost completely burned,
standard firewood pieces can be added.
Do not leave the fireplace unattended when the door is slightly
open. Always close and latch the door after the fire ignites.
5.2.2 The Top Down Method
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This method is the opposite of the conventional method
and only works properly if well-seasoned wood is used.
Place three or four small, split, dry logs in the firebox.
Arrange the kindling wood on the logs in two layers at
right angles and place a dozen finely split kindling on the
second row. It is possible to use ragged paper but it may
not hold in place since it tends to roll while it is burning.
The best is to wrap a sheet on itself, grab the ends of the
roll and make a knot.
Use four or five sheets of paper tied together and put
them on top and around the kindling. Open the air intake control completely, ignite the paper
and close the door.
The top down fire method has two advantages over the traditional method: first, the fire does
not collapse on itself, and it is not necessary to add wood gradually since the combustion
chamber is full before the fire is lit.
The following load orientation is the one who will give the best performance for this fireplace.
The figure below is for reference only. The quantity and size of the logs may vary.
5.2.3 Two Parallel Logs Method
Two spit logs are placed in the firebox with a few sheets of twisted newspapers in between the
logs. Fine kindling is added across the two logs and some larger kindling across those, log cabin
style. Newspaper is lit.
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Installation and Operation Manual - HE275CF
5.2.4 Using Fire Starters
Commercial fire starters can be used instead of a newspaper. Some of these starters are made
of sawdust and wax and others are made of specialized flammable solid chemicals. Always
follow the package directions when using.
Gel starters can also be used, but only to light a fire, in a cold combustion chamber without hot
embers inside.
5.3 Combustion Cycles
Wood heating with a space heater is very different than other forms of heating. There will be
temperature variations in different parts of the house and there will be temperature variations
throughout day and night. This is normal, and for experienced wood burners these are advantages
of zone heating wood burning.
Wood heaters don’t have a steady heat output. It is normal for the temperature to rise after
a new load of wood is ignited and for its temperature to gradually decrease throughout the
burning cycle.
This increasing and decreasing temperature can be matched with the household routines. For
example, the temperature in the area can be cooler when the household is active, and it can be
warmer when it is inactive.
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Wood burns best in cycles. A cycle starts when a new load of wood is ignited by hot coals and
ends when that load has been consumed down to a bed of charcoal about the same size as it
was when the wood was loaded.
Trying to produce a steady heat output by placing a single log on the fire at regular intervals
is not recommended. Always place at least three, and preferably more pieces on the fire at a
time so that the heat radiated from one piece helps to ignite the pieces next to it. Each load of
wood should provide several hours of heating. The size of each load may vary depending on the
amount of heat required.
Burning in cycles means the loading door does not need to be opened while the wood is flaming.
This is an advantage since it is preventing smoke leaking from the heater when the door is
opened as a full fire is burning. This is especially true if the chimney is on the outside wall of the
house.
If the door must be opened while the fire is flaming, fully open air control for a few
minutes then open the door slowly.
Installation and Operation Manual - HE275CF
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5.4 Rekindling a Fire
When the temperature of the room is lower and all that remains is embers, it is time to reload.
Remove excess ash from the front of the firebox and bring the ashes forward. Place a new load
of wood on, and at the back of the embers. Open the air control completely and close the door.
Raking the coals is useful for two reasons. First, it brings them near where most of the combustion
air enters the firebox. This will ignite the new load quickly. Secondly, the charcoal will not be
smothered by the new load of wood. When the embers are simply spread inside the combustion
chamber, the new load smoulder for a long time before igniting.
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Close the air control only when the firebox is full of bright turbulent flames, the wood is charred,
and its edges are glowing.
The heater should not be left unattended during ignition and the fire should not
burn at full intensity for more than a few minutes.
When lighting a new load, the appliance produces a heat surge. This heat surge is pleasant when
the room temperature is cool but can be unpleasant when the room is already warm. Therefore,
it is best to let each load of wood burn completely so that the room cools down before putting
a load of wood back on.
5.5 Removing Ashes
Ash should be removed from the firebox every two to three days of full-time heating. Ash
should not accumulate excessively in the firebox since it will affect the proper operation of the
appliance.
The best time to remove ash is in the morning, after an overnight fire when the fireplace is
relatively cold, but there is still a little chimney draft to draw the ash dust into the fireplace and
prevent going out into the room.
Ashes should be placed in a tightly covered metal container. The container must
be placed on a non-combustible floor or on the ground well away from all
combustible materials. Ashes almost always contain live embers that can stay
hot for days and which release carbon monoxide gas. If the ashes are disposed
of by burial in soil or otherwise locally dispersed, they should be kept in a closed
metal container until they are completely cooled. No other waste should be
placed in this container.
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CENDRES
ASHES
NEVER STORE ASHES INDOORS OR IN A NON-METALLIC CONTAINER
OR ON A WOODEN DECK.
Installation and Operation Manual - HE275CF
5.6 Air Intake Control
Once the firewood, firebox and chimney are hot, air intake can be reduced to achieve a steady
burn.
As the air intake is reduced, the burn rate
decreases. This has the effect of distributing the
thermal energy of the fuel over a longer period of
time. In addition, the flow rate of exhaust through
the appliance and flue pipe slows down, which
increases the duration of the energy transfer of
the exhaust gases. As the air intake is reduced,
the flame slows down.
If the flames diminish to the point of disappearing,
the air intake has been reduced too early in the
combustion cycle or the wood used is too wet.
If the wood is dry and the air control is used
properly, the flames should decrease, but remain
bright and stable.
DETAIL A
A
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On the other hand, too much air can make the fire uncontrollable, creating very high temperatures
in the unit as well as in the chimney and seriously damaging them. A reddish glow on the unit
and on the chimney components indicates overheating. Excessive temperatures can cause a
chimney fire.
5.7 Fire Types
Using the air intake control is not the only way to match the fireplace heat output to the desired
temperature in the house. A house will need far less heating in October than in January to
maintain a comfortable temperature. Filling the firebox full in fall weather will overheat the space.
Otherwise, the combustion rate will have to be reduced to a minimum and the fire will be smoky
and inefficient.
Here are some suggestions for building fires suitable for different heating needs.
5.7.1 Flash Fire
To build a small fire that will produce a low heat output, use small pieces of firewood and load
them crisscross in the firebox. The pieces should only be 3" (76 mm) to 4" (102 mm) in diameter.
After raking the coals, lay two pieces parallel to each other diagonally in the firebox and lay two
more across them in the other direction. Open the air control fully and only reduce the air after
the wood is fully flaming.
This kind of fire is good for mild weather and should provide enough heat for up to four hours.
Small fires like this are a good time to use softer wood species and avoid overheating the house.
5.7.2 Low and Long Output Fires
For a fire that will last up to eight hours but will not produce intense heat, use soft wood and
place the logs compactly in the firebox. Before reducing the air intake, the load will have to burn
at full heat for long enough for charring the surface of the logs. The flame must be bright before
letting the fire burn by itself.
Installation and Operation Manual - HE275CF
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