LG P1BRENTW-A - Manual (Page 6)

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3.2 OPERATING THE BRENTWOOD
3.2.1 Fuel
The BRENTWOOD is designed to work best when fuelled with seasoned cordwood.
Hardwoods are preferred to softwoods since the energy content of wood is relative to its
density. Hardwoods will result in a longer burning fire and less frequent refuelling. A
moisture content of 15% to 20% (seasoned) is recommended. Wood that has been cut and
split and let to dry under a cover for a period of one year will usually meet that criteria.
Excessively wet wood will be difficult to burn and will result in lower efficiency, increased
creosoting and deposits on the glass and in the chimney. Excessively dry wood will burn
well but will also have higher emissions and shorter burning time.
Do not burn scrap or garbage, treated wood or wood such as driftwood from the ocean which
has been exposed to salt or other chemicals. Salt or chemicals can corrode the firebox and
chimney. Do not burn large amounts of paper, cardboard, Christmas tree branches or
building construction materials. Intense firing with these materials may overheat the
fireplace, causing damage to the unit, a fire or even possibly igniting a chimney fire if the
chimney is creosoted.
3.2.2 First Fires
Before using the fireplace make sure to remove the plastic wrapping on the door. Remove all
remaining glue with mild soap.
The first 5 or 6 fires should be small fires of short duration (about 30 to 60 minutes).
This will help cure the refractory bricks. The first fires may produce slight smoking due to
drying of the paint and steel and any dust accumulated on the fireplace will burn off at this
time. It may set off a smoke alarm located in the same room. For this reason the room
should be well ventilated for the first few fires.
3.2.3 Building a Fire
To start a fire, place several crumpled up balls of newspaper in the firebox. Place small dry
pieces of kindling on top of the paper, criss-crossing the kindling so that there are air spaces
in between. Keep the fuel far back enough so that air can get underneath. Open the air
controls fully and light the newspaper. Once the newspaper and the kindling is well ignited,
close the door. Once the kindling fire is well established, cordwood can be added. (see
Primary Air Combustion Control section for proper operation of the air controls)
The unit will burn best with 2-3 pieces of cordwood spaced 1 to 2 inches apart and allowing
air to get under the fuel. Criss-crossing or arranging the fuel so that air can get underneath,
will help the fire to get started easily. The unit should be operated with the air control fully
open long enough to get the cordwood well ignited.