Vermont Casting AIR TIGHT WOOD STOVE - Manual (Page 10)

11
IMPORTANT
HELPFUL HINTS WORTH REPEATING
1) What is the correct way to start a fire?
a) You will need small pieces of dry wood (kindling) and paper. Use only newspaper or paper that has not
been coated or had unknown materials glued or applied to it. Never use coated (typically advertising
flyers) or coloured paper.
b) Open the door of the wood stove.
c) Crumple several pieces of paper and place them in the centre of the firebox and directly on to the
firebricks of the wood stove. Never use a grate to elevate the fire.
d) Place small pieces of dry wood (kindling) over the paper in a “Teepee” manner. This allows for good
air circulation, which is critical for good combustion.
e) Light the crumpled paper in 2 or 3 locations. Note: It is important to heat the air in the stovepipe for
draft to start.
f) Fully open the air control of the wood stove and close the door until it is slightly open, allowing for much
needed air to be introduced into the fire box. Never leave the door fully open as sparks from the
kindling may occur causing injury. As the fire begins to burn the kindling, some additional kindling may
be needed to sustain the fire. DO NOT add more paper after the fire has started.
g) Once the kindling has started to burn, start by adding some of your smaller pieces of seasoned (dry)
firewood. Note: Adding large pieces at the early stages will only serve to smother the fire. Continue
adding small pieces of seasoned (dry) firewood, keeping the door slightly open until each piece starts
to ignite. Remember to always open the door slowly between placing wood into the fire.
h) Once the wood has started to ignite and the smoke has reduced, close the wood stove door fully. The
reduction of smoke, is a good indication that the draft in the chimney has started and good combustion
is now possible. Larger pieces of seasoned (dry) firewood can now be added when there is sufficient
space in the firebox. Adjust the air control setting to desired setting.
I) Note: The lower the air control setting the longer the burn time of your firewood.
2) What type of wood is best to use as Firewood?
Dry seasoned hardwood should be used. Avoid green unseasoned wood. Green wood, besides 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.