FOCUS 320 SBR Owner's Manual
9
RSF Woodburning Fireplaces
FUEL
All modern high efficiency fireplaces and woodstoves are designed to burn best with seasoned cordwood. Seasoned
wood can be defined as wood that has been cut, split and let dry under cover for a minimum of 6 months, preferably
a year or more. Dry seasoned wood generally contains less than 20% moisture content. Attempting to burn fuel
with a high moisture content will be difficult and result in lower efficiency, increased creosote buildup and dark
deposits on the glass. It is possible to burn a very large amount of wood and get very little heat if the wood is wet.
The type of wood you select is also important. All types
of wood give off more or less the same number of U’s
per pound. Since softer woods are less dense than hardwoods it is possible to put more weight of hardwood in the
firebox; in other words, all woodburning appliances will burn longer and more evenly with hardwoods. Never burn
scrap, garbage, treated wood or driftwood as they produce much more pollution and can corrode the firebox and
chimney as well. Burning large amounts of paper, cardboard, mill ends, or construction waste can easily over fire
and damage the fireplace or even ignite a chimney fire if the flue is dirty.
FIRST FIRES
You will experience a slow start-up during the first few fires. The refractory bricks lining the firebox contain moisture
from manufacturing and require a few hot fires to evaporate the moisture. While there is still moisture in the bricks,
they will be black with smoke deposits. When the moisture has dissipated, the bricks will turn white. Unlike cast iron
stoves, there is no need to cure the fireplace itself by starting with small fires and progressively larger ones. Feel
free to light a large fire from the very start.
You will experience a slight odor during the first few fires. This odor comes from curing paint and oil burning off the
metal. The odor may be strong enough to set off your smoke detector. Open the doors and windows to allow the
room to properly ventilate.
LIGHTING
Start by laying your fire starter and kindling. Traditional fire starter is crumpled newspaper; make sure to use enough
to light the kindling (5-6 pieces should do). Next lay 3 or 4 layers of kindling crisscrossed over the newspaper. Using
plenty of kindling ensures that the chimney will heat up quickly and establish a strong draft,
never use any
flammable liquids
. Light the paper and close the door
most of the way, but don’t shut it completely, keep it about
1" from being completely closed. If the door is positioned correctly you will see air rushing into the fireplace, this will
help the lighting process.
Once the kindling is lit and sustaining fire, you can add some small pieces of seasoned cordwood. Use the andirons
in front to help position the cordwood so as not to flatten and smother the fire you’ve just created. Always add at
least 3 pieces of cordwood. Position your cordwood in a manner that the fire will hit several pieces as it rises and
has air gaps to flow through. Continue to leave the door slightly open until the cordwood is lit, about 3-5 minutes.
Close the door completely when the fire is established.
During light up, it is normal for the glass to accumulate some soot and become dark. As the fireplace heats up, this
should burn off and reveal a nice view of the fire.
❖
WARNING: DO NOT USE A GRATE OR ELEVATE THE FIRE.
❖
WARNING: MAKE SURE TO KEEP THE FIRE BEHIND THE ANDIRONS. REPLACE THE LOGS IF THEY
FALL AGAINST THE GLASS.
REFUELING
Have your next wood load ready when you open the door. The temperature in the firebox will decrease as the door
is open, so decreasing the amount of time the door is open will allow the firebox to remain hotter. Nevertheless, do
not rush.
Turn off the central heat and/or internal blowers, if installed. The blowers may cause smoke to spill out of the
fireplace if they are running.
The door should be opened slowly to keep smoke from spilling into your room. If you have a problem with smoke
spillage, check to see that all kitchen and bathroom fans have been shut off. They can cause negative pressure in
the house which pulls smoke out of the fireplace.
