20
HEI240 Wood Insert Fireplace Installation and Operation Manual
Although it is important to fire each new load hot to prepare for a clean burn, do not allow
the fire to burn at full intensity for more than a few minutes.
DO NOT LEAVE THE INSERT UNATTENDED WHILE A NEW LOAD IS BEING FIRED
HOT.
DO NOT OVERFIRE.
When you burn a new load of wood hot to heat up the wood, the insert and the chimney,
the result will be a surge of heat from the insert. This heat surge is welcome when the
room temperature is a little lower than desirable, but not welcome if the space is already
warm. Therefore, allow each load of wood to burn down so that the space begins to cool
off a little before loading. Letting the space cool before loading is one of the secrets to
clean burning and effective zone heating.
4.4.5 Turning Down the Air Supply
Once the firewood, firebox and chimney are hot, you can begin to reduce the air supply
for a steady burn.
As you reduce the air supply to the fire, two important things happen. First, the firing rate
slows down to spread the heat energy in the fuel over a longer period. Second, the flow
rate of exhaust through the insert and flue pipe slows down, which gives more time for the
transfer of heat from the exhaust. You will notice that as you reduce the air setting, the
flames slow down. This is your indication that the insert is burning at its peak efficiency.
If the flames get small and almost
disappear when you turn down the air,
you have turned down the air too early,
or your firewood is wetter than it should
be. With good fuel and correct air
control use, the flames should slow
down, but should stay large and steady,
even as the air supply is reduced.
4.5
Blower Operation
The blower has a rheostat that can be adjusted in three
different positions; either from high (HI) to low (LO) or closed
(OFF).
Allow the insert to reach operating temperature (approximately
one hour) before turning on the blower, since increased airflow
from the blower will remove heat and affect the start-up
combustion efficiency.
Since your insert’s blower is equipped with a heat sensor, when the blower is ON, the
blower will start automatically when the insert is hot enough and it will stop when the insert
has cooled down. Therefore, you can leave the blower speed control at the desired setting.
