22
HEI240 Wood Insert Fireplace Installation and Operation Manual
•
The size of the space to be heated,
•
The climate zone you live in, and
•
The time of year.
The table below provides a very general indication of the maximum burn cycle times you
are likely to experience, based on firebox volume.
FIREBOX VOLUME
MAXIMUM
BURN TIME
<1.5 cubic feet
3 to 5 hours
1.5 c.f. to 2.0 c.f
5 to 6 hours
2.0 c.f. to 2.5 c.f.
6 to 8 hours
2.5 c.f. to 3.0 c.f.
8 to 9 hours
>3.0 c.f.
9 to 10 hours
Long burn times are not necessarily an indication of efficient insert operation. When you
are home during the day and able to tend the fire, it is preferable to build a smaller fire
that might provide three or four hours of heating than to fully load the firebox for a much
longer burn. Shorter burn cycles make it easier to match the heat output of the insert to
the heat demand of the space.
4.5.1.5
North-South Fires Versus East-West Fires
In fireboxes that are roughly square, wood can be loaded so that looking through the glass
door you see the ends of the logs (north-south) or the sides of the logs (east-west).
East-west loads that are built compactly break down slowly when heated, but the amount
of wood you can load is limited because if you put in too many pieces, one may fall against
the glass. East-west loads are excellent for long, low output fires for relatively mild
weather.
North-south loads break down more quickly, but much more wood can be loaded at a
time. This makes north-south loading good for high output, long lasting fires for cold
weather.
4.5.1.6
Carbon Monoxide
When unburned logs remain in the firebox and the flame disappears, go outside and look
at the chimney exit. If there is visible smoke, it means that there is still combustible to burn
but that the fire lacks air to burn properly. In this situation, the CO rate will increase so it
is important to react. Open the door slightly and move the log with a poker. Turn it over
and create a passage for the air below, making a trench with the coal bed. Add small
pieces of wood to restart the combustion.
5 Maintaining Your Wood Heating System
5.1
Insert Maintenance
Your new insert will give many years of reliable service if you use and maintain it correctly.
Some of the internal components of the firebox, such as firebricks, baffles and air tubes,
will wear over time under intense heat.
