Revised: 23/11/2019 Printed: 26/11/2020
Use of the fan
Coonara
heaters are fitted with a 3-speed fan for efficient distribution of warmth.
Operating the fan in your wood heater is critical at all stages of use except at startup, where
the follow steps apply:
•
When the fire has been underway for 30 minutes turn the fan on to low
•
Once the fire is established, increase the fan speed to medium to heat the room
•
Once the desired room temperature has been reached, turn the fan back to low
•
DO NOT TURN THE FAN OFF
at any time during the burning period
•
The fan should remain on during overnight burns.
Note
The use of the fan is critical to removing the hot air generated by the fire into the space to be
heated. This is called convection heat, compared to other types of wood heaters which are
designed to heat up the fireplace and provide radiant heat. The objective of your wood heater
is to heat the room, not the fireplace.
The use of the fan on high speed (3) is OK for a short period if required, but if the air is driven
too quickly through the system it does not have sufficient time to gather heat before being
expelled through the vents.
The cost of running the fan while using the heater is negligible compared to the air pollution
caused by inefficient burning as well as the potential damage to baffles, seals, glass and the
integrity (buckling) of the steel firebox that may be caused by producing heat without an
effective outlet via the fan.
Generally, an established fire should warm the required area with the fan on the low setting
.
Reloading
The firebox should be loaded to a minimum of 2/3 full, preferably when the fuel has burnt down
to a bed of coals. Attempting to reload part way through a burn period risks smoke, coals, or a
log rolling from the heater.
Before reloading, it is important to position the air inlet control to high. Open the door carefully
and slowly. Rake over the coals and load the fuel as recommended. After reloading, close the
door securely and leave the air inlet fully open on high until the fuel load is well alight. Then
the air inlet control can be adjusted to your desired heat output.
Do not throw wood into the firebox
This is an unsafe practice and may dislodge the baffle plate in the heater. It may also cause
sparking or dislodge burning wood, which could ignite any combustible materials in the area
surrounding the heater (e.g. carpet).
Do not slam the door closed
Wood may be protruding from the firebox and cause the glass to break. It will also diminish
the longevity of the door seal.
