Enerzone Solution 2.5-ZC User manual

45728A
Printed in Canada 11-03-2014
INSTALLATION
AND OPERATION
MANUAL
Solution 2.5-ZC US ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY PHASE II CERTIFIED WOOD
FIREPLACE
Listed to standards ULC-S610 and UL 127
by Intertek Testing Services
www.enerzone-intl.com
Stove Builder International Inc.
250, rue de Copenhague,
St-Augustin-de-Desmaures (Quebec)
Canada G3A 2H3
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
READ AND KEEP THIS MANUAL FOR REFERENCE
This manual is available for free download on the manufacturer’s web site. It is a
copyrighted document. Re-sale is strictly prohibited. The manufacturer may update this
manual from time to time and cannot be responsible for problems, injuries, or damages
arising out of the use of information contained in any manual obtained from unauthorized
sources.

2Solution 2.5-ZC Fireplace Installation and Operation Manual
THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING THIS ENERZONE WOOD FIREPLACE
As one of North America’s largest and most respected wood stove and fireplace
manufacturers, Stove Builder International takes pride in the quality and performance of all
its products. We want to help you get maximum satisfaction as you use this product.
In the pages that follow you will find general advice on wood heating, detailed instructions
for safe and effective installation, and guidance on how to get the best performance from
this fireplace as you build and maintain fires, and maintain your wood heating system.
We recommend that our wood burning hearth products be installed and serviced by
professionals who are certified in the United States by NFI (National Fireplace Institute®)
or in Canada by WETT (Wood Energy Technology Transfer) or in Quebec by APC
(Association des Professionnels du Chauffage).
Congratulations on making a wise purchase.
If this fireplace is not properly installed, combustible materials near it may overheat.
To reduce the risk of fire, follow the installation instructions in this manual exactly.
Contact local building or fire officials about restrictions and installation inspection
requirements in your area.
Please read this entire manual before you install and use your new fireplace. You
may need to get a building permit for the installation of this fireplace and the
chimney that it is connected to. Consult your municipal building department or fire
department before installation. We recommend that you also inform your home
insurance company to find out if the installation will affect your policy.
This heating unit is designed to serve as a supplementary heat source. We
recommend that a primary heat source also be available in the home. The
manufacturer cannot be responsible for costs associated with the use of another
heating system.
CAUTION:Do not attempt to modify or alter the construction of the fireplace or its
components. Any modification or alteration of construction may void the warranty, listings
and approvals of this system. In that case, Stove Builder International (SBI) will not be
responsible for damages. Install the fireplace only as described in these instructions.

Solution 2.5-ZC Fireplace Installation and Operation Manual 3
Table of content
PART A - OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE ...............................6
1Safety Information.....................................................................6
1.1Summary of Operation and Maintenance Cautions and Warnings......................... 6
2General Information...................................................................9
2.1Solution 2.5-ZC Specifications ............................................................................... 9
2.2Zone Heating and How to Make it Work for You .................................................. 12
2.3The Benefits of Low Emissions and High Efficiency............................................. 12
2.4The SBI Commitment to You and the Environment.............................................. 13
2.4.1What is Your New Fireplace Made Of?............................................................. 13
3Fuel ...........................................................................................14
3.1Materials That Should Not be Burned .................................................................. 14
3.2How to Prepare or Buy Good Firewood ............................................................... 14
3.2.1What is Good Firewood? .................................................................................. 14
3.2.2Tree Species..................................................................................................... 14
3.2.3Log Length........................................................................................................ 15
3.2.4Piece Size......................................................................................................... 15
3.2.5How to Dry Firewood ........................................................................................ 16
3.2.6Judging Firewood Moisture Content ................................................................. 17
3.3Manufactured Logs .............................................................................................. 17
4Operating Your Fireplace........................................................18
4.1The use of a fire screen ....................................................................................... 18
4.2Your First Fires..................................................................................................... 18
4.3Lighting Fires........................................................................................................ 18
4.3.1Conventional Fire Starting ................................................................................ 19
4.3.2The Top Down Fire ........................................................................................... 19
4.3.3Two Parallel Logs ............................................................................................. 20
4.3.4Using Fire Starters ............................................................................................ 20
4.4Maintaining Wood Fires ....................................................................................... 20
4.4.1General Advice ................................................................................................. 20
4.4.2Ash Removal .................................................................................................... 21
4.4.3Raking Charcoal ............................................................................................... 21
4.4.4Firing Each New Load Hot ................................................................................ 22
4.4.5Turning Down the Air Supply ............................................................................ 22
4.4.6Building Different Fires for Different Needs....................................................... 23

4Solution 2.5-ZC Fireplace Installation and Operation Manual
5Maintaining Your Wood Heating System ..............................26
5.1Fireplace Maintenance......................................................................................... 26
5.1.1Plated Finish Maintenance................................................................................ 26
5.1.2Glass Door Cleaning......................................................................................... 26
5.1.3Door Adjustment ............................................................................................... 27
5.1.4Door Alignment ................................................................................................. 28
5.1.5Replacing the Door Gasket............................................................................... 30
5.1.6Replacing the Glass Gasket and/or the Glass .................................................. 30
5.1.7Cleaning and Painting the Fireplace ................................................................. 31
5.2Chimney and Chimney Liner Maintenance........................................................... 32
5.2.1Why Chimney Cleaning is Necessary ............................................................... 32
5.2.2How Often Should You Clean the Chimney? .................................................... 32
5.2.3Cleaning the Chimney....................................................................................... 33
5.2.4Fire Baffle Removal Prior to Cleaning the Chimney.......................................... 34
5.2.5Chimney Fire .................................................................................................... 34
PART B – INSTALLATION............................................................35
6Safety Information...................................................................35
6.1Summary of Installation Cautions and Warnings.................................................. 35
6.2Regulations Covering Fireplace Installation ......................................................... 36
6.3Fireplace Installation ............................................................................................ 37
6.3.1Locating the SOLUTION 2.5-ZC ....................................................................... 37
6.3.2Minimum Heart Extension Requirements.......................................................... 43
6.3.3Framing, Facing, Mantel, and Combustible Shelf ............................................. 45
7Clearances to Combustible Material......................................52
7.1Locating the Certification Label ............................................................................ 52
8The Venting System ................................................................53
8.1General ................................................................................................................ 53
8.2Suitable Chimneys ............................................................................................... 53
8.3Minimum Chimney Height .................................................................................... 53
8.4The Relationship Between the Chimney and the House ...................................... 53
8.4.1Why the chimney should penetrate the highest heated space.......................... 53
8.5Chimney Installation Notes................................................................................... 54
8.6Chimney Installation Instructions.......................................................................... 57
8.6.1Examples of Typical Chimney Installation......................................................... 57
8.6.2Offset Chimney Installation ............................................................................... 62
8.7Angled Wall Radiation Shield ............................................................................... 65

Solution 2.5-ZC Fireplace Installation and Operation Manual 5
8.8Chimney Support Installation ............................................................................... 66
8.8.1Universal Roof Support..................................................................................... 66
8.8.2Universal Offset Support................................................................................... 67
8.9Installation Instructions for Masonry Application .................................................. 67
8.10Supply of Combustion Air..................................................................................... 68
8.10.1Air Supply in Conventional Houses................................................................... 69
Appendix 1: Hot Air Ducting Installation....................................70
Appendix 2: Blower Maintenance or Replacement ...................74
Appendix 3: Installing the Door Overlay ....................................78
Appendix 5: Installing the Fire Screen (AC01308).....................83
Appendix 6: Installation of Secondary Air Tubes and Baffle ...84
Appendix 7: Exploded Diagram and Parts List..........................87
ENERZONE LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY.............................92
REGISTER YOUR WARRANTY ONLINE
To receive full warranty coverage, you will need to show evidence of the
date you purchased your stove. Keep your sales invoice. We also
recommend that you register your warranty online at:
http://enerzone-intl.com/warranty-registration.aspx
Registering your warranty online will help us to quickly track the
information we need about your stove.

6Solution 2.5-ZC Fireplace Installation and Operation Manual
PART A - OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE
Please see Part B for installation instructions.
1 Safety Information
1.1 Summary of Operation and Maintenance Cautions and Warnings
•HOT WHILE IN OPERATION, KEEP CHILDREN, CLOTHING AND FURNITURE
AWAY. CONTACT MAY CAUSE SKIN BURNS. GLOVES MAY BE NEEDED FOR
FIREPLACE OPERATION.
•USING A FIREPLACE WITH CRACKED OR BROKEN COMPONENTS, SUCH AS
GLASS OR FIREBRICKS OR BAFFLES MAY PRODUCE AN UNSAFE CONDITION
AND MAY DAMAGE THE FIREPLACE.
•OPERATE ONLY WITH DOOR FULLY CLOSED OR FULLY OPEN WITH FIRE
SCREEN IN PLACE. IF DOOR IS LEFT PARTLY OPEN, GAS AND FLAME MAY BE
DRAWN OUT OF THE OPENING, CREATING RISKS FROM BOTH FIRE AND
SMOKE.
•OPEN THE AIR CONTROL FULLY BEFORE OPENING THE LOADING DOOR.
•THIS FIREPLACE HAS BEEN TESTED FOR USE WITH AN OPEN DOOR IN
CONJUNCTION WITH A FIRE SCREEN (AC01308, SOLD SEPARATELY). THE
DOOR MAY BE OPEN OR FIRE SCREEN REMOVED ONLY DURING LIGHTING
PROCEDURES OR RELOADING. ALWAYS CLOSE THE DOOR OR PUT BACK
THE FIRE SCREEN AFTER IGNITION. DO NOT LEAVE THE FIREPLACE
UNATTENDED WHEN THE DOOR IS OPENED WITH OR WITHOUT FIRE SCREEN.
•DO NOT INSTALL THE FIREPLACE OUTDOORS.
•THE FIREPLACE AND CHIMNEY MUST BE IN AN ENCLOSURE UP TO THE
ATTIC.
•NEVER USE GASOLINE, LANTERN FUEL (NAPHTHA), FUEL OIL, MOTOR OIL,
KEROSENE, CHARCOAL LIGHTER FLUID, OR SIMILAR LIQUIDS OR AEROSOLS
TO START A FIRE IN THIS FIREPLACE. KEEP ALL SUCH LIQUIDS OR
AEROSOLS WELL AWAY FROM THE FIREPLACE WHILE IT IS IN USE.
•DO NOT STORE FUEL WITHIN HEATER MINIMUM INSTALLATION CLEARANCES.
•BURN ONLY SEASONED NATURAL FIREWOOD.

Solution 2.5-ZC Fireplace Installation and Operation Manual 7
•DO NOT BURN:
oGARBAGE OF ANY KIND,
oCOAL OR CHARCOAL,
oTREATED, PAINTED OR COATED WOOD,
oPLYWOOD OR PARTICLE BOARD,
oFINE PAPER, COLORED PAPER OR CARDBOARD,
oSALT WATER DRIFTWOOD,
oMANUFACTURED LOGS CONTAINING WAX OR CHEMICAL ADDITIVES,
oRAILROAD TIES OR
oLIQUIDS SUCH AS KEROSCENE OR DIESEL FUEL TO START A FIRE.
•THIS APPLIANCE SHOULD BE MAINTAINED AND OPERATED AT ALL TIMES IN
ACCORDANCE WITH THESE INSTRUCTIONS.
•DO NOT ELEVATE THE FIRE BY MEANS OF GRATES, AND IRONS OR OTHER
MEANS.
•THIS FIREPLACE MUST ALWAYS BE USED WITH THE ORIGINAL ANDIRONS
(SEE APPENDIX 7: EXPLODED DIAGRAM AND PARTS LIST FOR REPLACEMENT
PARTS).
•SOME JURISDICTIONS IN THE USA REQUIRE A SUPPLY OF OUTDOOR
COMBUSTION AIR FOR THE FIREPLACE. IN CANADA, AN OUTDOOR AIR
SUPPLY IS NOT REQUIRED, IF A CARBON MONOXIDE (CO) DETECTOR/ALARM
IS LOCATED IN THE ROOM IN WHICH THE FIREPLACE IS INSTALLED. THE CO
DETECTOR WILL PROVIDE WARNING IF FOR ANY REASON THE WOOD
FIREPLACE FAILS TO FUNCTION CORRECTLY. IF YOU ARE REQUIRED TO
INSTALL AN OUTDOOR AIR SUPPLY, WE RECOMMEND THAT YOU ALSO
INSTALL A CO DETECTOR/ALARM TO PROVIDE WARNING IF SMOKE
SPILLAGE FROM THE FIREPLACE OCCURS.
CAUTION: KEEP COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS AT LEAST 48 INCHES AWAY FROM
THE FRONT OF THE FIREPLACE OPENING.
CAUTION: DO NOT USE A FIREPLACE INSERT AND OTHER PRODUCTS NOT
SPECIFIED FOR USE WITH THIS FIREPLACE.
CAUTION: DO NOT OBSTRUCT AIR INTLETS. THIS FIREPLACE NEEDS AIR FOR
ITS GOOD OPERATION.
CAUTION: DO NOT BLOCK THE HOT AIR VENTS TO THE FIREPLACE AS THIS
WILL CAUSE THE FIREPLACE TO OVERHEAT.
WARNING: DO NOT USE MATERIALS OTHER THAN THOSE LISTED IN THE
REPLACEMENT PARTS SECTION DURING INSTALLATION AS THEY
MAY BE SAFETY HAZARDS AND A FIRE COULD RESULT.

8Solution 2.5-ZC Fireplace Installation and Operation Manual
WARNING: THIS FIREPLACE HAS NOT BEEN TESTED WITH AN UNVENTED OR
VENTED GAS LOG SET. TO REDUCE RISK OF FIRE OR INJURY, DO
NOT INSTALL AN UNVENTED GAS LOG SET INTO THIS FIREPLACE.
CAUTION: DO NOT INSTALL IN A MOBILE HOME (CANADA) OR MANUFACTURED
HOME* (USA).
* The US department of Housing and Urban Development describes
“manufactured homes” better known as “mobile home” as followed;
Buildings built on fixed wheels and those transported on temporary
wheels/axles and set on a permanent foundation.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THE PICTURES SHOWN IN THIS
MANUAL ARE GENERIC AND MAY NOT MATCH
EXACTLY THE LOOK OF YOUR FIREPLACE.

Solution 2.5-ZC Fireplace Installation and Operation Manual 9
2 General Information
2.1 Solution 2.5-ZC Specifications
Fuel Type Cordwood
Test Standards (safety) ULC-S610 and UL 127
Test Standard (emissions) EPA Method 28 (40 CFR Part 60)
Heating capacity range* 500 to 2100 sq. ft. (46.5 to 195 m2)
Maximum heat output**
(EPA test fuel) 30,450 BTU/h (8.9 kW/h)
Maximum heat output**
(natural hardwood fuel) 75,000 BTU/h (22 kW/h)
Optimum efficiency 77 %
Particulate Emissions 4.4 g/h
Approximate Burn Time* 8 to 9 hours
Shipping Weight 456 lb (207 kg)
Firebox Volume 2.5 cu.ft. (0.071 m3)
Maximum Log Length 21" east-west***
Flue Outlet Diameter 6" (150 mm) diameter (vertical)
Baffle Material C-Cast
Mobile home approved No
* Burn time and heating capacity may vary subject to location in home, chimney draft,
chimney diameter, locality, heat loss factors, climate, fuels and other variables.
** The EPA test fuel is dimensional Douglas fir pieces stapled together into cribs with air
spaces between. We also test using the same procedure except using split hardwood
firewood to reflect real-world heat output. This fireplace is not intended to operate at its
peak heat output continuously.
*** East-west: through the door you see the sides of the logs.

10 Solution 2.5-ZC Fireplace Installation and Operation Manual

Solution 2.5-ZC Fireplace Installation and Operation Manual 11

12 Solution 2.5-ZC Fireplace Installation and Operation Manual
2.2 Zone Heating and How to Make it Work for You
Your new Solution 2.5-ZC wood fireplace is a space heater, which means it is intended to
heat the area it is installed in, as well as spaces that connect to that area, although to a
lower temperature. This is called zone heating and it is an increasingly popular way to heat
homes or spaces within homes.
Zone heating can be used to supplement another heating system by heating a particular
space within a home, such as a basement family room or an addition that lacks another
heat source.
Houses of moderate size and relatively new construction can be heated with a properly
sized and located wood fireplace. Whole house zone heating works best when the
fireplace is located in the part of the house where the family spends most of its time. This
is normally the main living area where the kitchen, dining and living rooms are located. By
locating the fireplace in this area, you will get the maximum benefit of the heat it produces
and will achieve the highest possible heating efficiency and comfort. The space where you
spend most of your time will be warmest, while bedrooms and basement (if there is one)
will stay cooler. In this way, you will burn less wood than with other forms of heating.
Although the fireplace may be able to heat the main living areas of your house to an
adequate temperature, we strongly recommend that you also have a conventional oil, gas
or electric heating system to provide backup heating.
Your success with zone heating will depend on several factors, including the correct sizing
and location of the fireplace, the size, layout and age of your home and your climate zone.
Three-season vacation homes can usually be heated with smaller fireplaces than houses
that are heated all winter.
2.3 The Benefits of Low Emissions and High Efficiency
The low smoke emissions produced by the special features inside the Solution 2.5-ZC
firebox mean that your household will release up to 90 percent less smoke into the outside
environment than if you used an older conventional stove. But there is more to the
emission control technologies than protecting the environment.
The smoke released from wood when it is heated contains about half of the energy
content of the fuel. By burning the wood completely, your fireplace releases all the heat
energy from the wood instead of wasting it as smoke up the chimney. Also, the features
inside the firebox allow you to reduce the air supply to control heat output, while
maintaining clean and efficient flaming combustion, which boosts the efficient delivery of
heat to your home.
The emission control and advanced combustion features of your fireplace can only work
properly if your fuel is in the correct moisture content range of 15 to 20 percent. See
Section 3: Fuel of this manual for suggestions on preparing fuelwood and judging its
moisture.

Solution 2.5-ZC Fireplace Installation and Operation Manual 13
2.4 The SBI Commitment to You and the Environment
The SBI team is committed to protecting the environment, so we do everything we can to
use only materials in our products that will have no lasting negative impact on the
environment.
2.4.1 What is Your New Fireplace Made Of?
The body of your fireplace, which is most of its weight, is carbon steel. Should it ever
become necessary many years in the future, almost the entire fireplace can be recycled
into new products, thus eliminating the need to mine new materials.
The paint coating on your fireplace is very thin. Its VOC content (Volatile Organic
Compounds) is very low. VOCs can be responsible for smog, so all the paint used during
the manufacturing process meets the latest air quality requirements regarding VOC
reduction or elimination.
The air tubes are stainless steel, which can also be recycled.
The C-Cast baffle is made of an aluminosilicate fibre material that is compressed with a
binder to form a rigid board. C-Cast can withstand temperatures above 2,000 °F. It is not
considered hazardous waste. Disposal at a landfill is recommended.
Firebrick is mainly composed of silicon dioxide, also known as silica, a product processed
from a mined mineral. It is most commonly found in nature in the form of sand and clay.
Disposal at a landfill is recommended.
Moulded refractory bricks are mainly composed of silicon dioxide, also known as silica, a
product processed from a mined mineral. It is most commonly found in nature in the form
of sand and clay. Disposal at a landfill is recommended. The steel mesh contained in
some refractory bricks can be recycled.
The door and glass gaskets are fibreglass which is spun from melted sand. Black gaskets
have been dipped into a solvent-free solution. Disposal at a landfill is recommended.
The door glass is a 5 mm thick ceramic material that contains no toxic chemicals. It is
made of natural raw materials such as sand and quartz that are combined in such a way to
form a high temperature glass. Ceramic glass cannot be recycled in the same way as
normal glass, so it should not be disposed of with your regular household products.
Disposal at a landfill is recommended.

14 Solution 2.5-ZC Fireplace Installation and Operation Manual
3 Fuel
3.1 Materials That Should Not be Burned
•GARBAGE OF ANY KIND,
•COAL OR CHARCOAL,
•TREATED, PAINTED OR COATED WOOD,
•PLYWOOD OR PARTICLE BOARD,
•FINE PAPER, COLORED PAPER OR CARDBOARD,
•SALT WATER DRIFTWOOD
•MANUFACTURED LOGS CONTAINING WAX OR CHEMICAL ADDITIVES
•RAILROAD TIES
•LIQUIDS SUCH AS KEROSENE OR DIESEL FUEL TO START A FIRE
WARNING: DO NOT POKE OR STIR THE LOGS WHILE THEY ARE BURNING. USE
ONLY FIRELOGS THAT HAVE BEEN TESTED FOR USE IN FIREPLACES
(SEE ULC/ORD-C127, COMPOSITE FIRELOGS) AND PRIOR TO USE,
REFER TO FIRELOG WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS MARKINGS ON
PACKAGING.
3.2 How to Prepare or Buy Good Firewood
3.2.1 What is Good Firewood?
Good firewood has been cut to the correct length for the fireplace, split to a range of sizes
and stacked in the open until its moisture content is reduced to 15 to 20 per cent.
3.2.2 Tree Species
The tree species the firewood is produced from is less important than its moisture content.
The main difference in firewood from various tree species is the density of the wood.
Hardwoods are denser than softwoods. People who live in the coldest regions of North
America usually have only spruce, birch and poplar, other low-density species to burn and
yet they can heat their homes successfully.
Homeowners with access to both hardwood and softwood fuel sometimes use both types
for different purposes. For example, softer woods make good fuel for relatively mild
weather in spring and fall because they light quickly and produce less heat Softwoods are
not as dense as hardwoods so a given volume of wood contains less energy. Using
softwoods avoids overheating the house, which can be a common problem with wood
heating in moderate weather. Harder woods are best for colder winter weather when more
heat and longer burn cycles are desirable.

Solution 2.5-ZC Fireplace Installation and Operation Manual 15
Note that hardwood trees like oak, maple, ash and beech are slower growing and longer
lived than softer woods like poplar and birch. That makes hardwood trees more valuable.
The advice that only hardwoods are good to burn is outdated. Old, leaky cast iron stoves
wouldn’t hold a fire overnight unless they were fed large pieces of hardwood. That is no
longer true. You can successfully heat your home by using the less desirable tree species
and give the forest a break at the same time.
3.2.3 Log Length
Logs should be cut at least 1” (25 mm) shorter than the firebox so they fit in easily. Pieces
that are even slightly too long make loading the fireplace very difficult. The most common
standard length of firewood is 16” (400 mm).
The pieces should be a consistent length, with a maximum of 1” (25 mm) variation from
piece to piece.
3.2.4 Piece Size
Firewood dries more quickly when it is split. Large unsplit rounds can take years to dry
enough to burn. Even when dried, unsplit logs are difficult to ignite because they don’t
have the sharp edges where the flames first catch. Logs as small as 3” (75 mm) should be
split to encourage drying.

16 Solution 2.5-ZC Fireplace Installation and Operation Manual
Wood should be split to a range of sizes, from about 3” to 6” (75 mm to 150 mm) in cross
section. Having a range of sizes makes starting and rekindling fires much easier. Often,
the firewood purchased from commercial suppliers is not split finely enough for convenient
stoking. It is sometimes advisable to resplit the wood before stacking to dry.
3.2.5 How to Dry Firewood
Firewood that is not dry enough to burn is the cause of most complaints about wood
fireplaces. Continually burning green or unseasoned wood produces more creosote and
involves lack of heat and dirty glass door. See Section 5: Maintaining your wood
heating system for concerns about creosote.
Here are some things to consider in estimating drying time:
•firewood takes a long time to dry
•firewood bought from a dealer is rarely dry enough to burn, so it is advisable to buy the
wood in spring and dry it yourself
•drying happens faster in dry weather than in damp, maritime climates
•drying happens faster in warm summer weather than in winter weather
•small pieces dry more quickly than large pieces
•split pieces dry more quickly than unsplit rounds
•softwoods take less time to dry than hardwoods
•softwoods like pine, spruce, and poplar/aspen can be dry enough to burn after being
stacked in the open for only the summer months
•hardwoods like oak, maple and ash can take one, or even two years to dry fully,
especially if the pieces are big
•firewood dries more quickly when stacked in the open where it is exposed to sun and
wind; it takes much longer to dry when stacked in a wood shed
•firewood that is ready to burn has a moisture content between15 and 20% by weight
and will allow your fireplace to produce its highest possible efficiency

Solution 2.5-ZC Fireplace Installation and Operation Manual 17
3.2.6 Judging Firewood Moisture Content
You can find out if some firewood is dry enough to burn by using these guidelines:
•cracks form at the ends of logs as they dry
•as it dries in the sun, the wood turns from white or cream colored to grey or yellow,
•bang two pieces of wood together; seasoned wood sounds hollow and wet wood
sounds dull,
•dry wood is much lighter in weight than wet wood,
•split a piece, and if the fresh face feels warm and dry it is dry enough to burn; if it feels
damp, it is too wet,
•burn a piece; wet wood hisses and sizzles in the fire and dry wood does not.
You could buy a wood moisture meter to
test your firewood.
3.3 Manufactured Logs
Do not burn manufactured logs made of wax impregnated sawdust or logs with any
chemical additives. Manufactured logs made of 100% compressed sawdust can be
burned, but use caution in the number of these logs burned at one time. Start with one
manufactured log and see how the fireplace reacts. Never use more than two
manufactured logs at a time.

18 Solution 2.5-ZC Fireplace Installation and Operation Manual
4 Operating Your Fireplace
4.1 The use of a fire screen
This fireplace has been tested for use with an open door in conjunction with a fire screen
(AC01308, sold separately). Make sure the fire screen is properly secured on the fireplace
to avoid any risk of sparks damaging your flooring. When the fire screen is in use, do not
leave the fireplace unattended so that you can respond promptly in the event of smoke
spillage into the room. Potential causes of smoke spillage are described in Section 8: The
Venting System of this manual. See Appendix 5: Installing the Fire Screen (AC01308)
for installation instructions.
OPERATING WITH THE FIRE SCREEN INCREASES THE POSSIBILITY OF
GENERATING CARBON MONOXIDE. CARBON MONOXIDE IS AN ODOURLESS GAS
THAT IS HIGHLY TOXIC AND WHICH CAN CAUSE DEATH AT HIGH
CONCENTRATION IN AIR.
4.2 Your First Fires
Two things will happen as you burn your first few fires; the paint cures and the internal
components of the fireplace are conditioned.
As the paint cures, some of the chemicals vaporize. The vapors are not poisonous, but
they do smell bad. Fresh paint fumes can also cause false alarms in smoke detectors. So,
when you first light your fireplace, be prepared by opening doors and/or windows to
ventilate the house. As you burn hotter and hotter fires, more of the painted surfaces reach
the curing temperature of the paint. The smell of curing paint does not disappear until you
have burned one or two very hot fires.
Burn one or two small fires to begin the curing and conditioning process. Then build bigger
and hotter fires until there is no longer any paint smell from the fireplace. Once the paint
smell disappears, your fireplace is ready for serious heating.
4.3 Lighting Fires
Each person who heats with wood develops their own favorite way to light fires. Whatever
method you choose, your goal should be to get a hot fire burning quickly. A fire that starts
fast produces less smoke and deposits less creosote in the chimney. Here are three
popular and effective ways to start wood fires.

Solution 2.5-ZC Fireplace Installation and Operation Manual 19
4.3.1 Conventional Fire Starting
The conventional way to build a wood
fire is to bunch up 5 to 10 sheets of
plain newspaper and place them in the
firebox. Next, place 10 or so pieces of
fine kindling on the newspaper. This
kindling should be very thin; less than
1” (25 mm). Next, place some larger
kindling pieces on the fine kindling.
Open the air control fully and light the
newspaper. If you have a tall, straight
venting system you should be able to
close the door immediately and the fire
will ignite. Once the fire has ignited,
close the door and leave the air control
fully open.
A conventional kindling fire with paper
under finely split wood.
DO NOT LEAVE THE FIREPLACE UNATTENDED WHEN THE DOOR IS SLIGHTLY
OPENED. ALWAYS CLOSE AND LATCH THE DOOR AFTER THE FIRE IGNITES.
After the kindling fire has mostly burned, you can add standard firewood pieces until you
have a fire of the right size for the conditions.
CAUTION: PLACE THE WOOD LOGS FAR ENOUGH FROM THE GLASS TO ALLOW
PROPER PRIMARY AIR FLOW
4.3.2 The Top Down Fire
The top down fire starting method solves two problems with the conventional method: first,
it does not collapse and smother itself as it burns; and second, it is not necessary to build
up the fire gradually because the firebox is loaded before the fire is lit. A top down fire can
provide up to two hours of heating or more. The top down method only works properly if
the wood is well-seasoned.
Start by placing three or four full-sized split pieces of dry firewood in the firebox. Next,
place 4 or 5 more finely split pieces of firewood (2” to 3” [50 mm to 75 mm] in dia.) on the
base logs at right angles (log cabin style). Now place about 10 pieces of finely split
kindling on the second layer at right angles.
The fire is topped with about 5 sheets of newspaper. You can just bunch them up and stuff
them in between the kindling and the underside of the baffle. Or you can make newspaper
knots by rolling up single sheets corner to corner and tying a knot in them. The advantage

20 Solution 2.5-ZC Fireplace Installation and Operation Manual
of knots is that they don’t roll off the fire as they burn. Light the newspaper and watch as
the fire burns from top to bottom.
4.3.3 Two Parallel Logs
Place two spit logs in the firebox. Place a few sheets of twisted newspaper between the
logs. Now place some fine kindling across the two logs and some larger kindling across
those, log cabin style. Light the newspaper.
4.3.4 Using Fire Starters
Many people like to use commercial fire starters instead of newspaper. Some of these
starters are made of sawdust and wax and others are specialized flammable solid
chemicals. Follow the package directions for use.
Gel starter may be used but only if there are no hot embers present. Use only in a cold
firebox to start a fire.
DO NOT USE FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS SUCH AS GASOLINE, NAPHTHA, FUEL OIL,
MOTOR OIL, OR AEROSOLS TO START OR REKINDLE THE FIRE.
4.4 Maintaining Wood Fires
4.4.1 General Advice
Wood heating with a space heater is very different than other forms of heating. There will
be variations in the temperature in different parts of the house and there will be variations
in temperature throughout the day and night. This is normal, and for experienced wood
burners these are advantages of zone heating with wood.
Do not expect steady heat output from your fireplace. It is normal for its surface
temperature to rise after a new load of wood is ignited and for its temperature to gradually
decline as the fire progresses. This rising and falling of temperature can be matched to
your household routines. For example, the area temperature can be cooler when you are
active, such as when doing housework or cooking, and it can be warmer when you are
inactive, such as when reading or watching television.
Wood burns best in cycles. A cycle starts when a new load of wood is ignited by hot coals
and ends when that load has been consumed down to a bed of charcoal about the same
size as it was when the wood was loaded. Do not attempt to produce a steady heat output
by placing a single log on the fire at regular intervals. Always place at least three, and
preferably more, pieces on the fire at a time so that the heat radiated from one piece helps
to ignite the pieces next to it. Each load of wood should provide several hours of heating.
The size of each load can be matched to the amount of heat needed.
When you burn in cycles, you rarely need to open the fireplace’s loading door while the
wood is flaming. This is an advantage because there is more chance that smoke will leak
from the fireplace when the door is opened as a full fire is burning.