Osburn MATRIX OB02032 User manual

Installation and Operation Manual
MATRIX
(OB02032 model)
MOBILE
HOME
Printed in Canada
Safety tested according to ULC S627,
UL 1482 and UL 737 standards by an
accredited laboratory.
CONTACT LOCAL BUILDING OR FIRE OFFICIALS ABOUT RESTRICTIONS AND INSTALLATION INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS IN
LOCAL AREA.
READ THIS ENTIRE MANUAL BEFORE INSTALLATION AND USE OF THIS WOOD STOVE. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE
INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN PROPERTY DAMAGE, BODILY INJURY OR EVEN DEATH.
READ AND KEEP THIS MANUAL FOR REFERENCE
ENGLISH
US Environmental Protection Agency
phase II certified wood stove compliant
with 2020 cord wood standard
45989A
2021-06-27

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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.
The following pages provide
general advice on wood
heating, detailed instructions
for safe and effective
installation, and guidance
on how to get the best
performance from this stove.
It is highly recommend that
this wood burning hearth
product be installed and
serviced by professionals who
are certified by a «Qualified
Agengy» such as NFI (National
Fireplace Institute®) or CSIA
(Chimney Safety Institute of
America) in the United States
and in Canada by WETT
(Wood Energy Technology
Transfer) or in Quebec
by APC (Association des
Professionnels du Chauffage).
Contact local building or fire
officials about restrictions
and installation inspection
requirements in local area.
A building permit might be
required for the installation of
this stove and the chimney
that it is connected to. It
is also recommended to
inform your home insurance
company.
Please read this entire manual
before installing and using this
stove.
A primary alternative heat
source should be available in
the home. This heating unit
may serve as a supplementary
heat source. The manufacturer
cannot be responsible for
additional heating costs
associated with the use of an
alternative heat source.
ONLINE WARRANTY REGISTRATION
If the unit requires repairs during the warranty period, proof of purchase must be provided. The
purchase invoice must be kept. The date indicated on it establishes the warranty period. If it
can not be provided, the warranty period will be determined by the date of manufacture of the
product.
It is also highly recommended to register the warranty online at
https://www.osburn-mfg.com/en/warranty/warranty-registration/
Registering the warranty will help to quickly find the information needed on the unit.
THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING
THIS WOOD STOVE.
If this stove is not
installed properly,
combustible materials
near it may overheat
and catch fire.
To reduce the
risk of fire, follow
the installation
instructions in this
manual.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART A - OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE .............................................................................. 7
1. Safety Information .................................................................................................................... 7
2. General Information.................................................................................................................. 8
2.1 Performances .................................................................................................................. 8
2.2 Specifications .................................................................................................................. 9
2.3 Dimensions.....................................................................................................................10
2.4 EPA Certification Loading ................................................................................................12
2.5 Materials ........................................................................................................................13
2.6 Zone Heating..................................................................................................................13
2.7 Emissions and Efficiency .................................................................................................14
3. Fuel ......................................................................................................................................... 14
3.1 Tree Species...................................................................................................................14
3.2 Log Length.....................................................................................................................15
3.3 Piece Size ......................................................................................................................15
3.4 Compressed Wood Logs .................................................................................................15
3.5 Drying Time ....................................................................................................................15
4. Stove Operation ..................................................................................................................... 17
4.1 Pedestal Wood Storage...................................................................................................17
4.2 Fire Screen .....................................................................................................................17
4.3 Blower Operation ............................................................................................................18
5. Burning Wood Efficiently ...................................................................................................... 18
5.1 First Use.........................................................................................................................18
5.2 Lighting Fires..................................................................................................................19
5.3 Combustion Cycles .........................................................................................................20
5.4 Rekindling a Fire .............................................................................................................20
5.5 Removing Ashes .............................................................................................................21
5.6 Air Intake Control ............................................................................................................21
5.7 Fire Types.......................................................................................................................22
6. Maintenance ........................................................................................................................... 24
6.1 Cleaning and Painting .....................................................................................................24
6.2 Refractory Materials and Baffle ........................................................................................24
6.3 Glass Door .....................................................................................................................24
6.4 Door ..............................................................................................................................25
6.5 Exhaust System ..............................................................................................................27
6.6 Frequency ......................................................................................................................27

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PART B - INSTALLATION............................................................................................................ 28
7. Safety Information and Standards......................................................................................... 28
7.1 Mobile Home ..................................................................................................................28
7.2 Regulations Covering Stove Installation ............................................................................29
7.3 Location of the Certification Label....................................................................................29
8. Clearances.............................................................................................................................. 29
8.1 Combustible Materials.....................................................................................................29
8.2 Floor Protector ...............................................................................................................33
8.3 Reducing Wall and Ceiling Clearances Safely ....................................................................34
9. The Venting System................................................................................................................ 36
9.1 General .........................................................................................................................36
9.2 Suitable Chimneys ..........................................................................................................36
9.3 Minimum Chimney Height ................................................................................................38
9.4 Chimney Location ...........................................................................................................38
9.5 Supply of Combustion Air ................................................................................................39
9.6 Chimney Connector ........................................................................................................40
Appendix 1: Side Panels Installation ........................................................................................ 42
Appendix 2: Top Panels Installation ......................................................................................... 44
Appendix 3: Log retainers installation...................................................................................... 45
Appendix 4: Optional Fresh Air Intake Installation .................................................................. 46
Appendix 5: Optional Fire Screen Installation.......................................................................... 47
Appendix 6: Blower and optional thermodisc installation....................................................... 48
Appendix 7: Air Tubes and Baffle Installation .......................................................................... 49
Appendix 8: Exploded Diagram and Parts List........................................................................ 51
Osburn Limited Lifetime Warranty............................................................................................. 54
Dealer:
Installer:
Phone Number:
Serial Number:

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CERTIFICATION PLATE

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PART A - OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE
1. Safety Information
• This stove has been tested for use with an open door in conjunction with a fire screen, 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 stove unattended when
the door is opened with or without the fire screen.
• WARNING : OPERATE ONLY WITH THE DOOR FULLY CLOSED OR FULLY OPEN WITH THE
FIRE SCREEN IN PLACE. IF THE DOOR IS LEFT PARTLY OPEN, GAS AND FLAME MAY BE
DRAWN OUT OF THE OPENING, CREATING RISKS FROM BOTH FIRE AND SMOKE.
• HOT WHILE IN OPERATION, KEEP CHILDREN, CLOTHING AND FURNITURE AWAY.
CONTACT MAY CAUSE SKIN BURNS. GLOVES MAY BE NEEDED FOR STOVE OPERATION.
• Using a stove with cracked or broken components, such as glass, firebricks or baffle may produce
an unsafe condition and may damage the stove.
• Open the air control fully before opening the loading door.
• 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 STOVE. KEEP ALL SUCH LIQUIDS OR AEROSOLS WELL AWAY FROM THE STOVE
WHILE IT IS IN USE.
• Do not store fuel within heater minimum installation clearances.
• Burn only seasoned natural firewood.
• This appliance should always be maintained and operated in accordance with these instructions.
• Do not elevate the fire by using a grate.
• Do not use makeshift materials or make any compromises when installing this appliance.
• This wood heater needs periodic inspection and repair for proper operation. It is against federal
regulations to operate this wood heater in a manner inconsistent with operating instructions in this
manual.
• A smoke detector, a carbon monoxide detector and a fire extinguisher should be installed in the
house. The location of the fire extinguisher should be known by all family members.
This product can expose you to chemicals including carbon monoxide, which is
known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive
harm. For more information go to www.P65warnings.ca.gov/

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2. General Information
2.1 Performances
Values are as measured per test method, except for the recommended heating area, firebox volume,
maximum burn time and maximum heat output.
Model Matrix (OB02032)
Fuel Type Dry Cordwood
Combustion Technology Non-catalytic
Recommended heating area (sq. ft..)1500 to 2,100 ft2(47 to 195 m2)
Overall firebox volume 2.4 ft3 (0.068 m3)
EPA loading volume 2.02 ft3(0.057 m3)
Maximum burn time18 hours
Maximum heat output (dry cordwood)275,000 BTU/h (22.0 kW)
Overall heat output rate (min. to max.)2 314,800 BTU/h to 28,600 BTU/h
(4.34 kW to 8.38 kW)
Average overall efficiency3
Dry cordwood 69 % (HHV)474 % (LHV)5
Optimum efficiency677 %
Average particulate emissions rate71.54 g/h (EPA / CSA B415.1-10)8
Average CO989.4 g/h
1Recommended heating area and maximum burn time may vary subject to location in home, chimney draft,heat loss factors, climate, fuel type
and other variables. The recommended heated area for a given appliance is dened by the manufacturer as its capacity to maintain a minimum
acceptable temperature in the designated area in case of a power failure.
2The maximum heat output (dry cordwood) is based on a loading density varying between 15 lb/ft3and 20 lb/ft3. Other performances are based on
a fuel load prescribed by the standard. The specied loading density varies between 7 lb/ft³ and 12 lb/ft3. The moisture content is between 19%
and 25%.
3As measured per CSA B415.1-10 stack loss method.
4Higher Heating Value of the fuel.
5Lower Heating Value of the fuel.
6Optimum overall efciency at a specic burn rate (LHV).
7This appliance is ofcially tested and certied by an independent agency.
8Tested and certied in compliance with CFR 40 part 60, subpart AAA, section 60.534(a)(1(ii) and draft ASTM WK47329-14
9Carbon monoxide.

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2.2 Specifications
Maximum log length10 20 in (508 mm) east-west
Flue outlet diameter 6 in (150 mm)
Recommended connector pipe diameter 6 in (150 mm)
Type of chimney ULC S629, UL 103 HT (2100 °F)
Baffle material C-Cast
Approved for alcove installation Yes
Approved for mobile home installation11 Yes
Type of door Simple, glass with cast iron frame
Type of glass Ceramic glass
Blower Included (up to 130 CFM)
Particulate emission standard12 EPA / CSA B415.1-10
USA standard (Safety) UL 1482, UL 737
Canada standard (Safety) ULC S627
10 North-south: ends of the logs visible, East-west: sides of the logs visible.
11 Mobile homes (Canada) or manufactured homes (USA): The US Department of Housing and Urban Development describes “manufactured homes”
better known as “mobile homes” as follows; buildings built on xed wheels and those transported on temporary wheels/axles and set on a permanent
foundation. In Canada, a mobile home is a dwelling for which the manufacture and assembly of each component is completed or substantially
completed prior to being moved to a site for installation on a foundation and connection to service facilities and which conforms to the CAN/CSA-
Z240 MH standard.
12 Tested and certied in compliance with CFR 40 part 60, subpart AAA, section 60.534(a)(1(ii) and draft ASTM WK47329-14

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2.3 Dimensions
27 1/4"
692mm25 1/2"
648mm
12 3/4"
324mm
5 3/4"
145mm
Ø
6"
150mm
Figure 1: Top view
15 3/4"
400mm
9 3/4"
248mm
24 1/4"
616mm
8 3/4"
222mm
20 3/4"
528mm
2 3/4" 70mm 23 5/8"
600mm 24"
609mm
24 3/8"
618mm
20 5/8"
525mm
20 7/8"
530mm
Figure 2: Front view Figure 3: Side view

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8"
202mm
17 1/4"
438mm
21"
533mm
Figure 4: Door opening Figure 5: Front view - Combustion chamber
3/16"
5mm
11 7/8"
301mm
16 3/4"
423mm
5/16"
8mm
Figure 6: Side view - Combustion chamber

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2.4 EPA Certification Loading
For EPA Certification testing, wood logs were 16 ± 1 inches long and the specie used was hard
maple.
2.4.1 Air Control
The air control is located underneath the ash shelf.
To open the air control, pull the air control handle
completely (High). This will increase the burn rate.
To close the air control, push the air control handle
completely (Low). This will decrease the burn rate.
2.4.2 High burn rate
Open the air control completely. Place six small pieces
(2"x 2") of wood in the firebox crossing them at the
greatest possible angle. Criss cross fifteen kindling
wood pieces on the small pieces of wood in three
layers at the greatest possible angle. Tie knot with five
sheets of paper and place them on top of the kindling
wood. Light up the paper and let the door ajar at 90°
until all the kindling wood is on fire and the first row of
small pieces of wood is on fire too. Close the door. When there is no more fire in the front of the
firebox and there are only faint flames on the wood in the back of the firebox, break ashes, level
the coal bed and put five logs in the firebox. Place the biggest log (about 4"x 4") at the back in
an East-West orientation. Place a medium log (about 3"x 3") on top of the biggest one. Place
another medium on coal bed on front of the biggest with another medium on top of it. Place
the last medium one in front. If you need to stack the last piece over the ash lip, make sure
you always leave at least 1 5/8 inch between the last log and the inner wall of the combustion
chamber. There should be air space between each log and between the logs and the bricks. Let
the door ajar at 90° for approximately two minutes and then close the door.
2.4.3 Medium and low burn rate
On a 2" coal bed that is still slightly red, place five logs of approximatively 4"x 4" or 3"x 3" with
an East- West orientation. Place a medium log at the back. Place the biggest log in the center
with a medium one on top of it. Place a medium on the front and another medium on top of it.
If you need to stack the front pieces over the ash lip, make sure you always leave at least 1
5/8 inch between the last log and the inner wall of the combustion chamber. There should be
air space between each log and between the logs and the bricks. Let the door ajar at 90° for
approximately 5 min. Then, close the door with the primary air control open. Leave to burn with
the primary air control open for approximately 10 minutes and then close the primary air control
completely for the low burn rate and halfway for the medium burn rate.

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2.5 Materials
The body of this stove, which is most of its weight, is carbon steel. Should it ever become
necessary many years in the future, almost the entire stove can be recycled into new products,
thus eliminating the need to mine new materials.
The paint coating on the stove 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 baffle is made of 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 waste management center is recommended.
The 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 waste management center is recommended.
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 waste management center is
recommended.
The door glass is a 5/32" (4 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 waste
management center is recommended.
2.6 Zone Heating
This stove 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, a 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 stove. Whole house zone heating works best when the stove is 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.
Locating the stove in this area will give the maximum benefit of the heat it produces and will
achieve the highest possible heating efficiency and comfort. The space where the most time is
spent will be warmest, while bedrooms and basement (if there is one) will stay cooler. In this
way, less wood is burnt than with other forms of heating.
Although the stove may be able to heat the main living areas of the house to an adequate
temperature, it is strongly recommended to also have a conventional oil, gas or electric heating
system to provide backup heating.

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The success of zone heating will depend on several factors, including the correct sizing and
location of the stove, the size, layout and age of your home and your climate zone. Three-season
vacation homes can usually be heated with smaller stoves than houses that are heated all winter.
2.7 Emissions and Efficiency
The low smoke emissions produced by the special features inside this stove firebox mean that
the household will release up to 90% less smoke into the outside environment than if an older
conventional stove was used. 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, this stove releases all the heat energy from the wood
instead of wasting it as smoke up the chimney. Also, the features inside the firebox allow control
of the air supply meaning controlling the heat output, while maintaining clean and efficient
flaming combustion, which boosts the efficient delivery of heat to the home.
The emission control and advanced combustion features of this stove can only work properly
if the fuel used is in the correct moisture content range of 15% to 20%. Refer to the following
section of suggestions on preparing fuelwood and judging its moisture.
3. Fuel
Good firewood has been cut to the correct length for the stove, split to a range of sizes and
stacked in the open until its moisture content is down to 15% to 20%.
DO NOT BURN:
• GARBAGE;
• LAWN CLIPPINGS OR YARD WASTE;
• MATERIALS CONTAINING RUBBER,
INCLUDING TIRES;
• MATERIALS CONTAINING PLASTIC;
• WASTE PETROLEUM PRODUCTS, PAINTS
OR PAINT THINNERS, OR ASPHALT
PRODUCTS;
• MATERIALS CONTAINING ASBESTOS;
• CONSTRUCTION OR DEMOLITION DEBRIS;
• RAILROAD TIES OR PRESSURE-TREATED
WOOD;
• MANURE OR ANIMAL REMAINS;
• SALT WATER DRIFTWOOD OR OTHER
PREVIOUSLY SALT WATER SATURATED
MATERIALS;
• UNSEASONED WOOD; OR
• PAPER PRODUCTS, CARDBOARD,
PLYWOOD, OR PARTICLE BOARD. THE
PROHIBITION AGAINST BURNING THESE
MATERIALS DOES NOT PROHIBIT THE USE
OF FIRE STARTERS MADE FROM PAPER,
CARDBOARD, SAW DUST, WAX AND
SIMILAR SUBSTANCES FOR THE PURPOSE
OF STARTING A FIRE IN AN AFFECTED
WOOD HEATER.
BURNING THESE MATERIALS MAY RESULT IN THE RELEASE OF TOXIC FUMES OR
RENDER THE HEATER INEFFECTIVE AND CAUSE SMOKE.
3.1 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.
Homeowners with access to both hardwood and softwood use both types for different purposes.

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Softer woods make good fuel for 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.
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.
3.2 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 makes loading the stove very
difficult. The most common standard length of firewood is 16" (400 mm).
3.3 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.
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.
3.4 Compressed Wood Logs
Compressed wood logs made of 100% compressed sawdust can be
burned with caution in the number of these logs burned at once. Do
not burn compressed logs made of wax impregnated sawdust or logs
with any chemical additives. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions
and warnings.

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3.5 Drying Time
Firewood that is not dry enough to burn is the cause of most complaints about wood burning
appliances. Continually burning green or unseasoned wood produces more creosote and involves
lack of heat and dirty glass door.
Firewood with a moisture content between 15% and 20% will allow the stove to produce its
highest possible efficiency.
Here are some facts to consider in estimating drying time:
− 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 a damp climate;
− Drying happens faster in warm summer
weather than in winter weather;
− Split pieces dry more quickly than
unsplit rounds;
− Softwoods like pine, spruce, poplar,
and aspen take less time to dry than
hardwoods. They can be dry enough to
burn after being stacked to air dry only for 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 outside in a location exposed to sun and wind; it takes
much longer to dry when stacked in a wood shed;
Use these guidelines to find out if the firewood is dry enough to burn:
− Cracks form at the ends of logs as they dry;
− The wood turns from white or cream colored to grey or yellow;
− Two pieces of wood struck together sounds hollow;
− Dry wood is much lighter in weight than wet wood,
− The face of a fresh cut feels warm and dry;
− The moisture content read by a moisture meter is between
15% to 20%.

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4. Stove Operation
This wood heater has a manufacturer-set minimum low burn rate that must not be altered. It
is against federal regulations to alter this setting or otherwise operate this wood heater in a
manner inconsistent with operating instructions in this manual.
Before using the stove, the following steps should be completed :
• Top panels installation (See «Appendix 1: Side Panels Installation»)
• Side panels installation (See «Appendix 2: Top Panels Installation»)
The following step is optional
• Fresh air intake installation (See «Appendix 4: Optional Fresh Air Intake Installation»)
4.1 Pedestal Wood Storage
This appliance has been certified to allow wood
log storage in the pedestal, provided the following
specifications are met:
• The logs must never exceed the inside edge (A) of the
pedestal.
• The heat shield (B) under the firebox must not be
removed.
• No combustible material may be placed over the heat
shield (B).
16 3/4"
425mm
10 1/4"
260mm
B
A
Figure 7: Pedestal wood storage
4.2 The Use of a Fire Screen
In the United States or in provinces with a particulate emission limit (eg US EPA), the
use of wood stoves with open door with and fire screen is prohibited.
This stove has been tested for use with an open door in conjunction with a fire screen, sold
separately. Make sure the fire screen is properly secured on the stove to avoid any risk of fire.
When the fire screen is in use, it is important not to leave the stove unattended to respond
promptly in the event of smoke spillage into the room.
Potential causes of smoke spillage are described in Section «9. The Venting System», page 36
of this manual. See «Appendix 5: Optional Fire Screen Installation», page 47 for installation
instructions.

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4.3 Blower Operation
A blower is already installed on this stove The blower is
installed on the back of the stove to increase the airflow
through the heat exchanger and improve hot air circulation
in the room. When used regularly, the blower can provide a
small increase in efficiency, up to 2%. However, the use of
a blower should not be used as a way to gain more output
from a stove that is undersized for the space it is intended
to heat..
Figure 8: Air flow with a blower
The blower has a variable speed control that can be adjusted
in three different positions; either from high (HI) to low (LO) or
closed (OFF).
Allow the stove 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.
The stove is also equipped with a heat sensor (thermodisc).
When the blower is on (position between HI and LO), the heat
sensor will make the blower start automatically when the stove
is hot enough and will stop it when the stove has cooled down.
Therefore, the blower variable speed control can be left at the
desired setting.
OFF
HI
LO
Figure 9: Variable speed control
5. Burning Wood Efficiently
5.1 First Use
Two things happen when burning the first few fires; the paint cures and the internal components are
conditioned. As the paint cures, some of the chemicals vaporize. The vapors are not poisonous,
but they smell bad. Fresh paint fumes can also trigger false alarms in smoke detectors. When
lighting the heater for the first few times, it may be wise to open doors and windows to ventilate
the house.
Burn two or three small fires to begin the curing and conditioning process. Then build bigger
and hotter fires until there is no longer paint smell from the stove. As hotter and hotter fires are
burned, more of the painted surfaces reach the curing temperature of the paint. The smell of
curing paint does not disappear until one or two very hot fires have been burned.
Ensure the blower cord is not in contact
with any surface of the stove to prevent
electrical shock or fire damage. Do not run
cord underneath the stove.

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5.2 Lighting Fires
Each person heating with wood develops its own favorite way to light fires. Regardless of the
method chosen, the goal should be to have a hot fire burning, quickly. A fire that ignites fast
produces less smoke and deposits less creosote in the chimney.
Here are three popular and effective ways to ignite wood fires.
5.2.1 Conventional Method
The conventional method to build a wood fire is to crumple 5 to
10 sheets of newspaper and place them in the firebox and hold
them in place with ten pieces of kindling wood. The kindling
should be placed on and behind the newspaper.
Then add two or three small pieces of firewood. Open the air
intake control completely and ignite the newspaper. Leave the
door slightly ajar.
Once the fire has ignited, the door can be closed but keep the
air control still fully open. When the kindling is almost completely
burned, standard firewood pieces can be added.
Do not leave the heater unattended when the door is slightly open. Always close
and latch the door after the fire ignites.
5.2.2 The Top Down Method
This method is the opposite of the conventional method and only works properly if well-seasoned
wood is used.
Place three or four small, split, dry logs in the firebox. Arrange the kindling wood on the logs in
two layers at right angles and place a dozen finely split kindling on the second row.
It is possible to use ragged paper but it may not hold in place since it tends to roll while it is
burning. The best is to wrap a sheet on itself, grab the ends of the roll and make a knot. Use
four or five sheets of paper tied together and put them on top and around the kindling. Open the
air intake control completely, ignite the paper and close the door.
The top down fire method has two advantages over the traditional method: first, the fire does
not collapse on itself, and it is not necessary to add wood gradually since the combustion
chamber is full before the fire is lit.
5.2.3 Two Parallel Logs
Place two spit logs in the firebox with a few sheets of twisted newspaper between the logs.
Place some fine kindling across the two logs and some larger kindling across those, log cabin
style. Light the newspaper.
Never use gasoline, gasoline-type lantern fuel (naphtha), fuel oil, motor oil,
kerosene, charcoal lighter fluid, or similar liquids or aerosols to start or
‘freshen up’ a fire in this wood stove. Keep all such liquids well away from
the stove while it is in use.

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5.2.4 Using Fire Starters
Commercial fire starters can be used instead of newspaper. Some of these fire starters are made
of sawdust and wax and others are made of special flammable chemicals. Always follow the
instructions on the packaging before use.
A gel starter can also be used, but only to light a fire, in a cold combustion chamber, without
hot embers inside.
5.3 Combustion Cycles
Wood heating with a space heater is very different than other forms of heating. There will be
temperature variations in different parts of the house and there will be temperature variations
throughout day and night. This is normal, and for experienced users of wood heating, these are
advantages of zone heating.
Wood heaters don’t have a steady heat output. It is normal for the temperature to rise after
a new load of wood is ignited and for its temperature to gradually decrease throughout the
burning cycle. This increasing and decreasing temperature can be matched with the household
routines. For example, the temperature in the area can be cooler when the household is active,
and it can be warmer when it is inactive.
A cycle begins when a new load of wood is ignited by the hot embers and ends when it is
consumed and only remains embers the size of those found in the firebox when the wood has
been added.
Trying to produce a steady heat output by placing a single log on the fire at regular intervals
is not recommended. 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 may vary depending on the
amount of heat required.
Burning in cycles means the loading door does not need to be opened while the wood is flaming.
This is an advantage since it is preventing smoke leaking from the heater when the door is
opened as a full fire is burning. This is especially true if the chimney is on the outside wall of the
house.
5.4 Rekindling a Fire
When the temperature of the room is lower and all that remains is embers, it is time to reload.
Remove excess ash from the front of the firebox and bring the ashes forward. Place a new load
of wood on, and at the back of the embers, not too close to the glass. Open the air control
completely and close the door.
If the door must be opened while the fire is flaming, fully open air control for a few
minutes then open the door slowly.