Get The Most Out Of Your Masonry Heater
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Whether you're a seasoned masonry heater owner or are reading this as a new owner,
there are some newly discovered firing techniques you will want to employ to get the
most out of your hearth.
• Use regular cordwood! Yes, it is not necessary to burn sticks 2" to 3" across to get the
rapid, complete combustion that masonry heaters are noted for. Actually, 4" to 6" pieces
such that 9 to 12 pieces will fill your firebox when cross hatched will provide better
air/fuel ratio for complete, and more usable combustion. The bigger pieces allow more
time for the masonry mass to soak up the fire's heat - yielding better heat transfer to
your home.
• Place smaller wood, kindling and paper on top of this load and light from the top! The
revolutionary top burn greatly reduces emissions during the dirtiest part of a firing - the
first 10 minutes or so. Lighting the load from the top of the pile yields a candle-like burn,
allowing the firebox to heat up as the volatile gases are being more evenly released.
• Take a little extra care in laying up your fire. A good "fuel load configuration" is well
balanced and won't topple over prematurely. Allow a 1" airspace between pieces,
placing the largest pieces first and the bottom row running "front to back" in the firebox.
• Don't admit air from below the grate until the fire is down to coals. Use the air slots in
the door, if provided. If not, cut scrap dimensional lumber so that a piece will cover the
grate and air is admitted from the front. With a top burn fire the piece will block grate air
until it is burned through - well into the firing. Alternately, you can adapt your doors so
that they will 3/4 inch of air between them but can not be accidentally be opened
further. This modification was lab tested for emissions with excellent results. During the
coal burning phase, rake the coals so they evenly cover the grate with air coming from
below.
• It is more efficient to have one full firing than 2 fires half as large.
there are some newly discovered firing techniques you will want to employ to get the
most out of your hearth.
• Use regular cordwood! Yes, it is not necessary to burn sticks 2" to 3" across to get the
rapid, complete combustion that masonry heaters are noted for. Actually, 4" to 6" pieces
such that 9 to 12 pieces will fill your firebox when cross hatched will provide better
air/fuel ratio for complete, and more usable combustion. The bigger pieces allow more
time for the masonry mass to soak up the fire's heat - yielding better heat transfer to
your home.
• Place smaller wood, kindling and paper on top of this load and light from the top! The
revolutionary top burn greatly reduces emissions during the dirtiest part of a firing - the
first 10 minutes or so. Lighting the load from the top of the pile yields a candle-like burn,
allowing the firebox to heat up as the volatile gases are being more evenly released.
• Take a little extra care in laying up your fire. A good "fuel load configuration" is well
balanced and won't topple over prematurely. Allow a 1" airspace between pieces,
placing the largest pieces first and the bottom row running "front to back" in the firebox.
• Don't admit air from below the grate until the fire is down to coals. Use the air slots in
the door, if provided. If not, cut scrap dimensional lumber so that a piece will cover the
grate and air is admitted from the front. With a top burn fire the piece will block grate air
until it is burned through - well into the firing. Alternately, you can adapt your doors so
that they will 3/4 inch of air between them but can not be accidentally be opened
further. This modification was lab tested for emissions with excellent results. During the
coal burning phase, rake the coals so they evenly cover the grate with air coming from
below.
• It is more efficient to have one full firing than 2 fires half as large.
If you've been burning small pieces kindled at the bottom
in your contraflow heater, chances are there is soot in the
heat exchange channels.
This can effectively be cleaned from the clean out door
using a rod and brush designed for cleaning pellet stove
chimneys. This will better allow them to absorb heat from
future fires.
Burning cordwood has so many benefits, economy-wise.
in your contraflow heater, chances are there is soot in the
heat exchange channels.
This can effectively be cleaned from the clean out door
using a rod and brush designed for cleaning pellet stove
chimneys. This will better allow them to absorb heat from
future fires.
Burning cordwood has so many benefits, economy-wise.
Alternative-Heating-Info.com
And as you're probably aware, masonry heaters provide the cleanest burning solid fuel
appliances available. Now, following these simple practices you can be assured that you
are providing yourself and your loved ones simple, yet state-of-the-art heat more cleanly
than ever.
This article was provided by the Masonry Heater Association of North America.
appliances available. Now, following these simple practices you can be assured that you
are providing yourself and your loved ones simple, yet state-of-the-art heat more cleanly
than ever.
This article was provided by the Masonry Heater Association of North America.