Seasoning My Stove

Lighting my first fire

The first step to a seasoned stove is making three (3) small kindling fires. This is done by placing a small amount of dry kindling (pieces less than 1 ½” diameter) on the bottom of the firebox and lighting it (with a fire starter). Let the fire burn out completely until the stove is cold and repeat this two more times. This will cure the paint/enamel and burn off any oils used during manufacturing. You will see a slight amount of haze coming off the stove as well as the smell of the paint curing. This is normal.

If you hear the smoke detectors going off, don’t worry, that’s music to our ears! First of all it is telling us that your new stove is working and most importantly, your smoke detectors are working! Remember to replace your batteries every year! This inconvenience should go away soon.

We want you to be comfortable with your stove/fireplace and ask that you start small and learn your stove. Let’s put safety first and always remember to train your children how to escape your house if the smoke alarms or CO detectors go off.

If you have any questions, please call Victorian Stove at 603-396-9559

Thank you for choosing Victorian Professional Stove Installers.

Now you're ready to light a really big fire!

· Not so fast; always start a small fire at first. Small fires are easier to control.

· Make sure you have a large bed of coals. If you need more, add more kindling. If your coal bed isn’t large enough your fire will not last!

· Don’t rush things! Keep all doors closed and use only the damper/fresh air intake to control the fire. Open doors and ash doors will cause an over fire and damage the stove and put your home at risk for a fire!

· If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again! Don’t give up. Look it up, ask a friend, call Victorian, you will master this, really!

· Keep gasoline and grill lighters away, this will only blow you up and mess up your whole day!

Be safe, don’t risk your life for heat!

I get this question all the time, “Can I burn scrap wood, pallets, pellets, lumber, dry rotted wood, forest debris, old furniture, just anything that will burn?” NO! You should only use dry seasoned cord wood. You can cut and split your own, but please make sure it is seasoned at least one year.

Never burn garbage! Don’t burn plastics or glossy paper. These only will produce smoke and toxic fumes.

What is “Cigar” burn?

Alright, this is advanced stuff here! Don’t worry; you will be able to handle this.

1. Start a kindling fire. Make sure it is a good one so you have lots of coals. Not sure if you have enough? If it stings your face when you open the door, go to the next step, if not, add more kindling.

2. Now using your shovel (or bare hands for you tough guys) move all the coals to the left side of the fire box. Leave only a small amount of ashes behind.

3. Place your logs where there are no coals. Start with the largest first and end with the smaller ones (to fill the gaps). The ends of the logs should be lying in the coal bed.

4. Now close the door and set your damper where you are comfortable. This may take some time to learn, but keep up with it, you’ll get it.

5. If you’re not getting a full burn or if there is a buildup of black ash on the door, open the damper slightly. Remember, small movements are easier to control. If you have too much black on the door, clean it with warm water (when the stove is cold) and try it again.

6. Call Victorian if you have questions at 603-396-9559 or e-mail at jeffery@comcast.net

How often do I have to clean my chimney?

Please remember to have your woodstove or fireplace inspected and cleaned every year. This makes sure your investment will be safe and operational year after year. Cover your wood on the top only, this allows the air to dry the wood and keeps the critters away! Never burn "green" firewood, this will cause a build up of ash and tar inside your chimney.

Call in the spring or summer for best rates!