Nature's Comfort NCB-120 Installation and operation instructions manual - page 8
Page 8 of 25
II. Best Outdoor Boiler Burn Practices
Read and follow all operating instructions.
A. Fuel Used: You may burn any hardwood, softwood, pallets that have been split up and coal but NEVER burn
driftwood, painted, stained or pressure treated wood. Do not burn trash, plastics, gasoline, rubber, naphtha,
house hold garbage, material treated with petroleum products (particle board, railroad ties and pressure treated
wood), leaves, paper products and cardboard. If you burn softwood, the boiler will need cleaning more often.
B. Loading Fuel: For a more efficient burn, always add wood before the previous load has burned out. Most often
the boiler can be loaded in the morning and at night. Burn times vary from 6-24 hours depending on fuel being
used, installation and size of area being heated. Nature’s Comfort makes no guarantees on burn times. When
burning coal, load coal before wood.
C. Starting fire: Do not use lighter fluids, naphtha, gasoline, or chemicals. Use small pieces of split kindling together
with crumbled newspaper and add larger pieces. Remember: The smaller the better, the dryer the better.
D. Location: It is recommended that the boiler be located with due consideration to the
prevailing wind direction. Chimney height can be easily extended with 6” stovepipe.
1
We recommend a distance of at least 100 feet be kept if prevailing winds blow towards any other residence
not served by the boiler, it is recommended that the stack be at least 2 feet higher than the peak roof line of
that residence.
2
If located more than 100 feet but no more than 150 feet to any residence, it is recommended that the stack be
at least 50% of the peak roof line of that residence, plus an additional 2 feet.
3
If located more than 150 feet but no more than 200 feet to any residence, it is recommended that the stack be
at least 25% of the height of the peak roof line of that residence, plus an additional 2 feet.
Chimney height relative to nearest downwind neighbor
Always comply with all applicable state and local codes and laws.
E. Wood Recommendations
For maximum efficiency and burn times, you should only burn wood that has been seasoned for 12-24 months and
sheltered from rain and snow. Burning unseasoned wood is wasteful, inefficient and can shorten the life of your boiler
from corrosion due to excess creosote. Freshly cut, “green” wood uses much of the combustion energy to dry out the
excess moisture. Ideally the wood should be split 6-8” in diameter and cut 12-16” to aid in seasoning and should be
around 20% moisture content by weight. Whole rounds burn well and are cheaper, but this type of wood also will have
to be dried much longer, especially if in larger diameters.