Valcourt FP9 Installation and operation manual - page 21
21
Maximum Air Intake
Maximum heat is produced when the air intake damper is opened to the maximum. This combustion
method will yield up to 120,000 BTU/h. However, the fire will need to be fed more often. Indeed, you will have
to add logs every 1 or 2 hours. If the air intake damper remains in the maximum position too long, certain parts
of the fireplace may become red-hot. This may cause permanent damage to the appliance or result in a chimney
fire.
Medium Air Intake
This is the recommended combustion method that should be normally used. It leaves little creosote on
the glass doors and in the flue. The exact position of the air intake damper depends on a number of factors,
including the flue’s configuration and the percentage of humidity in the wood. Three average-sized logs on a
bed of embers should take 3 to 4 hours to burn before more wood must be added to sustain the fire. Combustion
time will be shorter with softwood.
Minimum Air Intake
Burning wood with the air intake damper in the minimum open position maximizes combustion time,
therefore, making it necessary to refuel only every 6 to 8 hours. Decreasing air intake will not put the fire out
but it will substantially reduce its intensity, and the creosote produced by the smoldering fire may blacken the
glass doors. For the fire to burn brightly and cleanly, you must leave the air intake damper wide open for at least
30 minutes before reducing it to the minimum intake position.
Minimum air intake combustion is suitable for overnight use of the fireplace, since the wood will take
longer to burn and the fire will not need to be fed so often. It must be noted however that the fire will produce
less heat. While this method will save wood, it creates more creosote in the flue and thus requires more frequent
chimney inspections and cleaning. Note that, if the fireplace is adequately heated before reducing the air intake,
it will produce almost no creosote.
SOLUTIONS TO THE MOST COMMON PROBLEMS
Difficulty starting the fire:
Use more paper and dry kindling. The ideal size for kindling is approximately
1” x 1” (2.5 cm x 2.5 cm). Also make sure that the size of the flue and the air intake duct is adequate, the flue
and air duct are not obstructed and the air supply is sufficient to sustain combustion.
Low heat production:
It is possible the fireplace doors were closed prematurely and that the fire lacks air to
reach its optimal temperature. Reopen the doors and the air intake damper to enable the fire to regain intensity.
Overly damp or wet wood gives off less heat than dry wood. Hissing during a fire is a good indication of
excessive dampness.