Wood FAQ

Picture

We hope you find the answers you’re looking for here, but if you don’t, please call us at 1-800-253-4904, or e-mail us at questions@kozyheat.com.

How many hours of burn time can I expect to get from one burn period?

It is not uncommon for Kozy Heat fireplaces to burn for five to eight hour periods. However, this depends on the wood used, and the adjustment of the fireplace’s air damper and air intake positioning.

What is the difference between a masonry fireplace and a zero clearance fireplace?

A Kozy Heat masonry fireplace is a factory-built, seven-gauge metal firebox that uses a masonry block chamber to circulate the heated room air.

A zero clearance firebox has an insulated metal jacket around the inner firebox that enables the unit to be placed right up against interior or exterior walls with "0" inches between the fireplace and combustibles. Heated room air is circulated within the fireplace system itself.

Why do Kozy Heat fireplaces require doors, while other brands have screens?

Kozy Heat fireplaces are designed as heating systems - the airtight doors are an integral part of the overall system. The doors work by sealing the fireplace, which eliminates heat loss and allows you to completely control the fire.

Do Kozy Heat wood burning fireplaces use outside air for combustion?

Yes. All Kozy Heat wood burning fireplaces use 100% outside air for combustion. This feature prevents room air from being lost up the chimney - a must for today's tighter homes.

Can Kozy Heat wood burning fireplaces be operated with the doors open?

We recommend burning the Kozy Heat fireplace with the doors closed for maximum efficiency and heat output. In addition, the latched doors provide added safety from log shifting and flying sparks.

I love burning wood, but I don’t know how long I will enjoy doing this with my busy lifestyle. Can I convert a Kozy Heat wood burning fireplace to gas?

Only our models #231ZC & #241ZC can be converted to gas. By simply asking your installer to run a gas line to either of these models, the Kozy Heat #KLS-2000 Gas Conversion Kit can be installed quickly and easily. We recommend that if you think that you may convert to gas in the future, that the gas line be run during the initial installation.

What is the best type of chimney to use, a metal or clay flue?

Both are perfectly acceptable, it just depends upon your personal preference.

Is it safe to burn my fireplace during the night when we are not watching it?

Yes. By latching the doors and providing an airtight seal, Kozy Heat fireplaces will continue to safely burn throughout the night.

What kind of wood will give me the most efficient burn?

Dry, seasoned hardwoods. Wet wood can contain up to 50% moisture.

Can I install a gas fire starter?

Kozy Heat woodburning fireplaces are not approved for use with a gas fire starter. We recommend building your fire with kindling on the fireplace floor.

Does your fireplace come with a log grate?

No. Kozy Heat wood fireplaces have a firebrick lining that lines the inside metal box. We recommend building a fire directly on the firebrick, which will continue to radiate heat after the fire has dwindled. In addition, by burning directly on the firebrick, the fire burns the logs more efficiently by burning the entire log, eliminating clinkers or unburned log chunks.

What is the best way to remove the ashes from the firebox, and how often should I do this?

Only Kozy Heat wood burning masonry fireplaces have the option of an ash pit. The ash pit is located in the floor of the fireplace. By removing the cover, ashes are simply deposited into the pit and the cover is replaced. The pit will hold several ash deposits.

When disposing of ashes always place ashes in a metal container with a tight fitting lid. The closed container of ashes should be placed on a non-combustible floor or on the ground, well away from all combustible materials, until their final disposal.

Can I burn scrap lumber and other items in my fireplace instead of firewood?

Small amounts of chemical-free scrap lumber can be used along with kindling. However, Kozy Heat does not recommend using scrap lumber as your primary fuel source.

Can I install a wood burning fireplace in a corner?

Absolutely. Both our masonry and zero clearance style wood burning fireplaces can be installed in a corner.

What wood is the best for heating value?

Dry, seasoned hardwood such as hickory, apple, oak, maple or beech are the best.

What is creosote and how do I prevent it?

When wood is burned slowly it produces tar and other organic vapors, which combine with expelled moisture to form creosote. The creosote vapors condense and form a black substance in the chimney of a slow burning fire. To prevent creosote from forming, burn vigorous fires with dry, seasoned wood.

In addition, your chimney should be inspected twice monthly during the heating season to determine if creosote build-up has occurred. A professional chimney cleaner should inspect and clean the chimney at least once a year..