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.
