THROAT PLATE AND FLUEWAY CLEANING
It is important that the throat plate and all the appliance flueways are kept clean. When burning smokeless fuels they should be cleaned monthly. When burning other fuels they should be cleaned at least once a week, and more frequently if necessary.
The throat plate and flueways may be cleaned with a low fire still burning. Use the scraper tool to scrape any sooty deposits to the front of the plate until they fall off into the fire.
More soot will be deposited on the throat plate and in the flueways if the appliance is run at low levels for long periods. If this is the case then more frequent cleaning will be necessary.
SPECIAL POINTS WHEN BURNING COAL
When burning housecoal keep the airwash control at least slightly open all the time (refer to Fig 2.).
When loading the appliance take care not to smother the fire, instead fill the firebox in two stages waiting between each stage for the flames to appear above the fire.
After a period of slumbering always turn the air control up to maximum and wait until flames appear above the fuel bed before opening the doors.
Burning coal will produce more soot deposits than other fuels, especially if the fire is run at low levels for long periods. It is therefore vital to clean the throat plate regularly, daily cleaning is recommended.
CLEANING AND
MAINTENANCE
The appliance is finished in vitreous enamel. To clean the surfaces simply wipe over with a dry cloth. Abrasive pads and scouring cleaners must not be used as these will damage the finish. Care should be taken not to knock the enamel with hard objects as it will chip.
The glass in the doors is a zero expansion ceramic glass which will not crack due to the heat of the fire. Before cleaning the glass open the doors and allow them to cool. Clean the glass using a damp cloth and then wiping over with a dry cloth. Any stubborn deposits may be removed with a proprietary stove glass cleaner or ceramic hob cleaner. Some deposits on the glass may be burnt off simply by running the fire at a fast rate for a few minutes. Do not use abrasive cleaners or pads as these can scratch the surface which will weaken the glass and cause premature failure. Aerosol spray cleaners should not be used near the appliance whilst it is under fire.
If the fire is going to be out of use for a long period (for instance in the summer) then to prevent condensa- tion, and hence corrosion, the thermostat should be left at the maximum setting and the main doors left ajar. It is also advisable to sweep the chimney and clean out the fire.
After long periods where the fire has been out of use, the chimney and appliance flueways should be cleaned before lighting.
For the fire to operate correctly it is important that the door seals are in good condition. Check that they do not become worn or frayed and replace them when necessary.
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CHIMNEY SWEEPING
The chimney should be swept at least twice a year. In most installations it will be possible to sweep the chimney through the appliance.
First remove the front firebars and the throat plate. Then sweep the chimney ensuring that soot is removed from all horizontal surfaces after sweeping.
In situations where it is not possible to sweep through the appliance the installer will have provided alternative means, such as a soot door. After sweeping the chimney the appliance flue outlet and the flue pipe connecting the appliance to the chimney must be cleaned with a flue brush.
After clearing any soot from within the fire, replace the throat plate and the front firebars.
Different types of sweep's brushes are available to suit different flueways. For standard brick chimneys a wire centre sweep's brush fitted with a guide wheel is recommended. For prefabricated insulated chimneys the manufacturers instructions with regard to sweeping should be consulted.
TROUBLE SHOOTING
Fire Will Not Burn.
Check that:
a)the air inlet is not obstructed in any way,
b)that chimneys and flueways are clear,
c)that a suitable fuel is being used,
d)that there is an adequate air supply into the room,
e)that an extractor fan is not fitted in the same room as the fire.
HV 7/96
