OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
7.ASH REMOVAL (Multi-fuel stoves)
7.1The burning of any fuel will produce ash, which will have to be removed after a period of use. This time will depend on the fuel used. Before removing the ash from the stove it is advisable to let the fire burn down to a low level, or even go out completely. The ashpan can then be removed using gloved hands, after opening the main firedoors.
7.2As heat can remain in the ash for a long period after use care must be taken when removing and carrying the full ashpan. We suggest that the ashpan be carried using gloved hands, or the ash is placed directly in to a Stovax Ash Caddy (Stovax Part No. 4227).
7.3Do not place ash in a bin made from plastic or any other combustible material.
8.ASH REMOVAL (Wood-burning stoves)
8.1When burning wood the amount of ash will be smaller and may only need removal once every week. To do this, allow the fire to burn out and cool. Open the main door, then after removing the log retainer scoop out the ash with a suitable shovel. It is best to leave a layer of ash in the stove to form a bed for the new fire.
8.2Do not place ash in a bin made from plastic or any other combustible material.
9.burning performance
9.1Fuel Quality (Wood)
Use only seasoned wood with a moisture content of less than 20%. Well seasoned logs should have the bark beginning to lift and peel away, along with deep cracks radiating from the centre of the log. Logs should feel lighter than fresh cut wood of a similar size and sound hollow when struck against each other. Logs should not feel damp to the touch, have any visible moisture oozing from them or moss and fungal growths on them.
Symptoms of poor performance related to wet woods include:
•Difficulty getting a fire going and keeping it burning well,
•Smoky fires with little flame,
•Dirty glass,
•Dirty firebricks,
•Rapid creosote
•Low heat output,
•Short burn times, excessive fuel consumption and blue/grey smoke from the chimney.
To help avoid large
9.2Fuel Quality (Solid Fuel)
Use only recommended solid fuels, which are approved for use with closed appliances. Symptoms of poor performance related to unsuitable fuels include:
•Difficulty getting a fire going and keeping it burning well
•Smoky fires with little flame
•Dirty glass
•Dirty firebricks
•Short life span for grate, baffles and internal firebricks
•Permanent staining of glass
9.3Backpuffing
This is caused by a lack of combustion air entering the firebox causing combustion gases to build up in the firebox and periodically ignite as small explosions, causing smoke to puff out of the appliance air inlets and other openings. The problem will often occur if the air controls are shut soon after adding new fuel to a very hot fire. To stop backpuffing occurring open the air controls to increase the combustion air and increase the burning rate.
9.4Flue Draught
The chimney has two main functions, which are, to safely remove the smoke, gases and fumes from the house, and to provide a sufficient amount of draught (suction) in the stove to ensure that the fire is kept burning. Draught is caused by the rising hot air in the chimney when the stove is lit.
Symptoms of poor performance related to flue draught include:
•Excessive fuel consumption (high flue draught)
•Poor burning control, overheating (high flue draught)
•Wind noise from air controls (high flue draught)
•Difficulty getting a fire going and keeping it burning well
(low flue draught)
•Low heat output (low flue draught)
•Smoke entering room when doors opened (low flue draught)
The construction, position, size and height of the chimney are all factors that affect the performance of the flue draught.
Other factors that can effect the flue draught include:
•Trees or other buildings nearby causing turbulence
•High and gusty winds
•Outside temperature
•Outside weather conditions
•Incorrect additional ventilation to building
•Blocked flue / chimney
For advice on the correction of persistent flue problems consult a qualified solid fuel heating engineer before continuing to use the stove.
9.5Weather conditions
The weather conditions outside the building could have an effect on the burning performance of the stove. These could include:
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