GB
111
Choosing fuel
All types of wood, such as birch, beech, oak, elm, ash, conifers and fruit
trees can be used as fuel in the insert. Different types of trees have differ-
ent densities, the greater the density of the wood the greater the energy
value. Oak, beech and birch have
the highest density.
The wood’s moisture content
Fresh wood is about 50 per cent water. Some of the water circulates freely
between the fibres and some of the water is bound in the cells. The wood
must always be dried so that the free water evaporates. The timber is
ready for use when the moisture content has fallen below 20 %. If wood
with a higher moisture content is lit, a large part of the energy content of
the wood is used boiling off the water. If the wood is damp, the combus-
tion is also poor, layers of soot and tar build up in the chimney and could,
at worst, lead to a chimney fire. In addition, it causes the glass of the stove
to soot and may cause discomfort to those living nearby.
To ensure thoroughly dry wood, the wood should be cut in the winter and
stored, well aired, under a roof. Never cover the woodpile with a tarpau-
lin to the ground. The tarpaulin will then act as a sealed cover and the
wood will be prevented from drying. Always store a small amount of wood
indoors for several days before use, so that the surface moisture has time
to evaporate.
Do NOT burn the following
Under no circumstances may pressure impregnated wood, painted or glued
wood, chipboard, plastic or colour brochures be used as fuel. All these
materials can create hydrochloric acid and heavy metals that are damaging
both to the environment and the hearth. Hydrochloric acid can also attack
the steel in the chimney or the mortar in a stone built chimney.
The glass may be come sooty with use, even if lit with dry wood with a
moisture content of 15-20%. Regular cleaning with dry paper is usu-
ally sufficient to keep it clean. If the soot has been on the glass for a
prolonged period use a cleaning agent or a special soot removal agent to
remove it. Such agents can be purchased from regular hardware stores or
from your local stove dealer.
Never use cleaning agents that contain any abrasives, these can damage
the glass.
When emptying the ash, ensure that there are no glowing embers. The
ash must be stored in a fireproof container with a lid for at least one week
before being disposed of.
Cast iron parts are cleaned using a steel brush.
It is important from a combustion point of view to check gaskets, as worn
gaskets hinder combustion when the stove draws "extra air".
Painted parts of the insert can be cleaned using a damp cloth, with a small
amount of detergent, if necessary. Damage to painted parts, e.g. small
scratches, can be rectified with Contura touch-up paint. Contact the dealer.
Parts located near the actual seat of the fire may require replacing. Exam-
ples of such parts are the hearth surround. The service life of these parts
depends on how much and how the insert is used.
Not too big fires
Fires should not be too big. Large fires are uneconomical and they give off
high flue gas temperatures that can damage the cassette and the environ-
ment. Recommended amount of wood for normal use is 1.5 kg/hour, with
the maximum permitted amount of 3 kg/hour when lighting with chopped
birch wood or other broad leaf wood with a moisture content of about 18
%. When lighting with the same wood amounts as above but with, for exam-
ple, conifer wood, higher fireplace temperatures are achieved. The service
life of the insert can be cut short if the fire is left at full combustion for
long periods and, if the maximum permitted amount of wood is exceeded,
parts in the insert can become damaged thus voiding the warranty.
Managing waste
The insert packaging consists of cardboard, wood and a small amount of
plastic. The materials must be sorted and recycled.
lIGHTING INSTRUCTIONS
Maintenance
Hearth plate glass must
be discarded as waste
material together with
pottery and porcelain
When the insert is new
When new, the insert may emit an odour due to excess paint and oil coat-
ing that may remain on the panels. The odour will disappear completely
after several fires.