Notes on woodburning
Wood burns most efficiently when the air for combustion is supplied from above the fire bed
rather than below. The air supplied above the fire bed provides the oxygen necessary for the
volatile gases (smoke), given off by the wood as it heats, to combust. This ensures that the
gases are burnt and used to heat the appliance instead of being wasted up the chimney or
condensing and forming tarry deposits inside the stove, the flue pipe or on the door glass.
Running the stove with only the bottom air control open will provide oxygen for the wood to
burn on the fire base but will not provide air for the volatile gases above the fire bed to combust,
resulting in a smoky inefficient fire. With the above in mind the stove should be run with the
bottom air control closed and the top air controls open.
Slow burning
To slow the burning rate and output from the stove reduce the air entering the stove via the air
controls. The fire must be well established and the stove hot before a minimum combustion
rate is atempted. Note that if the air supply is restricted too much the fire will burn dirty and
inefficiently. Slow overnight burning is not advised.
Ventillation
The stove requires an adequate air supply for successful operation (see Installation section of
these instructions for more details). Ensure that air bricks or grilles supplied for this purpose are
not blocked. Be aware that the operation of exhaust fans or other appliances that compete for
ventilation in the vecinity may affect the performance of the stove.
OR
WOOD BURNING
Running temperature
To get the best results from your stove it is recommended that a wood stove thermometer be
fitted to the flue pipe just above the stove. Most thermometers are magnetic and if attached
to the single wall flue pipe just above your stove will give a good indication of the flue gas
temperatures.
150 °C - 300°C
The flue gases should be in this temperature band for the safest, most efficient and most
economical operation of your stove.
Below 150°C
This is below the condensation point of wood gases and may cause the build up of tar in the
chimney, dirty the stove glass and result in the inefficient burning of fuel.
Above 300 °C
Too hot. Heat will be wasted up the chimney. Excess heat may damage the stove or ignite an
existing accumulation of tar resulting in a chimney fire.
Over heating
If the stove is allowed to get too hot and is over heating, close all the air controls fully using the
tool, keep the fire door closed and let the fire burn down.
Chimney Fire
In the event of a chimney fire dial 999 and ask for the Fire Service. Fully close the air controls
on the stove and keep the fire door shut. Move any combustibles away from the stove and the
chimney breast. Also check other rooms that the chimney passes through and move furniture
and other combustibles away from the chimney here too.
Before using the stove again after a chimney fire have the chimney cleaned and inspected by a
qualified person.
Cleaning the glass
We recommend wiping the glass after a fire to prevent the build up of deposits. This is best
done using a paper towel or a piece of newspaper.
Types of fuel
Wood needs to be well seasoned before it is burnt. Different woods take varying amounts of
time to season but, as a general guide, before being used in a stove, wood should be cut to
length, split and then stacked under cover (with the sides open to the air) for at least a year.
Wood is ready for burning when radial cracks appear in the end of the logs and the water
content is no higher than 20%. It is then good practice to have it in the log basket, inside the
house, for a few days before it is actually used in the stove. The internal width of the firebox is
465mm and so firewood should be no longer than this.
Do not burn unseasoned wood in your woodburner. Do not burn particle board, lacquered,
painted or treated wood, plastics, rubber or liquid fuels. The stove is not suitable for burning
solid fuel ie. briquettes\ coal\coke\smokless fuel. The stove should not be used as an
incinerator.
figure 3
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