JANUARY 2014
page 11
www.fisherstoves.co.nz
Fisher sOLiD FueL heATer mAiNTeNANCe
To keep your heater burning clean and efficient it is important that you carry out regular
maintenance. General maintenance checks should include the following:-
Ash remOVAL
:
As excess ash builds up, it can easily be removed through the grate
and into the ash pan. Please Note: both the main door and the ash
pan door need to be open to allow safe removal of the ash pan.
Please use the ash pan handle provided even if the heater is cold as
ashes can remain very hot for several days. Only use metal tools and
containers when handling ash.
surFACes
:
Fisher solid fuel heaters have high temperature paint surfaces which
just need wiping to clean when the fire is cold.
FireBOX
:
Check the firebricks, top baffle, air tube and interior surfaces. These
parts are subjected to considerably high temperatures and stress and
some parts will eventually need replacing.
DOOrs
:
Check all gaskets used for wear and replace if necessary. Adjust door
fitting if required.
LuBriCATiON
:
All moving parts should be lubricated with graphite grease every
couple of months.
ChimNeY CLeANiNG AND CheCKiNG FLues
For all multi-fuel heaters, flue cleaning must be done regularly to avoid serious flue fires. Frequently used
heaters should be cleaned at least once a year (some sooner). The cleaning rate, however, depends on the
burning habits of the individual operating the wood heater. For example, it is possible to clog a flue in just a
few weeks if smouldering fires are burnt and the flue is run cold.
It is recommended that flue sweeping be done by a professional chimney sweep. Chimney sweeping is a
specialist task and competent professional sweeps are available throughout the country. When the flue is
cleaned it is recommended that other parts, such as baffles, are checked.
Flue systems should be checked at least once or twice a heating season. Flue systems may require
checking more often if the fuel or operation of the appliance is incorrect. When a flue system becomes
excessively blocked or requires frequent cleaning, advice should be sought to investigate the installation
and the operation of the heater. Flue pipes can deteriorate very quickly with incorrect firing.