Avoid continuous low burning
Continuously burning your stove with a very
low flame, such as slow overnight burning
will also cause the glass to get dirty because
the airwash does not get hot enough and
therefore some blackening of the glass should
be considered a ‘trade-off’. In this instance, if
you’re sure that the logs are fully seasoned
and dry, then burning the stove at a high
temperature for a short period (say 30 minutes)
after a long slow burn will usually burn off
any sooty deposits, especially inside the flue
where they could prove more problematic in
the long run (see the section on Chimney Fires)
It is worth investing in a magnetic flue pipe
thermometer which when placed on the
connecting flue pipe will allow you to keep
the flue gas temperature from dropping below
120ºC (the point at which creosote and soot
are produced by the incomplete combustion
of the logs) and to operate your stove more
effectively when you wish to turn it down.
7
Cloudy or crazed glass
Cloudy glass is only cosmetic and the glass’s
performance is not affected. It is definitely not
faulty glass and it is much easier to replace
the glass than to try to polish it clean.
Likely causes and how to avoid them
The clouding is caused by unburned acidic
condensates etching the ceramic glass. The
cloudiness will usually start with a series of
white deposits which if left on the glass will
damage its surface. Although this problem is
normally associated with burning coal it can
also be caused by the incomplete combus-
tion of wood, usually when the wood is wet
and it has a high moisture content. Therefore,
never burn wet wood and avoid long periods
of slumber burning, even if the wood has less
than 20% moisture. Always try to maintain an
effective airwash flow and clean and dry the
glass after every time the stove is used.
31
ROUTINE CHECKS
During routine checks if you notice anything
wrong with your stove then it should be
rectified immediately. Never use a stove that
you know is not fully functioning – this includes
flue components.
• Until you get to know your stove check your
flue system at least once a month using one
of the recommended inspection hatches in
the flue pipe or chimney system. After a few
checks you will notice a pattern of soot build-
up to enable you to determine the inspection
and cleaning period best suited to your stove’s
operation. In any event your flue should be
swept at least once a year, preferably prior to
a new heating season.
• Check and clear the stove’s baffle plates
and flueway at least once a month until you
can determine a pattern of soot build-up (if
any). See page 32 on how to remove the
baffle plates.
• Regularly visually inspect any flue pipe joints
where fire cement has been used and replace
any missing or damaged cement seals using
the appropriate heat-resistant fire cement.
• Make sure that the door maintains a good
air-tight fit and visually inspect the door rope
seals for fraying or other signs of wear. Test
the seal if you suspect that it is no longer air-
tight and is affecting control – see page 34.
• Check that the glass is not chipped or
cracked and that the glass gasket seal is still
in good condition. Replace if necessary – see
page 33.
• Check the condition of the vermiculite
firebricks, firebed and lower baffle plate.
Replace any of these if they have been eroded
by 20% (approximately 6mm) or show any
damage that exposes the stove’s bodywork.
Cracked bricks can still be used providing they
still cover the bodywork effectively.
