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RE-FUELLING WHEN BURNING WOOD
INCOMPLETE COMBUSTION
TROUBLE SHOOTING
Adding fuel to your stove when you only have glowing embers,and the flames have died
down, is the cleanest way to refuel your stove.
1. Before refuelling, Pull open both the Primary and Secondary controls fully.
2. Unlatch the door to equalise the pressure inside the stove with that of the room.
3. Then, open the door gently.
4. If it is necessary, use a poker to create a level bed before adding a piece of wood, below the level of
the ter�ary air ports (please check weight table page 6).
5. Now, close the door.
6. Once the flames are fully established, close Primary air fully and close Secondary air to the nominal posi�on
halfway in (50% air supply). For op�mum combus�on efficiency the ter�ary air control should be pushed in.
Please regard these instruc�ons as guidelines because each installa�on will be slightly different. Experience will
determine the se�ngs that produce best results.
To prevent overhea�ng your appliance we recommend that you use a flue thermostat (placed on a non
insulated sec�on of pipe directly above the collar of the stove).
The efficient opera�ng temperature range is between 180°C and 250°C
These stoves are not designed to run overnight or for long periods una�ended (see page 14)
Incomplete combus�on may lead to a build-up of hard, shiny soot on the inside of your stove and glass. It is
generally the results of an insufficient air supply to the combus�on chamber. If you find that this build-up is
occurring to your Mendip Stove, you should:
1. Increase the amount of secondary air used when running the stove, ensure the ter�ary air control is
pushed in fully.
2. Check that the fuel you use is suitable and dry (less than 20% moisture content).
3. Check that your flue system (chimney) is producing sufficient draught.
It is important to check the dra� condi�ons before ligh�ng your stove. This may be done, for instance, by
crumpling a piece of newspaper, placing it in the combus�on chamber and ligh�ng it. The dra� condi�ons are
good if the smoke is drawn away through the chimney.
1. Fire Will Not Burn - check
a) the air inlet is not obstructed in any way,
b) that chimney and flue ways are clear,
c) that a suitable fuel is being used,
d) that there is an adequate air supply into the
room,
e) that an extractor fan is not fi�ed in the same
room as the fire.
2. Fire Blazing Out Of Control - check
a) the doors are �ghtly closed,
b) the air controls are turned down to the minimum
se�ng,
c) the flue damper is closed (if fi�ed),
d) a suitable fuel is being used,
e) the door seals are in good condi�on,
f) the chimney dra� may be too strong
g) check ash pan seal and
h) check for ash below ash pan causing pan to seat
incorrectly and clean out.
3. Soot forms on the window
a) The firewood may be too wet
b) the intake of secondary air may be insufficient
c) fire not hot enough
4. The stove fails to heat fully
a) The firewood may be too wet
b) the intake of secondary air may be insufficient
5. Smoke or odour
a) weak chimney dra�
b) check for blockages in the flue pipe/chimney
c) check the height of the chimney rela�ve to the
surroundings
6. Soot in the chimney
a) The firewood may be too wet
b) intake of secondary air may be insufficient
