GB
15
Lighting Instructions
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
different 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 con-
tent
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 combustion 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 insert 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 wood pile with a tarpaulin 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 whatsoever may fossil fuels, 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. Also
avoid using bark, woodchips or other extremely finely chopped wood
except for lighting. Fuel of this type causes flashover resulting in too
high output.
Candles
Do not use old candle stubs as fuel. Melted wax runs down into the
stove’s damper system and makes the stove unusable. Repairs for
this are very expensive.
NOT TOO BIG FIRES
The firebox in your insert is relatively large. This is so that boiler wood can be
burned. It is, however, prohibited to load it full of wood. Adding more logs than
recommended leads to flashover with oxygen deficiency, which results in: sooted
glass, too high an energy output that can damage the inserts/surround, thick
smoke and high flue gas temperatures that can damage the chimney. Recommended
amount of wood for normal lighting is 2.5 kg/hour and the maximum permitted
amount of wood is 4 kg/hour, max 3 kg of wood per insertion and covers lighting
with a maximum of 3 pieces of chopped birchwood per insertion or other broad leaf
wood with a moisture content of about 18%. When inserting one or two large pieces
of wood, the weight of the wood can be increased to 4 kg without the risk of the
combustion rate exceeding 4 kg/hour.
When lighting with the same wood amounts as above but with, for example, conifer
wood, higher fireplace temperatures are achieved. The service life of the fireplace
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 stove can become
damaged thus annulling the warranty.
The glass may be come sooty with use, even if the insert is lit with dry
wood with a moisture content of 15 – 20%. Regular cleaning with dry
paper is usually 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 abrasives or that are corrosive to printed or painted
glass. These can damage the glass/paint. Do not use cleaning products
containing sodium hydroxide because of their corrosive effect on sealing
strips.
When the ash level in the ash box has reached the square holes, empty
the ash box. When emptying the ash box, ensure that there are no
glowing embers. Lift the grate and fold it back (see the illustration).
The ash-pan can then be lifted straight up. The ash must be stored in a
fireproof container with a lid for at least one week before being disposed
of. The grate and other cast iron components can be cleaned using a
wirebrush.
It is important from a combustion point of view to check gaskets, as worn
gaskets hinder combustion when the fireplace 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
your dealer.
As there is a constant large flow of air through the insert’s surround,
cold room air is drawn in and hot air released, dust can collect in the
surround’s air intakes. Therefore, these should be regularly cleaned.
Parts located near the actual seat of the fire may require replacing.
Examples of such parts are the firebox panels and grate. The service life
of these parts depends on how much and how the insert is used.
FIREBOX MAINTENANCE
