Drying and storage
Drying wood takes time: proper air drying takes approximately 2 years.
Here are some tips:
Store the wood sawn, split and stacked in an airy, sunny place, which is protected against
rain (the south side of the house is particularly suitable).
Store the firewood stacks at a hand's breadth apart, as this ensures that the air flowing
through takes the moisture with it. Avoid covering the firewood stacks with plastic, as this
prevents the moisture from escaping. It is a good idea to bring the firewood into the house
23 days before you need it.
Regulating the combustion air
All RAIS stoves are equipped with a onehanded operating lever for regulating the damper.
The stovespecific regulating mechanisms can be seen on the diagrams.
Primary air is the combustion air added to the primary combustion zone, i.e. the bed of
glowing embers. This air, which is cold, is only used in the lighting stage. Secondary air is
the air which is added in the gas combustion zone, i.e. air which contributes to the
combustion of the pyrolysis gasses (preheated air, which is used for the cleaner glass
system and combustion). This air is sucked through the damper under the combustion
chamber and is preheated through the side channels and then emitted as hot scavenging
air onto the glass. The hot air rinses the glass and keeps it sootfree.
The tertiary channel, which can be seen at the top of the combustion chamber towards the
back, serves to combust the final gas residues.
By setting the interval between position 1 and 2, the energy content in the firewood is used
optimally, as there is oxygen for combustion and for the burning of the pyrolysis gasses.
When the flames are a clear yellow the damper has been set correctly. Finding the correct
position comes with time after you have used for stove for a while.
It is not recommended that you turn it down completely. A mistake commonly made is
shutting the damper too early because it feels too hot. This results in dark smoke emanating
from the chimney and in the calorific value of the firewood not being used to its fullest.
Room ventilation and stoves
There must not be an extractor fan fitted in the same room as the stove as this can cause
the stove to emit smoke and fumes into the room.
The stove requires a permanent and adequate air supply in order for it to operate safely and
efficiently.
In accordance with current Building Regulations the installer may have fitted a permanent air
supply vent into the room in which the stove is installed to provide combustion air. This air
vent should not under any circumstances be shut off or sealed.
