RECOMMENDED FUEL
CE Standard and other Approvals
Please note that this appliance has been CE
and Ecodesign tested for wood only and the
heat output, emissions and efficiency data, as
well these operating instructions and the
Hi-Flame Warranty only covers the use of wood
in this appliance. They do not cover the use of
other fuels, either alone or mixed with wood
Defra Smoke Exemption
This stove is officially
approved by Defra as an
‘exempted appliance’ to allow the burning of
wood in designated UK Smoke Control Areas.
It must, at all times, be operated strictly in
accordance with the instructions to minimise
the amount of smoke produced.
General Guidelines
Only ever use dried, fully seasoned chopped
hardwood logs with a moisture content of
less than 20%. Wood which is well seasoned
makes a distinctive ‘clack’ rather than a dull
‘thud’ when knocked together. It will also
feel much lighter than an unseasoned log.
Other indicators include bark peeling away
and cracking and the log splitting around the
outside edge.
Ideally wood should be seasoned outdoors for
between 18 to 24 months – the harder the
wood then the longer the seasoning. It should
be stacked off the ground with plenty of space
between the logs to allow air movement and
with the top covered to keep rain and snow
out. Fully seasoned wood will give you
approximately 50% more heat output than
the equivalent unseasoned log.
Most types of hardwood, for instance Ash
(generally regarded as the best), Birch, Beech,
Oak and Elm can be used. However, avoid
woods with a high resin content. As a rule
of thumb, the heavier the wood, then the
greater the heat output and the longer burn
time – the time between refills. All of this is
providing it is fully seasoned wood.
Never use wet or unseasoned (green) wood
as this will cause nuisance smoke and a very
disappointing fire. Most importantly, It could
quickly result in the build up of soot and
creosote which the high temperatures of the
stove flue gases could easily ignite and cause
a flue or chimney fire. In addition, burning wet
wood damages local air quality, produces a
less efficient fuel economy and can eventually
clog your flue system and cowl. It will also
reduce the effectiveness of the stove’s Airwash
system thus causing staining and blackening
of the glass.
Wet or unseasoned wood produces
the following poor performance
• Hard to light fires and fires that are
also very difficult to keep burning
• Smoky fires with fewer flames which
are also of a dull or dirty orange colour
• Increased dense grey or blue smoke
from the chimney
• Much shorter burn times with some wood
left unburned at the end
• Low heat output despite the poor flames
• Dirty brown glass and black firebricks
• Excessive and rapid creosote build-up
inside the flue system and chimney
• Unpleasant acrid smoky smells inside
and sometimes outside the house
Manufactured or finished wood products,
such as plywood and chipboard, must also be
strictly avoided because of the high chemical
adhesive content used in their production
which could also leave harmful residue inside
the stove and flue system.
18
Wood logs with a moisture content
of less than 20% is the only fuel that
Hi-Flame recommend for burning in
this stove.
