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Trouble shooting
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 fitted in the same room as the fire.
2. Fire Blazing Out Of Control - check
a) the doors are tightly closed,
b) the air controls are turned down to the minimum setting,
c) the flue damper is closed ( if fitted),
d) a suitable fuel is being used,
e) the door seals are in good condition.
f) the chimney draft 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 draft
b) check for blockages in the flue pipe/chimney
c) check the height of the chimney relative to the surroundings
6) Soot in the chimney
a) The firewood may be too wet
b) intake of secondary air may be insufficient
Chimney Fires
If the chimney is thoroughly and regularly swept, chimney fires should not occur. However, if a chimney fire does occur
turn the air control setting to the minimum, and tightly close the doors of the stove. This should cause the chimney fire to
go out in which case the control should be kept at the minimum setting until the fire in the stove has gone out. The
chimney and flue ways should then be cleaned. If the chimney fire does not go out when the above action is taken then
the fire brigade should be called immediately.
After a chimney fire the chimney should be carefully examined for any damage. Expert advice should be sought if
necessary
