Check inside of flue prior to each season for any build up
of creosote (wood tar). To do this:-
o
First remove the baffle (refer to “2. Replacement of
Baffle” under Maintenance & Servicing section).
o
Using a small mirror and torch hold the mirror on an
angle below the flue with the torch shining at it and
look for black creosote build up. If only a fine black
powdery layer then that is normal, but if built up
layers of creosote can be seen, then the flue needs
cleaning.
o
Refit the baffle if no cleaning is required.
To clean the flue:-
o
A flue cleaning brush can be purchased from most
wood heater retail outlets or large hardware stores.
o
The objective is to pull the brush down through the
flue.
o
With the baffle removed, tie a rope to one end of
the brush, and drop the rope from the top (outside
on top of the roof) down the flue.
o
Grab the end of the rope inside the firebox and pull
the brush through.
o
Check the inside of the flue with the mirror and
torch. Repeat if necessary.
o
Once clean, remove any excess creosote from the
firebox and replace the baffle.
Alternatively, get a flue cleaning service to do the job for
you (it’s a dirty job).
Check flue integrity by checking that the 900mm flue
sections have not separated at the joins.
1.
Glass in door blackening
This can have several possible causes:
i)
Burning unseasoned wood
— if the wood is too wet, it
will cause the glass to blacken.
ii)
Appliance operated at low temperature
— after an
overnight burn where the air slide control has been fully
closed, the glass may have blackened. When the fire is
re-stoked and burning on the high heat setting, the
blackened glass should self-clean.
iii)
Problems with the flue
— insufficient flue draught can
cause the glass to blacken. If the flue is too short, not
properly insulated, or in a position that results in a
downdraught, then there will be insufficient flue
draught. Contact the installer should this happen.
2.
Trouble starting the fire
— if all ash has been removed
from the firebox, then it can upset the supply of air to
the base of the fire. It can aid the fire by retaining some
ash when cleaning out the firebox.
3.
Glass cracking
— Do not over tighten the screws on the
stainless steel strips that hold the door glass in place.
Otherwise, expansion of the cast iron door may cause
the glass to crack.
10. CLEANING THE FLUE
11. TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS
