How to get the best out of your stove and improve air quality
Chimney Matters
Ibstocks
Rede
Bury St Edmunds
Suffolk
IP29 4BE

Tel: 01284 789663
Mobile: 07767 864127
chimneymatters@hotmail.com

Find me on

Getting the best from your appliance

Lighting your fire
Making a fire is easy when you follow this simple step by step guide. Please remember to use recommended solid fuels and wood with less than 20% moisture for quick lighting and more importantly maximum efficiency.
You need
•    The solid fuel of your choice or dried logs with less than 20% moisture (i.e. Kiln Dried Logs)
•    Kindling
•    Firelighters
•    Long Matches or a gas match


Wood Burning and Multi-Fuel Stoves
1.    Build a small tower with the kindling and place the firelighters in the middle, ensuring that you leave plenty of air gaps.
 
2.    Light the firelighters and place more kindling on top.
 
3.    Ensure all air controls are fully open and close the door.
 
4.    Let the fire get hot, it should take 3-10 minutes.
 
5.    Add smaller logs or a small amount of fuel; don’t add too much or you may smother the fire.
 
6.    Once all the fuel is alight add larger logs or more solid fuel.
 
7.    After 15 – 20 minutes adjust the air controls to the required level. No flames should be drawn up the chimney but the window should appear to be filled with flames. DO NOT reduce the air flow to the point where the fire is being hampered.


Open Fires
1.   Build a small tower with the kindling and place the firelighters in the middle, ensuring that you leave plenty of air gaps.

2.   Light the firelighters and place more kindling on top.

3.   Open the draught regulator.

4.    Replace the fireguard and leave the fire to get hot for 3-10 minutes.

5.   Add smaller logs or a small amount of fuel; don’t add too much or you may smother the fire.

6.   Once all the fuel is alight add larger logs or more solid fuel.
 
The Royal Society for the prevention of accidents (ROSPA) highly recommends using a fireguard with any open fire.

Refuelling your Fire
When refuelling your fire or appliance the optimum results can be achieved by following these instructions:

•    Before you refuel the level of draught should be increased to assist in re-establishing the fire.

•    Add the required level of fuel.

•    The draught should be reduced to achieve the desired burning rate once the fire is fully established.


De-ashing and ash removal (Solid fuel only)
Care in de-ashing the fire bed will be rewarded in fuel economy. Daily emptying of the ash pan will reduce the risk of carbon monoxide escaping into the room.

•    If the ash pan is relatively full, empty it before de-ashing the appliance. Under no circumstances should ash be allowed to build up so it touches the underside of the fire bars.

•    Remove the ash pan and contents from the room. An ash pan “tippy” is useful for the efficient removal of ash to the point of disposal.

•    Replace the ash pan and ensure that the ash pan door is refitted securely.

•    De-ashing the appliance should be undertaken according to the manufacturer’s instructions. It is important that de-ashing is carried out gently to minimise the levels of unburnt fuel falling into the ash. On an open fire, drawing a thin poker gently from the back to the front of each fire bar should be sufficient.


Share by: