The wood-burner is essential for cozy evenings and for taking off the chill during winter days. Keep it constantly running during winter will also reduce wood-pellet needs.
Starting
The best way to start the fire, is to take a little time to build the pyre. Put smaller pieces of wood around a fire-starter (1 or 2) and lay on top increasing larger pieces. Use logs that have lots of splinters. Use the back of the fire to stabilise the pyre.
Then remember these three things, see image:
- open the chimney valve, to allow smoke out through the flue.
- open the tray door, to allow air in from below, this is known as the “Primary Air Source”
- close the slots at the top (especially if the fire has not been lit for a while), this is know as the “Secondary Air Source”, providing secondary combustion once the fire is really burning.
As mentioned, if the fireplace has not been used for a while, especially in winter the air pressure in the flue’s stack can be high and takes a lot of heat to get the circulation working. During this time smoke will escape from the burner and enter the room. Be ready to open windows and the doors. You have been warned.
For fire-nerds, there is another flap at the back of the fireplace. This is the “Tertiary air”. This is usually closed, and not used. It is not shown on any image. Tertiary air is usually used to aid with secondary combustion and to reduce emissions associated with burning wood.
To load fresh logs, use the side door, not the main door.
If the fire reduces to just smouldering, for example as shown here:
Then, just open the lower tray door “Primary Air”.
Cleaning & Care
After a few uses, it is necessary to clear the ash and clean the glass.
To keep the door open use the aluminium spring, hook it into place, as shown below.
Use the brush and small hand-held shovel to empty the ash into the old metal cauldron. Later the ashes can be spread on the garden.
I have found that this “ammonia” based glass cleaner to be the best. Just spray a little on and wipe off with kitchen paper which can then be burned. It requires little else and for some reason the glass remains clean for sometime.
Annoying Bounce
Sometimes, as people walk around the room, the fireplace will “bounce” and make a noise. This is due to a loose panel on the inside. When not in use a log can be used to prop against the panel. In the worst case scenario, a nail has been used to stop the panel.
This is the panel that can make noise when people walk around the room, creating “bounce”.
