If you have just had a new stove installed, you might have some questions about how to make the most of it. We have put this page together to help! The sections described below are the most common problems we are asked about. They highlight how you should correctly operate your stove and flue system in order to prolong their life and maintain them in the best possible condition. If the answer to your question isn’t here, please email us and we will get back to you as soon as we can;

CURING THE STOVE – FIRST LIGHTING

A common issue is from the stove “smoking/smelling” as the paint cures on first firing – therefore we suggest referring to the handbook on what the manufacturer indicates on lighting the stove for the first few times until the curing process is completed.

The aim is to gently “cure” the stove and the paint.

  • The general advice is to have about 10 fires.
  • Try to keep the vents fully open and if safe to do so, the door loosely closed to prevent the fire-rope seal on the door sticking to the stove and potentially coming away from the door.
  • Try not to touch the stove unnecessarily whilst the curing is occurring as the paint can be tacky. After each individual fire, allow the stove to cool before the next fire. You don’t have to wait until the next day.
  • The first fire is fed by using lots of kindling.
  • Introduce a small log onto the next fire.
  • Introduce another log for each fire thereafter (don’t overload the fire, but add a log once the previous log has burnt to embers and you have broken the embers down and spread them out over the fuelling area/firebox).
  • Gradually your burn time will increase.
  • Ensure your room is well ventilated during this process.
  • Expect lots of smoke and unpleasant smells as the paint cures. Smoke alarms may be set off.
  • It may be that your stove actually gives off minimum smoke and smells. Each stove is very different.
  • You may be able to cure your stove over a couple of days.

OPERATING THE STOVE

Despite the best will in the world, user error is fairly common practice!

Operating a stove is actually very easy provided that you follow a few simple guidelines.

  • When first lighting the fire, the sole aim is to get the stove hot as fast as possible. The heat increases the draw, and without a draw, the stove will not work. In a nutshell, don’t scrimp on the kindling! Have the air vents fully open and use plenty of kindling. After 5-10 minutes, your fire should be raging. At this point, introduce one or two small logs.
  • You should always have a flame when your stove is in use.
    • The flames should be roaring when the fire commences and also on re-loading fuel (just open up the vents).
    • At all other times, the flame should be mellow and flickering away nicely (decrease the vents).
  • Always have a flame!
  • If your stove isn’t in use, it is best to leave the vents open or the door slightly ajar to allow air movement inside the stove and flue and to prevent condensation building up.
  • Use the right fuel – don’t destroy your system by choosing to burn free or cheap wood or smokeless fuel. It really isn’t worth it. We typically have to remove and reinstall a stove and flue system at least once a year due to poor usage and failure.

These links should also help.

POOR FUEL AND OVER-FUELLING

Significant problems occur due to the use of incorrect fuel.

  • Click here for some great advice about fuelling and operating your stove correctly. If using wood, ensure it is below 20% moisture content. “Green” logs just don’t work! In fact, using wet logs will destroy your liner/flue and stove, so it really is a terrible thing to do.
  • if you have a multi-fuel stove (and upgraded liner if you have had a flexible liner installation), use the smokeless fuel sparingly and never mix it with wood since it will destroy the liner.
  • Never put too much fuel on the fire, especially when lighting the fire/stove because it will not work – air needs to move freely through the fuel for it to light.
  • Always refer to the user manual supplied with the stove.

SERVICING

If your fuel has stopped lighting, or your stove isn’t working, drawing, and smoke is coming from it, you’re probably due a sweep to the flue and the stoves vents cleaned out.

Ensure your flue is swept and your stove is serviced annually.

Both services ensure your system is safe and working as efficiently as possible. Your stove is just as important as your flue system but unfortunately is often neglected. It should be taken apart and cleaned ensuring that all the components are sound and airtight and that the vents are free to work as they should be bringing in the air to your stove in the right way, ensuring its ability to burn fuel effectively is not compromised.

We provide both services.

Please take a look at our Three Year Service Agreement. It’s designed to ensure you get a great deal, are reminded about the service and we are kept busy during our “quieter” months.

WHEN YOUR STOVE IS NOT IN USE

Put flowers, acorns, and fairy lights in them if you want! (that’s another reason to have your service in the spring)

But make sure you leave the door slightly ajar, and have the vents fully open. Yes, you may hear the wind howling in a storm (shouldn’t you have it lit then?) or the birds tweeting away (and seagulls screaming) at each other, but you’ll prevent condensation building up in your flue, which over time will corrode your liner (unless you had a W3G flexible flue liner installed).

(OK, no more brackets)!

We’re here to help, so please enjoy operating your stove and flue safely, use the right fuel, and get your entire flue serviced regularly. For more information about Stove Services/Flue Sweeps and our Three-year Service Agreement, click here.