FireBird 16 User manual

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MULTIFUEL
BACKBOILER
INSET STOVE
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
All the comfort of a stove with the benefit of
heat to your house as well

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benefit of heat tINDEX
Page
1.0 INTRODUCTION
2.0 IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTES
3.0 TERMS & CONDITIONS OF GUARANTEE
4.0 INSTALLATION INSTRUCTION
4.1 Performance
4.2 Health and Safety
4.3 Air Supply
4.4 Fireplace
4.5 Hearth
4.6 Chimney/Flue
4.7 Installing and Back Filling
4.8 Heating and Hot Water System
4.9 System Controls
4.10 Checks before Lighting
4.11 Commissioning
5.0 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
5.1 Fuels
5.2 Lighting and Controlling
5.2.1 Wood
5.2.2 Smokeless Fuel
5.3 Overnight Burning
5.4 Clearance of Ash
5.5 Throat Plate (Baffles)
5.5.1 Initial Burning
5.5.2 Regular Checking
5.6 CO Alarms
5.7 Extract Fans
6.0 MAINTENANCE
6.1 Cleaning
6.1.1 General Cleaning
6.1.2 Chimney Cleaning
6.2 Door Seals
6.3 When Not in Use
6.4 Chimney Clean
6.5 Chimney Fires
6.6 Fume Emission
6.7 Pipe Protection
6.8 Servicing
6.9 Spare Parts
7.0 TROUBLE SHOOTING

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1.0 INTRODUCTION
We would like to thank you for purchasing a high efficiency, Firebird multifuel
backboiler inset stove (hereinafter referred to as “the inset stove”). The design for this
product stems from our original concept, “the Firebird backboiler”. The stove is
manufactured in its entirety in our factory in Baile Mhic Íre, Macroom, Co. Cork,
using the highest standard of workmanship and latest technology.
This instruction manual has been produced for the reference and guidance of qualified
installation technicians.
You should ensure that all installation, servicing and commissioning works are carried
out by a competent person. It should be noted that it is the responsibility of the
installer/householder to ensure that the inset stove is properly commissioned. Failure
to do so may invalidate the warranty.
2.0 IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTES
The term multifuel refers to commercially available solid fuels such as wood,
smokeless coal and anthracite. Liquid fuels should never be used when lighting or
filling the fire.
THIS INSET STOVE SHOULD ONLY BE INSTALLED IN OPEN VENTED
SYSTEMS.
Do not store liquid fuels in the close proximity to the inset stove.
The inset stove is designed in such a way, that under normal burning conditions,
the fumes pass up through the chimney flue and do not escape into the home.
Please ensure that the flue system is checked regularly, that no cracks or openings
are evident and that the seals on the inset stove are in good condition.
ENSURE THE BAFFLES ARE ALWAYS IN PLACE WHEN LIGHTING THE
INSET STOVE AND NEVER LIGHT A FIRE IF THE BAFFLES ARE NOT IN
PLACE.
THE INSET STOVE DOOR SHOULD NOT BE KEPT OPEN WHEN THE
FIRE IS LIT/ BURNING.
The inset stove should never be over stocked/over filled. The draught settings
should be reduced if this occurs.
A mechanical air supply should never be added to the inset stove.
The inset stove reaches high temperatures and can be hot to touch. Ensure that
safety guards (in accordance with BS8423:2002) are in place.
Do not place any furniture or combustible material within 800mm of the inset
stove.
Please ensure that operating tools be used where provided. The stove becomes
very hot during operation and should not be touched by bare hands.
Ensure that BS 8303, Code of Practice for installation of domestic heating and
cooking appliances burning solid mineral fuel, is adhered to at all times.
Aerosols must not be sprayed neat the appliance while alight.
Ensure the following codes and standards are adhered to;
-BS EN 15287 –1:2007 Design, installation and commissioning of chimneys
-BS EN 14336:2004 Heating Systems in Buildings.

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-Installation and commissioning of water based heating systems
-BS EN 12828:2003 Heating systems in buildings
-Design of water based heating systems
-BS EN 12831:2003 Heating systems in Buildings
-Method of calculation of the design heat load.
Please read this manual carefully prior to installation of the inset stove.
Installation of the inset stove, must conform to Building Regulations at all times.
3.0 TERMS & CONDITIONS OF GUARANTEE
This Firebird product is designed and manufactured to give many years of
trouble-free service. We provide a comprehensive warranty of 5 years on the
inset stove.
The warranty will only apply if the inset stove is installed by a competent
person and is serviced annually thereafter.
The following terms, laid out in the guarantee must be adhered to:
(a) All claims under the guarantee must be received within 5 years from the
date of installation.
(b) The inset stove must be installed and commissioned by a competent
persons and as set out in this instruction manual.
(c) Maintenance should be carried out at the intervals outlined in this manual.
(d) Installation of the inset back boiler stove must be in accordance with this
manual and all relevant standards and codes of practice.
(e) Firebird can accept no liability in respect of any defect arising from
incorrect installation, negligence, fair wear and tear, misuse, alteration or
repair by unqualified persons.
(f) The guarantee extends to reasonable labour costs except under clause (a),
where any valid claim made after 3 years will not include labour costs.
(g) Firebird‟s prior authorisation must be obtained before examination or
repair of the inset stove takes place.
(h) Firebird will examine all claims made under the guarantee and for any
claims deemed invalid, costs incurred will be borne by the householder.
(i) The inset stove must be used for domestic heating purposes only.
(j) Any defective part removed under any or all of the guarantees, MUST be
returned to Firebird.
THE STATUTORY RIGHTS OF THE HOUSEHOLDER ARE NOT AFFECTED
BY THIS GUARANTEE

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4.0 INSTALLATION INSTRUCTION
4.1 PERFORMANCE
The following highlights the output and test performance of the inset stove:
Firebird 16” Multifuel Backboiler Inset Stove
Fuel Type
Wood
Ancit
Ancit
Output to Water - kW
7.3
8.3
7.2
Output to Space - kW
2.5
3.6
0.2
Efficiency - %
75.0
79.9
81.5
CO (@13% O2)
0.61
0.36
0.44
BS Standard
BS EN 13229:2001
Test Type
Intermittent
Intermittent
Continuous
Maximum water operating pressure: 3 bar. Minimum safe distance from
combustible materials: sides 75mm and shelf 200mm.
Firebird 18” Multifuel Backboiler Inset Stove
Fuel Type
Wood
Ancit
Ancit
Output to Water - kW
6.9
12.1
7.1
Output to Space -kW
3.6
3.6
1.7
Efficiency - %
77.0
81.0
79.6
CO (@13% O2)
0.91
0.43
0.41
BS Standard
BS EN 13229:2001
Test Type
Intermittent
Intermittent
Continuous
Maximum water operating pressure: 3 bar. Minimum safe distance from
combustible materials: sides 75mm and shelf 200mm.
Heat outputs and efficiencies are based on heat over a one hour period, using Ancit
solid fuel. Outputs are obtained by independent testing to BS Standard EN 13229,
burning Ancit solid fuel.
The appliance is capable of intermittent operation when burning wood logs and both
intermittent and continuous operation when burning smokeless fuel.
4.2 HEALTH AND SAFETY
When installing the inset stove, please ensure that the following Health & Safety
Regulations are met:
UK - Health and Safety at work Act 1974.
IRL - Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, (Construction Regulations
2006)
Installation, commissioning and/or servicing should only be carried out by a
competent person.

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The small amounts of adhesives and sealants used in the manufacture of this
appliance are cured and do not present any known hazards when used for their
intended purpose.
NOTE: If your Firebird Inset Stove is not installed, operated & maintained
properly a house fire may result!
Additional Material Safety Items
Handling - Adequate facilities must be available for loading, unloading and site handling.
Fire Cement - Some types of fire cement are caustic and should not be allowed to come into contact
with the skin. In case of contact wash immediately with plenty of water.
Asbestos - This stove contains no asbestos. If there is a possibility of disturbing any asbestos in the
course of installation then please seek specialist guidance and use appropriate protective equipment.
Metal Parts - When installing or servicing this stove care should be taken to avoid the possibility of
personal injury.
4.3 AIR SUPPLY
It is essential that you provide an
adequate air supply for safe and
efficient operation of your inset stove.
The air supply will ensure efficient
combustion. Failure to do so could
result in smoke filling into the room or
blackening of glass.
Air Requirements
A permanent air entry opening or
openings, with a total free area of at
least 550mm2per kW of rated output
above 5kW, shall be provided. Under
no circumstances should this be less
than 6500mm2.
If a flue draught stabiliser is fitted, then
the first 5kW of rated output is
300mm2per kW and the balance of the
rated output is 850mm2per kW.
“For newer build properties the
requirements may need to be higher if
the design permeability of the home is
less than 5m3/h.m2”. Approved
Document J of the building regulations
gives more details.
This appliance is capable of having the
air supply introduced through the base.
(Figure 1.) The same equation with
respect to total free area must be
adhered to.

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NOTE: No extractor fan should be
fitted in the same room as the
appliance.
4.4 FIREPLACE
When fitting into an existing fireplace,
remove fireback or boiler and clear out
any loose back fill material.
Access from the side of the chimney
breast should be made available to
facilitate pipe work connections.
In addition, access to the front of the
chimney breast may be required, via a
hole, for fixing the flue pipe and back
filling
4.5 HEARTH
The appliance must be installed on a
hearth that can take the weight and is
of a non-combustible material.
Ensure that when installing the
appliance, the following regulations
are met:
IRL - Building Regulations 1997,
Technical Guidance Document 5,
states that the hearth must extend in
front of the appliance by 500mm and
to the sides by 150mm.
UK- Building regulations for class 1
appliances state that the hearth must
extend in front of the appliance by
300mm and to the sides by 150mm.
4.6 CHIMNEY/FLUE
In order for the appliance to have
sufficient draw to perform
satisfactorily, a height of no less than
4.5 meters, vertically from the top of
the appliance to the top of the chimney,
is required. Alternatively, chimney
design with sufficient draught can be
calculated, in accordance with
EN13384-1.
The existing chimney must be checked
before installing the appliance. It must
be sound, free from cracks and
blockages and swept. It should not
have an excessive cross sectional area
greater than 250mm x 250mm square
or equivalent area.
The chimney and connecting flue pipe
must have a minimum diameter of
150mm and its dimension should not
narrow to less that the size of the outlet
socket of the stove at any point.
Do not connect the stove to a chimney
flue which is connected to another
appliance.
It is essential that you use only
stainless steel pipes for your inset
stove and that all installations are
carried out in accordance with building
regulations and manufacturer‟s
instructions. Always fit pipes with the
narrow side down, to allow any

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creosote to run down the inside of the
pipe. This avoids possible fire risk.
Firebird recommend that a thorough
inspection of the chimney is carried out
prior to installation and on a regular
basis thereafter.
The chimney should be of sound
construction, free from debris, capable
of withstanding extremely high
temperatures and have no evidence of
cracks or other faults.
Best installation practice is to install a
flue lining suitable for solid fuels. A
rigid connection adaptor should be
used to connect the flue liner to the
stove.
Pipe bends should be kept to a
minimum and there should be no more
than two 45˚bends on any installation.
Flues should not pass through ceilings,
floors or any form of combustible
walls without adequate, approved
insulation having been installed, to
protect the combustible material.
If the stove is filled in place of an open
fire then the chimney should be swept
one month after installation to clear
any soot falls which may have
occurred due to the difference in
combustion between the stove and the
open fire.
4.7 INSTALLING AND
BACK FILLING
1. Remove the inset stove from its
packaging and inspect for any
damage.
2. Place adjustable legs to the
bottom of the inset stove if
required.
3. Fit the appliance into the
opening, making sure it is
central. A good seal should be
made between the flange and
the surround. The adjustable

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legs can be used to level the
inset stove if required.
4. Remove any excess fire cement
from around the flange.
5. Make the connections to the
boiler and ensure the primary
flow pipe rises from the boiler
to so that no air is trapped in
the boiler.
6. Ensure the boiler is fixed to the
hearth. There are 4 preformed
holes on the side frames of the
base to facilitate fixing.
7. Before back filling, fill the
system with water and check
the boiler connections for leaks.
Ensure that the materials used
for back filling are non-
combustible.
8. Backfill the appliance with
vermiculite concrete (the mix
6:1; 6 volumes of vermiculite
to 1 volume Portland cement
mixed thoroughly) add enough
water to activate the cement
9. An expansion pipe must be
fitted to the inset stove water
outlet pipe, which must be
vented to atmosphere, above
the height of the header tank.
There should not be any valves
between the inset stove and the
vent pipe outlet and it must not
be possible to obstruct the
outlet in anyway.
10. Fit the flue connecter to the top
of the appliance so that it is
central to the chimney and
extends to the point where the
chimney narrows. Ensure that
the flue manufacturer‟s
instructions are adhered to at all
times.
11. All voids must be filled and the
flue pipe flaunched into the
chimney, so that no soot can
collect when sweeping the
chimney.
12. Make good the holes in the
front and side of the chimney
breast, ensuring they are
airtight. Remove any
material from inside the
appliance and check the flue
pipe is clear.

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4.8 HEATING AND HOT
WATER SYSTEM
The central heating system must
comply with BS5449 part 1.
The hot water cylinder must be indirect
and should comply with BS1566 part 1.
The system must be open vented and
the header tank should not be more
than 12 meters above the boiler.
In case of pump failure or a power cut,
the system should be able to work on
gravity to the hot water cylinder. In
addition, the fire should be quenched,
using best practice. Dumping of hot
water (i.e. running hot water taps) may
be required.
NOTE: The system should never be
valved.
Depending on the size of the room into
which the appliance is fitted, a radiator
in the same room may give greater
flexibility in operating the system and
ensure sufficient heat to the room.
4.9 SYSTEM CONTROLS
The system pump may not be
controlled by time switches. Inset
stove can be controlled with pipe
thermostat. Ensure that all controls are
installed to building regulations.
Radiators can be fitted with
thermostatic or manual valves. Please
note: no valves must be fitted to
radiators where they act as the heat
leak.
4.10 CHECKS BEFORE
LIGHTING A FIRE
Note: Allow sufficient time for the
back fill to dry at normal conditions,
prior to lighting the inset stove.
The following checks should be carried
out prior to lighting a fire in the inset
stove:
1. The fire grate is in place.
2. The flue is clear.
3. Ensure that baffles are in place.
4. Check the door fitting.
5. The system is full with water
and vented.
6. Has a suitable inhibitor been
added?
4.11 COMMISSIONING
Light the fire and check all joints and
seals. Ensure that fumes and smoke are
being taken up the chimney and no
fumes are entering the room.
The heating system should be balanced
in accordance with best plumbing
practice.Before completing the
commissioning, the householder
should be advised as to the operation
of the inset stove and the heating
controls.
The instruction manual should remain
with the householder.
CO ALARMS
Building Regulations require that
whenever a new or replacement
fixed solid fuel or wood/biomass
appliance is installed in a dwelling a
carbon monoxide alarm must be
fitted in the same room as the
appliance. Further guidance on the
installation of the carbon monoxide
alarm is available in BS EN
50292:2002 and from the alarm
manufacturer’s instructions.
Provision of an alarm must not be
considered a subsitiute for either
installing the appliance correctly or
ensuring regular servicing and
maintenance of the appliance and
chimney system.

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5.0 OPERATING
INSTRUCTIONS
5.1 FUELS
HEATAS Ltd. approval covers the
burning of the following smokeless
fuels in this inset stove:
Ancit.
Anthracite Large Nuts.
Centurion.
Cosycoke.
Maxibrite.
Phurnacite.
Sunbrite Doubles.
Welsh Dry Steam Coal (large
nuts).
Smokeless Coal
The above fuels are all suitable for
smoke control areas.
NOTE: Petroleum coke should never
be used on this appliance. If used, it
will invalidate the guarantee.
Wood can be used in this appliance.
The two main factors to be considered
when burning wood are the moisture
content and the density.
Moisture in wood will have an effect
on the CV (amount of heat per unit
volume), as any moisture in the wood
has to be boiled away before the wood
will burn.
It can also create smoke and tars which
could be corrosive and increase the
risk of a chimney fire.
Well-seasoned logs can have
approximately twice the CV of
unseasoned green logs.
Hard wood logs are denser than soft
wood logs and tend to burn for a
longer period of time.
Air dried wood should be seasoned for
at least 12 months, before burning.
Wood that has been contaminated or
treated with varnish, paint or other
coatings and preservatives should not
be used. Not only does it release
noxious chemicals into the air, but it
can also contribute to the amount of tar
and deposits building up in your
chimney.
NOTE: You should never over
stock/over fill your inset stove. The
recommended level to fill the inset
stove, is up to the metal lip, as
illustrated on the picture below.
Metal Lip - recommended fill level
5.2 LIGHTING AND
CONTROLING THE FIRE
5.2.1 WOOD
NOTE: Ensure the baffles are properly
installed prior to lighting the inset
stove as per Figure 1 and 2. Carry out
all checks as per 4.10.
Place some kindling and a firelighter
on top of the grate, add some dry
kindling and two to three logs.
Fully open out the secondary air
control (right hand side control) and

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open the primary air control (left hand
side) to about half way. See Figure 3.
Light the fire and close the door.
The room should be kept well
ventilated on the first lighting, as there
may be an odour and some smoke may
be released. This is just the paint
reacting to the heat and will only last
for a short time.
When the fire is well lit, adjust the
primary and secondary air controls to
give you the required level of flame.
See Figure 4. For best results, wood
will generally need more secondary air
than primary air.
Refuel the appliance when there is still
a good bed of glowing embers. Place
the required amount of logs on the bed,
open the secondary air control fully
and close the door.
Once the new fuel has taken, adjust the
secondary air control.
Figure 1.
Figure 2.
Figure 3.
Figure 4.
5.2.2 SMOKELESS FUEL
The same applies as with wood, but
you will require more primary air than
secondary air with smokeless fuel.
When burning Homefire or Anthracite
smokeless fuel, always have the
secondary air is fully open on ignition.
Leave it open for 3-5 minutes and
adjust thereafter.
5.3 OVERNIGHT
BURNING
To achieve slow burning/overnight
burning with smokeless coal, close the
secondary air and open the primary air
slightly. Please note that slow burning
may cause the glass to blacken and
cause sooty deposits in the flue way.
Furthermore, these settings are
guidelines and are dependent on the
draft and fuel quality.

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5.4 CLEARANCE OF ASH
The ash pan should be emptied on a
regular basis and always before it
becomes too full. See Figure 5. If ash
is left to build up close to the grate, it
will cause damage to it.
The ash pan is best emptied before you
riddle the fire because that is when the
ash is at its coolest. Check under the
ash pan once a week and clean this
area if necessary. See Figure 6.
Ensure the bottom plate (under the
ash pan) is always replaced after
cleaning.
5.5 THROAT PLATE
(BAFFLES)
5.5.1 INITIAL BURNING
In the first month after installation, the
baffles should be checked before each
ignition to establish a burning pattern
to fuel type. This is necessary because
some fuels deposit more soot than
others. In addition please refer to 4.6 of
this manual –cleaning of flue one
month after installation.
5.5.2 REGULAR CHECKING
Remove and clean any fly ash or soot
that has built up. This should be done
on a regular basis, about once a month
or more as deemed necessary.
Figure 5
Figure 6.
5.6 CO Alarms
You installer should have fitted a CO
alarm in the same room as the
appliance. If the alarm sounds
unexpectantly, follow the instructions
under „item no 6.6 below.
5.7 Extractor Fans
Do not fit an extractor fan in the same
room as this stove as this may cause
the stove to emit fumes into the room.
6.0 MAINTENANCE
6.1 CLEANING
6.1.1 General Cleaning
When cleaning the glass, always do so
when the inset stove is cold. Abrasive
cleaners or pads should never be used
on the glass. For stubborn deposits, use
a proprietary stove glass cleaner or
ceramic hob cleaner.
The front of the appliance may be
wiped with a damp, lint free cloth and
then dried with a dry lint free cloth.
Again, make sure the appliance is cold.
6.1.2 Chimney Cleaning
Where the chimney is believed to have
served an open fire installation it is
possible that the higher flue gas
temperature from a closed appliance
may loosen deposits that were
previously adhered, with consequent

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risk of flue blockage. It is therefore
recommended that the chimney be
swept a second time within a month of
regular use after installation.
6.2 DOOR SEALS
Check that the seals are in good
condition and in the correct place. If
they are worn, they should be replaced.
6.3 WHEN NOT IN USE
In the summer months or anytime that
the inset stove is not being used for a
long period of time, clean out the
inside thoroughly and open the primary
air control slightly.
This will help to prevent condensation,
and hence corrosion.
6.4 CHIMNEY CLEANING
The chimney should be cleaned at least
once a year and this can be done
through the inset stove. Remove the
throat plates (baffles) and fire bars
prior to undertaking a chimney clean.
6.5 CHIMNEY FIRES
If the instructions in this manual are
followed and the chimney is cleaned
once a year, chimney fires should not
occur.
Should the chimney go on fire, close
both air intakes and ensure the door is
fully closed. This should be enough to
ensure the chimney fire dies. If the fire
continues, then call the fire brigade.
Do not open the inset stove door at any
time during this period as it may cause
re-ignition. Leave the door closed until
the inset stove is cold.
The chimney must be swept and
carefully examined for damage after a
chimney fire.
6.6 FUME EMISSION
Fume emission is potentially
dangerous. There will however be the
occasional emission of fumes when
opening the door to clean out ashes or
filling the fire. Properly installed,
operated and maintained this stove will
not emit fumes into the dwelling.
Occasional fumes from de-ashing and
re-fuelling may occur. However,
persistent fume emission is potentially
dangerous and must not be tolerated. If
fume emission does persist, then the
following immediate action should be
taken:-
Take the following actions
immediately, if you suspect persistent
fume emission:
1. Open all windows and doors to
ventilate the room.
2. Let the fire go out.
3. Check for flue or chimney
blockage and clean if required.
4. Do not attempt to relight the
fire until the cause of the fume
emission has been identified
and corrected. If necessary seek
expert advice.
5. Do not light the fire until the
problem is rectified.
The most common cause of fume
emission is flue way or chimney
blockage. For your own safety these
must be kept clean at all times
6.7 PIPE PROTECTION
If there is a possibility that a part
of the heating system may be
frozen you should not light the
stove until you are confident that

16
the water system is able to fully
circulate
6.8 SERVICING
The following is a guideline checklist
which can be used during servicing.
Note that other checks may be required
(system dependant):
-Check flue to ensure it is clear and
free from soot.
-Remove baffles, clean and ensure
they are replaced correctly.
-Check air supply to room or inset
stove. Ensure that it is clean, secure
and free from debris.
-Ensure that all seals are in good
condition.
-Ensure that air wash openings are
clear.
6.9 SPARE PARTS
For spare parts please contact
Firebird directly at the following
contact numbers:-
Ireland:- 026 45253
N. Ireland:- 028 30888330
UK:- 01752 691177
7.0 TROUBLE
SHOOTING
FIRE WILL NOT BURN
Check that:
Primary and secondary air inlets
are open with no obstructions.
Chimney and baffles are clear.
Correct fuel is being used.
Air supply to room is adequate and
not blocked.
FIRE NOT RESPONDING TO AIR
CONTROLS/OVER BURNING
Check that:
The door is fully closed.
Both air controls to the appliance
are fully closed.
The door seals are in place and in
good condition.
The correct fuel is being used.
REDUCING BLACKENING OF
GLASS
This stove is designed with an air wash,
the function of which is to reduce
deposits on the glass.
Please note that certain fuel types can
cause blackening of glass.
Check that:
The appliance is not being starved
of air.
Bad quality fuel or damp fuel is
not being used.
The balance between primary and
secondary air is correct.
ADVERSE WEATHER
CONDITIONS
Draught may be affected during
bad/poor weather conditions. In this
case, air adjustments may be required.