First Time Use & Tips

For the first few times the appliance is lit, odorous fumes will be given off as the paint cures. Do not touch the paint work while it is curing otherwise it can leave a permanent mark on the appliance. For best paint curing it is best not to run too hot of fire for the first couple of uses, instead operate the fire on a medium setting. Keep the room well-ventilated until these fumes have cleared. Once the paint has cured, this will not re-occur.

Burn only seasoned hardwood timber with a moisture content of less than 20%. Newly cut wood should be split and allowed to dry/season for 12 to 18 months before use. Wood should be stored in an environment protected from the weather to minimise any potential moisture content.

1) Place firelighters or scrunched up paper and dry kindling wood in the base of the firebox. 
2) Fully open all air controls – refer to operating manual for your particular heater.
3) Light the paper or firelighters.
4) Leave the door slightly ajar for the first 10-15 minutes of start-up to help the fire establish more quickly. Do not leave the heater unattended during this time. 
5) Once the fire has taken hold, progressively add larger pieces of wood. For optimal burn conditions, place the logs in a front to back orientation (right angles to the door opening). Too many or too large logs may smother the fire.

Depending on the type of wood burnt and frequency, the ashes will need removing every 2 to 6 weeks. Excess ashes should be removed when necessary, placed in a non-combustible container such as the ash pan beneath and moved outdoors immediately to a location clear of combustible materials. Leave a small amount of ash, approximately 10mm thick, in the bottom of the firebox. This helps to insulate the base of the firebox.

It is recommended to inspect your flue and have it cleaned, if necessary, before the start of the season every year.  Given the nature of the job and the potential for damaging or dislodging of flue components it is recommended that this be completed by a qualified flue cleaning service. 

To inspect the flue: 

1. Remove the baffle plate (refer to ‘Replacing the Baffle Plate’ under Maintenance & Servicing) in your operating manual. 
2. Hold a small mirror on an angle below the flue, with a torch shining towards it, and look for black creosote build-up. It is normal to see a fine black powdery layer, but if built up layers of creosote can be seen, the flue requires cleaning. 
3. If no cleaning is required, re-fit the baffle plate.