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CONDENSATION
Condensa on from the fi replace/fl ue pipe/chimney may occur. This may well be related to damp fuel or temperature diff erences between the
fi replace and the surrounding area. Condensa on that comes from the fi replace has the appearance of a black, tar-like liquid. This should be wiped
off immediately to avoid discoloura on of the fi replace, fl oor and surrounding building components.
Rapid ligh ng and fresh stoking reduce the risk of condensa on.
If the condensa on persists, mineral sand can be used on the fi replace's bo om plate.
THE CHIMNEY'S FUNCTION
The chimney is the engine of the wood stove and is crucial for its func oning. Chimney dra s create nega ve pressure in wood stoves. This nega ve
pressure removes the smoke from the stove and sucks the air through the combus on air vent for the burning process.
The draught in the chimney is caused by the diff erence in temperatures inside and outside the chimney. The greater the temperature diff erence,
the be er the draught in the chimney. It is therefore important to allow the chimney to reach opera ng temperature before adjus ng the damper
se ngs to restrict combus on in the stove (a brickwork chimney takes longer to reach opera ng temperature than a steel chimney).
It is par cularly important to reach opera ng temperature as quickly as possible on days on which the draught in the chimney is poor due to
unfavourable wind and weather condi ons. It is important to achieve some fl ames quickly. Chop the wood into much smaller pieces and use an
extra fi relighter.
If the stove has not been used for some considerable me, it is important to check the chimney pipe for blockage.
It is possible to connect several solid fuel stoves to the same chimney. However, it is important to check out the applicable rules in this areas fi rst.
Even a good chimney can func on poorly if it is used incorrectly. Correspondingly, a poor chimney can func on well if it is used correctly.
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