MultiFuel LOG burner maintenance

Annual Maintenance

We will be discussing what to do for Multi-fuel Log burner maintenance. To get the most out of your Multi Fuel Log burner it will need some TLC and also annual maintenance. Please read below and follow the tips to help get the most out of your appliance.

Cleaning

Under certain circumstances eg using incorrect fuel, damp logs etc soot and debris can build up quickly. If the correct recommended fuel is used and logs with the correct moisture content this will take a longer time. The main areas for this are on the throat plate and tops of fire bricks.

We recommend this is checked before the autumn/winter period so it is ready for the long cold nights. Remove this and hoover is off or brush into a bucket. If it is stubborn to remove then the use of a small scraper. Remove the fire bricks and clean them. Check the door gaskets rope seal, the seals round the glass. If they are in bad order, then sort out replacements or contact us you Local HETAS installers.

With a wire brush clean out the insides of the stove, paying attention to the small air inlet holes where you open and close to allow air into the fire or close it off.

Have the Chimney swept and cleaned – check flue pipe and joints and have them resealed if necessary. Re-assemble and leave with air wash levers partially open to allow air flow through the appliance, which will prevent moisture and condensation from building up inside the appliance and flue with the small air flow through it.

Chimney Sweeping

This is a vital part of maintenance as if this isn’t carried out or done incorrectly then the worst case is someone could die. Having the chimney swept by a registered chimney sweep carries out a number of functions. Please read the following :

1. It will identify any issues with your chimney and what repairs are needed to be carried out.
2. It will ensure that the flue is clear of any obstructions to enable your products of combustion to exit the chimney in the correct manner
3. It will identify as parts of the checks if there are any leaks from the stove or chimney which could be poisonous gases if it was a fire.
4. It should be swept before a new installation takes place and once a year after that as a minimum. In certain cases a soot door may need to be fitted to make the inspection and sweeping of a chimney easier.
5. A registered chimney sweep should be used ie with HETAS or another body.
6. If a fire or log burner has not been used for a prolonged period of time then is should also be swept to ensure the flue ways are clear.

Door Glass

The door glass should remain clear during use if using the correct fuel. There a numerous reasons it could become black.

1. Using the wrong fuel
2. Using damp wood
3. Keeping the fire in over night.

To clear it up you try burning the stove on high rate or cleaning it while the appliance is cold. To clean use a damp cloth moistened with vinegar dipped in the ash will do a great job. Or newspaper just moist with water. Alternatively you could use a proper cleaner designed for the job.

OUTERFINISH

The outside of a log burner is painted with a very durable high surface temperature paint, what ever the colour. Try not to allow moisture or spill anything on the appliance as this will cause the appliance to rust. The exterior surface shouldn’t need touching for a long while – this all depends on the use of the fire. If the fire is burned hotter for long periods of time then the repainting will be required sooner. Aerosol tins of paint are readily available for this task. Never repaint the fire when it is hot, always allow it to cool down first.

We carry out the following procedure when prepping to paint a Multi fuel Log Burner

1. Door glass removal
2. using wire wool we lightly rub down all the paintwork to key the paint.
3. We cover any brass work or chrome with tape or paper as well as any adjacent brick work or decorations – if the stove isn’t being removed from premises.
4. Wear appropriate PPE eg face masks, safety glasses etc.
5. Always follow instruction on paint cans
6. When dry refit anything thats been removed.
7. Allow the paint to cure for at least 4-6 hrs
8. Light a fire on low for the first few hours then build up slowly to gradually cure the paint.

Summer Use and Long Periods of downtime

At the end of the cold season – spring time going into summer. Please ensure your stove is left clean and moving parts are lubricated. Leave vents on the stove open to allow air movement air movement through the stove and if possible leave the door slightly open. This is to allow free air flow round and though the stove and flue ways. This will keep damp out of the stove and chimney. By following the above this will keep your stove in top condtion ready for the next cold season and winter months.