Lighting A Multi-Fuel Stove

Lighting a Multi-Fuel Stove is a skill which can be easily and quickly picked up with our simple to follow steps below. It’s important to remember that with a Multi-Fuel Stove you are aiming for a strong GLOW and not a  flame. We hope you find it helpful.

1. Before lighting the stove, ensure that any build-up in the firebox has been removed and that the ashpan has been emptied.

2. On stoves with spin valves (this includes the Stanley Oisin, Oscar, Fionn and Tara), open the spin valve by turning it anti-clockwise.

3. Arange a few sheets of loosely crumpled balls of newspaper in the centre of your grate.

4. Place a few small sticks, kindling or an approved firelighter on top of your crumpled leaving plenty of space between for the air to circulate.

5. Ignite the paper in several places with a match or lighter and close the door.

6. When the fire is well established add fuel to the firebox, but do not overload. Stoves with a spin valve should be adjusted to the required setting.

7. Never allow the ashpan to overfill, doing so will result in the grate burning out prematurely (leaving a small amount of ash in the firebox is desirable though and can aid the lighting process).

8. Waste ash should be placed securely in a metal container with a tight fitting lid. The closed container of ashes should in turn be placed on a non-combustible floor and well away from all combustible materials while awaiting final disposal (we recommend the Stanley Ashmaster).

N.b. Never ever use flammable liquids such as petrol or paraffin to start or freshen the fire in a stove

Cresote/Tar Formation And The Need For Removal

When some solid fuels with a high moisture content are burned slowly they produce tar and other organic vapours which when combined form creosote. These creosote vapours usually condense as residue in the relative cool of the stoves chimney flue. Creosote,  when ignited produces an extremely hot fire and can pose a danger. As such you should ensure that your stoves flue and chimney is professionally cleaned twice a year.

Important Fire Safety Points

To provide reasonable fire safety all homes with and without a Multi-Fuel Stove should give serious consideration to the following:

1. Install and maintain smoke detectors

2. Purchase a small class ‘A’ fire extinguisher

3. Prepare a practical evacuation plan an discuss it with your family

4. Form a plan to deal with a chimney fire, as follows:

• - Call 999 for the emergency services
• - Close all openings to the stove if safe to do so
• - Evacuate your home or premises ensuring everyone is accounted for
• - While awaiting the emergency services watch for any further ignition from escaping sparks or embers from your chimney

What To Do Now…

If your shopping for a stove or you would appreciate some further expert advice why not Visit Us in-store today at Dalzell’s of Markethill, your local Multi-Fuel Stoves Retailer in Northern Ireland where you can view a range of exclusive stoves from brands like Stanley Stoves. We’re conveniently situated on the main road between Armagh and Newry, just 1 Hour from Dublin and 45 Minutes from Belfast.  Or alternatively you can Contact Us by email and/or call us for the Best Deal, Unbeatable Service and Free Delivery of any new Stove or any other appliance your home may require anywhere in Northern Ireland and Counties Louth, Monaghan & Dublin in Ireland (competitive delivery rates across the rest of the UK and Ireland).

If you wish to read further on Multi Fuel Stoves before getting in contact with us why not consider visiting our Solid Fuel Stove Buyers Guide or our previous blog article, Multi Fuel Stoves – Top Ten Tips

We Appreciate Your Business!

Shopping For A Multi-Fuel Stove?

Multi-Fuel Stoves are more popular than ever as the price of oil, gas and electricity continues to grow. Indeed, a Stove today is Cheaper Than an Oil Fill at only £299!

Operating a Stove, although simple, can though be a little daunting at the start and as such we have provided our Top Ten Tips when operating a Multi-Fuel Stove. With proper care and attention your stove will last for many many years, we hope you find this useful!

Our Top Ten Tips!

1. Before installing your new solid fuel stove, ensure your chimney/flue has been professionally inspected and that any cleaning or repair work has fully carried out.
2. Choose a stylish matching  connecting flue pipe to complement your new stoves good looks, stove flues are available in matt black and a range of enameled finishes.
3. If you are considering burning turf or wood in your new stove ensure you have a plentiful, local supply, and that it is fully dry for maximum efficiency.  Fuels with a high moisture content can result in a build up of tar in both the Stove and chimney.

4. Clean the flue-way of the stove weekly and ensure that there are no blockages.
5. When placing fresh fuel into your stoves firebox, riddle fully to remove all the ashes.  Riddling will allow for a better and cleaner burn.
6. Avoid allowing a build up of ashes in the ash pan, doing so will result in the grate burning out prematurely.
7. Allow adequate air ventilation to ensure plenty of air for combustion.
8. Try to avoid burning rubbish and household plastic.
9. Have your chimney professionally cleaned at least twice a year.
10. Observe the manufacturers clearance guidelines to combustible materials when installing your Stove.

What To Do Now…

If your shopping for a stove or you would appreciate some expert advice why not Visit Us in-store today at Dalzell’s of Markethill, your local Multi-Fuel Stoves Retailer in Northern Ireland where you can view a wide range of exclusive brands including Stanley Stoves. We’re conveniently situated on the main road between Armagh and Newry, just 1 Hour from Dublin and 45 Minutes from Belfast.  Or alternatively you can Contact Us by email and/or call us for the Best Deal, Unbeatable Service and Free Delivery of any new Stove or any other appliance your home may require anywhere in Northern Ireland (from Belfast and Newry to Londonderry and Enniskillen!) and Counties Louth, Monaghan & Dublin in Ireland (competitive delivery rates across the rest of the UK and Ireland).

If you wish to further examine the benefits of Multi-Fuel Stoves before contacting us you can visit our helpful Stoves Buyers Guide.

We Appreciate Your Business!