TROUBLESHOOTING
PROBLEM
CAUSE
SOLUTION
Fire to difficult to start
Fire goes out
Wood too green, too damp or poor
quality
Use recommended fuel
Logs are too large
When lighting, use small, dry kindling
Air starvation
Open lower and upper air controls
Insufficient draught
Check that the flue is not obstructed -
clean if necessary
Fire burns too quickly
Too much draught
Ensure that the lower air control is
closed. Partially close the top air control
Excessive draw
Install a draught stabilizer. Consult your
installer
Poor quality wood
Use recommended fuel
Fireplace smokes when
lighting up
Flue duct is cold
Burn paper and kindling wood to increase
heat
Room is at negative air pressure to the
outside
In houses equipped with mechanical
ventilation, open a window until the fire
is well established
Low heat output
Incorrect fuels
Use recommended fuel
Smokes while burning
Draught is insufficient
Check that the flue is not obstructed -
clean if necessary
Downdraught present
Install an anti-downdraught cowl. Consult
your installer
Room is at negative air pressure to the
outside
In houses equipped with mechanical
ventilation, open a window until the fire
is well established
Smoke spillage when
opening the door
Chimney not tall enough to be clear of
the roof
Increase height of chimney
Poor sealing of flue pipe joints
Re-connect flue and replace joining
material
Flue is partially blocked with soot
Clean chimney
House too tighly sealed
Ensure fresh air supply is reaching the
fireplace
19
