Getting the best from your fuel

Click below for lighting instructions for:

• Openfires
• Multifuel stoves and roomheaters

OPEN FIRES

LIGHTING

Smokeless fuels require a good input of heat to light because they are dense fuels, low in volatile gases. These characteristics give them long burning features and the low level of gases are of environmental benefit. Lighting is best achieved by following the instructions below.

Place 2 firelighters and sufficient kindling to cover the fire bed.

Place a layer of fuel on top.

Light the firelighters ensuring that the boiler damper (if fitted) is closed and the draft regulator is open.

When the fire is well established add more fuel to give a deep fire bed. Adjust draught to give the required burning rate.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (ROSPA) recommends that it is good practice to use a fireguard with any open fire, particularly if children, the elderly or pets are present.

DE-ASHING AND ASH REMOVAL

Care in de-ashing the fire bed will be rewarded in fuel economy.
If the ash pan is relatively full, empty it before de-ashing appliance. Under no circumstances should ash be allowed to build up so it touches the underside of the fire bars.

Remove the ashpan and contents quickly from the room. An ash pan "Tippy" is useful for efficient removal of ash to the point of disposal.

Replace the ash pan and ensure that the ash pit door is refitted securely.

It is important that de-ashing is undertaken gently to avoid breaking the burning briquettes which would deteriorate burning performance. Drawing a thin poker gently from the back to the front of each fire bar should be sufficient.

If this sounds like too much hassle check out our great range of ash vacs.

REFUELLING

When Refuelling the fire optimum results can be achieved by the following points
Prior to refuelling the level of the draught should be increased to assist in re-establishing the fire.

The draught should be reduced to achieve the desired burning rate once the fire is fully established.

SLUMBERING

Refuel to capacity with banking plate in position if supplied.
Any air control should be closed down.

When recovery is required careful de-ashing will uncover the still burning briquettes and new fuel should be added after the banking plate has been removed and air controls opened once again.

To ensure you get great fuel economy check out our staff recommendations for the best coal for open fires.

ROOMHEATERS AND MULTIFUEL STOVES

LIGHTING

Smokeless fuels require a good input of heat to light because they are dense fuels, low in volatile gases. These characteristics give them long burning features and the low level of gases are of environmental benefit. Lighting is best achieved by following the instructions below.

Remove ash pit door to maximise trough draft.

Place 2 firelighters on a layer of fuel and cover with kindling wood and position more fuel.

Light the firelighters and position more fuel in a mound over them.

When the fire is well alight replace the ash pit door and set the thermostat to the required level.

Be sure to replace the ash pit door as continuing to run the appliance with the door open can cause appliance damage.

DE-ASHING AND ASH REMOVAL

Care in de-ashing the fire bed will be rewarded in fuel economy.
If the ash pan is relatively full, empty it before de-ashing appliance. Under no circumstances should ash be allowed to build up so it touches the underside of the fire bars.

Remove the ashpan and contents quickly from the room. An ash pan "Tippy" is useful for efficient removal of ash to the point of disposal.

Replace the ash pan and ensure that the ash pit door is refitted securely.

De-ashing the appliance can then be undertaken according to the manufacturer's instructions. It is important to minimise the levels of unburnt fuel falling into the ash.

Ensure the appliance door is securely closed.

If this sounds like too much hassle check out our great range of ash vacs.

REFUELLING

When refuelling the fire optimum results can be achieved by the following points:
It is inadvisable to let the firebed get too low before refuelling as this can lead to a build up of clinker above the grate.

Prior to refuelling, ash should be cleared from the grate by gentle use of a poker or mechanical de-ashing system.

Ensure the ash pan is emptied on a regular basis. Under no circumstances should ash be allowed to build up so it touches the underside of the firebars.

Thermostat should be opened to full before fuel is added to the firebox.

Refuel the fire to the required level.

Ensure appliance and ash pit doors are properly closed.

Leave thermostat open for about 15 minutes to allow the fire to re-establish itself then adjust the thermostat to the required level.

SLUMBERING

When it is desired to run the appliance at a low output for a prolonged period you should observe the following:

Condition the fire by turning up the thermostat for 20 minutes. Do not de-ash the fire bed.

Refuel the fire to the required level. Turn down the thermostat to a low level immediately after refuelling the fire and ensure all doors are securely shut.

Experience will enable your to decide the appropriate volume of fuel and the setting of the appliance for the desired slumbering period.

Although CPL Fuels can slumber for long periods it is recommended that for effective appliance use the appliance is raised to full out put for at least half an hour twice a day.

To recover the fire from slumbering, gently de-ash the firebed and turn the thermostat up prior to re-fuelling.