The Ashley Wood Burning Stove is a reliable and efficient heating appliance, perfect for adding warmth and ambiance to your home. This user guide provides concise and accurate information for operating and maintaining your Ashley Wood Burning Stove.
Table of Contents
- Safety Precautions
- Getting Started
- Operating Your Stove
- Cleaning and Maintenance
1. Safety Precautions
Safety is paramount when using a wood burning stove. Before operating your Ashley stove, take note of these essential safety precautions:
Clearances: Maintain proper clearances from combustible materials. Refer to the stove’s manual for specific clearance requirements.
Flue and Chimney: Ensure your flue and chimney are clean and in good condition. Have them professionally inspected and cleaned at least once a year.
Fire Extinguisher: Keep a fire extinguisher designed for wood stoves in a readily accessible location.
Carbon Monoxide Detector: Install a carbon monoxide detector near the stove to alert you to any harmful gas emissions.
Child Safety: If you have children or pets, use a safety gate to prevent accidental contact with the stove.
2. Getting Started
Stove Components
Familiarize yourself with the key components of your Ashley Wood Burning Stove:
Door: This is where you load wood into the stove and control the airflow.
Air Controls: You’ll typically find primary and secondary air controls. These regulate the amount of oxygen entering the stove for combustion.
Ash Pan: Located beneath the stove, it collects ashes for easy removal.
Firebrick or Baffle Plate: These components enhance combustion efficiency and protect the stove’s interior.
Wood Selection
Choose well-seasoned hardwoods like oak, maple, or hickory with a moisture content of around 20% or less. Seasoned wood burns hotter and produces less creosote buildup.
3. Operating Your Stove
Lighting the Fire
- Open the stove door.
- Place crumpled newspaper or fire starter at the stove’s base.
- Add small kindling on top of the starter material.
- Light the starter material.
- Once the kindling is burning strongly, add larger split wood pieces.
Controlling the Fire
Use the primary air control to regulate the burn rate. Opening it increases the burn rate, while closing it reduces it.
The secondary air control, often located above the door, enhances combustion efficiency. Adjust it for optimal burn performance.
To increase heat output, keep the secondary air control open during operation.
Loading the Stove
Place smaller pieces of wood at the bottom of the firebox and larger logs on top. This method allows for better airflow and combustion.
Avoid overloading the stove, as it can reduce efficiency and create excessive smoke.
4. Cleaning and Maintenance
Regular cleaning and maintenance are essential for the longevity and efficiency of your stove:
Ash Removal: Empty the ash pan as needed. Dispose of ashes in a metal container, away from combustibles.
Chimney Cleaning: Schedule annual chimney inspections and cleanings by a professional chimney sweep to prevent creosote buildup.
Gaskets and Seals: Inspect door gaskets and seals regularly. Replace them if they show signs of wear to maintain an airtight seal.
Exterior Cleaning: Wipe down the exterior with a damp cloth when the stove is cool to maintain its appearance.
Following these guidelines and referring to your specific Ashley Wood Burning Stove manual will ensure safe and efficient operation. Enjoy the comfort and warmth your wood stove provides while maintaining a secure and cozy living space.