Lighting a fireplace insert: a step-by-step guide

Use dry wood: The drier the wood, the higher its usable energy content. A residual moisture content of less than 20 per cent is ideal. Bring your firewood into a warm place a few days before you plan to use it – cold wood burns less efficiently and produces more ash.

Hardwood for heat, softwood for kindling: Hardwoods such as beech produce plenty of embers and provide long-lasting heat. Softwoods such as spruce, fir or pine are better suited for kindling as they catch fire quickly. The bark can be burnt along with the wood – but it should be placed as far down or to the rear of the fire box as possible.

Do not remove the ash too soon: A thin layer of ash on the firebox floor helps the fire to catch alight more quickly and does not need to be removed after every firing.

1. Preparing and placing the wood
   Place the wood logs – preferably beech – either lying flat or standing upright in the fire box. A single wood log should not weigh more than 1 kg. The fuelwood requirement depends on the nominal heat output of your fireplace insert – please refer to the user manual for the recommended total weight. Also add at least 10 logs of finely chopped kindling wood, such as fir wood.
   
   
2. Open the air supply
   Open the air slide fully. If your fireplace insert has a throttle valve, open this as well. Depending on local conditions, an external combustion air supply may also need to be opened – please check this in the user manual for your model.
   
   
3. Light the fire
   Light the fire using a suitable firelighter.
   
   
4. Adjust the air slide
   Once the fire is burning well, set the air slide to approximately the middle position. The optimum setting depends on the installation location and the flue system. A well-adjusted fireplace insert will produce a lively view of the flames with yellow-orange flames – this is a sign of efficient and environmentally friendly combustion. With a little practice, you will find the right position for your specific circumstances.

Frequently asked questions about lighting a fireplace insert

How often do I need to add more wood?
This depends on the nominal heat output of the fireplace insert and your desired heat output. Add more wood when the flames have become noticeably smaller and there is a good base of embers – do not add wood to an open fire whilst large logs are still burning.

Can I leave the ash in the fireplace insert?
Yes – a thin layer of ash on the firebox floor is actually helpful, as it acts as an insulating layer and makes it easier to get the fire going. However, excess ash should be removed regularly.

Do you have any questions about how to operate your fireplace insert correctly? Your Attika dealer will be happy to advise you – in person and with expert knowledge. Find a dealer near you now.