Can't use wood burner - fire alarm goes mad

Apodemus

You could cover the alarm with something (disposable glove often works!) as a temporary measure to allow you to light the fire to heat it all up properly and burn off any residues on the system.

...With the usual caveats that you remember to take the glove back off afterwards and that you remain in a higher state of vigilance while alarm is non-functional.

Kiran

Apodemus wrote: »

You could cover the alarm with something (disposable glove often works!) as a temporary measure to allow you to light the fire to heat it all up properly and burn off any residues on the system.
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Be very careful doing this, the chalk on the gloves can play havoc with the sensors if you aren't careful putting them on and taking them off. Bitter experience has taught me this in commercial environments!


Working through the problems logically, firstly get the flue swept, and tested for draw.


Its very possible that the issue is user error and I don't say that with the intention of being condescending. How are you lighting the stove? Opening and closing the door before the fire has had a chance to warm the flue will allow smoke to escape into the room.


All stoves are different and need to be managed differently however try a couple of firelighters on a good sized bed of kindling with 3 or 4 screwed up sheets of newspaper. Once its lit, leave the door closed (open on the latch when is starts is fine). You should get a roaring flame and very little smoke. Flues need to be warm to draw so this will get it going in the right direction


When you open the door, do it slowly, opening it quickly will cause air to been drawn out. Once the fire is loaded leave it alone til its time to reload.


Also worth investigating is creating top down fires. These take practice but well worth it as you can light the fire and leave it so no smoke/smell escaping into your room from reloading.