This document provides operation, maintenance, and warranty information for Yunca Woodburners, specifically models WEGJ 2000 (Sub 1.0), HOBSON (Sub 1.0), and FITZROY (Sub 1.0), as of September 2010. It emphasizes that the appliance should be maintained and operated at all times in accordance with these instructions to ensure many years of safe, efficient, and trouble-free operation.
Function Description
Yunca Woodburners are designed as efficient heating appliances for domestic use. They operate by burning wood to generate heat, with specific instructions for lighting, fuel selection, and air control to maximize efficiency and safety. The units are designed for a double burning action and maximum heat retention. Some models, like the Hobson and Fitzroy, also feature a cooktop function for cooking or keeping food warm, while the Wegj woodburner's top is not designed for this purpose. The Fitzroy model allows for the removal of its grill top for direct access to a cooktop surface.
Important Technical Specifications
The document does not list specific technical specifications such as heat output, dimensions, or weight. However, it does state that the heater has been tested and complies with the requirements of AS/NZS 2918:2001 and AS/NZS 4013, indicating adherence to Australian and New Zealand standards for solid fuel burning appliances.
Usage Features
Lighting and Operation:
- Initial Setup: Before the first fire, the stainless steel flue should be cleaned with metal polish and buffed, then wiped with methylated spirits to remove manufacturing oils and fingerprints.
- Lighting Procedure:
- Shift the control knob to the fully open position.
- Ignite paper and kindling/fire starters.
- Gradually add larger pieces of wood as the fire establishes.
- Once brightly burning, adjust the control knob to the desired setting.
- Air Control: After 10-20 minutes, once a good fire is established, the air control should be adjusted back to a "slower lazy type flame" for most efficient burning, double burning action, and maximum heat retention.
- Safety Precaution: Always open the air control before opening the fire door when the unit is lit.
- Avoid High Heat: Do not run the heater for extended periods on high, as this can damage the firebox and reduce the lifespan of combustion plates, fire bricks, and air tubes.
- Initial Burning Odours: During the first 24 hours, some smoke and odours may be present due to the burning off of light oils and paint from manufacturing; this is normal.
Fuel Selection:
- Recommended Fuel: Dry, well-seasoned soft wood (e.g., pine) is recommended for peak log burning efficiency. Wood should be stacked under cover with good air circulation for at least nine months to reduce moisture content.
- Avoid:
- Wet (green) wood, as it reduces efficiency and causes creosote buildup, posing a fire hazard.
- Salt-borne drift wood, as salt reacts with the flame and damages heater components.
- Chemically treated timbers, which may not burn well and can release noxious chemicals.
- Garbage, plastic, or aerosol cans, as these are dangerous and reduce heater lifespan.
Cooktop (Hobson and Fitzroy models):
- Designed for cooking or keeping food warm.
- Direct cooking on enamel grill tops may cause damage.
- The Fitzroy's grill top can be removed for direct access to a cooktop surface.
- The Hobson's cooktop surface should be treated with stove blackening or high-temperature paint periodically to maintain its appearance.
Safety Cautions:
- Install a fire safety screen, especially for young children.
- The ceramic glass gets very hot; children must be warned.
- Keep door seals clear of ash or wood to prevent damage and inefficient burning.
- Do not use a vacuum cleaner to clean the heater unless it is completely cold and unused for several days.
- Never use flammable liquids or aerosols to start or rekindle the fire, or in the vicinity of an operating appliance.
- Do not store fuel within heater installation clearances.
- Maintain a "heater-metre" rule: keep soft furnishings one metre away.
- Do not operate the appliance with cracked glass.
- Any modification not approved in writing by the testing authority is considered a breach of AS/NZS 4013.
Maintenance Features
General Maintenance:
- Cleaning Panels: Panels can be cleaned by buffing with a soft cloth. A foamed or non-abrasive cleanser can be used for stubborn soiling, followed by polishing with a soft, dry cloth.
- Ceramic Glass Cleaning: Residue on the ceramic glass will often burn off when the heater is restarted. For more stubborn residue, use a damp paper towel dipped in ash and polish with a clean, dry paper towel. A spray foam cleanser (rinse well) is recommended for extra cleaning. Clean only on a slightly warm or cold heater.
- Cleaning Materials: Always follow product label instructions for cleaning materials. Do not use abrasives or sharp metal tools.
- Annual Check-up: The Yunca Woodburner and flue system should be professionally checked and cleaned annually before the cooler season. Flues are recommended to be cleaned at least annually.
Ash Clearing:
- The woodburner is designed to have a bed of ash at the bottom of the firebox.
- Remove ash as needed, but always leave a bed of ash to maintain efficiency and protect the firebox.
- Ensure ash is cold before removal. Place cold ash outdoors in a fireproof receptacle with a tight-fitting lid, clear of combustible materials. Ash from untreated wood can be dug into the garden as fertilizer.
Simple Maintenance (Owner-Performed):
Yunca fires are designed for owners to carry out simple maintenance tasks. Detailed information is available in "Spare Parts (Woodburner)" and "Maintenance" files on www.yunca.co.nz.
- Replacement of Parts: Owners can replace fire bricks, combustion plates, air tubes, door handles and shafts, door rope, glass, and glass seals.
- Troubleshooting Guide: The manual includes a table of common faults, their causes, and remedies:
- Heavy creosote buildup/glass blackening: Caused by burning wet wood or insufficient heat. Remedy: Use dryer wood, ensure a clean flue, and establish a good fire bed.
- Heater unable to be turned down: Caused by faulty door/glass seal. Remedy: Check/replace seals, adjust locking nut on door handle shaft (if applicable).
- Water booster not performing/making banging noises: Caused by liming up or incorrect installation. Remedy: Replace booster, refer to installation instructions.
- Fumes: Caused by leaking flue joints, blocked flue, or insufficient draw from the flue. Remedy: Seal flue joints, clean creosote, have flue professionally cleaned, increase flue height (minimum 600mm above ridge, extend if near tall buildings/trees), or fit H-type weather cap.
- "Blow Back": Occurs when too much fuel smothers embers, causing gas buildup and sudden ignition. Remedy: Add smaller amounts of fuel, do not smother embers, ensure a flame is always present.
- Soot or creosote fire: Caused by buildup in the flue. Remedy: Turn heater controls to off, call local fire brigade.
Warranty Information:
- Standard Warranty: 12 months for the first owner, covering defective material or workmanship. Includes associated labour costs but excludes freight and travel.
- Covered Components (12 months): Door seal, glass seal, combustion plate, refractory bricks and retainers, secondary air tubes, Yunca Water boosters, Yunca Flue systems, door handles and shafts, panels, and castings.
- Extended Firebox Warranty: An additional 9-year warranty covers the firebox against defects during normal domestic use. Yunca will repair or replace parts free of charge, but after 12 months, the owner is responsible for delivery to the dealer and reinstallation costs.
- Warranty Exclusions: Damage from mishandling, misuse, failure to follow instructions, work by non-Yunca personnel, insufficient draught, normal wear and tear (e.g., cladding, paintwork, flue cleaning), abuse, neglect, accidents, acts of God (earthquakes, floods, etc.), theft, commercial use, alterations to specifications, use of non-approved parts, or unrecommended fuels/accelerants.
- Any repair or adjustment by a non-franchised dealer or installer is not covered, though the selling dealer can submit a claim in emergencies.
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