Stove guide

• Factors to consider before purchasing your stove
  • Where is a suitable chimney or connection option located for the flue pipe?
    • General information: We recommend you contact your chimney sweep during the initial planning phase in order to clarify the requirements of the chimney as well as those of the fireplace and the flue pipe.
      
      If a connection is already present: What is the diameter of the chimney connection and how high is it? You will need this information when ordering your stove. If required, your chimney sweep or your stockist would be happy to help you ascertain this information.
      
      If a connection has to be provided: Please note that the installation must comply with the relevant safety and building regulations. Contact your chimney sweep for further information; he/she would be happy to help.
      
      Note: Under product information on the details page of the respective stove you will be able to download "Information for the chimney sweep" which contains all of the important information for each stove.
  • Where should the flue pipe connection on your stove be positioned?
    • Flue pipe connections can be positioned at the top, rear and side of the stove. Please bear this in mind when planning your stove. This information can be found on the detailed pages for the individual stoves under "Product information".
  • What is the size of the room you want to heat?
    • The room heating capacity specification indicates how many square metres can be heated with a particular heat output (in kW). This should provide you with guidance and a decision making aid when purchasing your new stove. RIKA woodburning and pellet stoves heat rooms measuring up to 260 m³ (which corresponds to an approximate floor space of 100 m2), depending on the level of building insulation present.
      
      A room temperature of 15° to 21°C can be generated in a short space of time, as stoves produce heat quicker than all other heating elements and are able to bring comfort and warmth to your home in just half an hour. This effective form of heating even pays for itself in the transition period.
      
      Heating capacity in comparison:
      
      
      Our tip: Simple and convenient control of your heating system is facilitated by modern RIKA pellet stoves, which can be fitted with a timer or activated by sending an SMS from your mobile (only available in Austria). So when you arrive home it's already at a pleasant temperature.
      
  • Where is your stove going to be positioned?
    • Depending on the model selected the stove can be set up in the corner, on the wall or in a free-standing configuration; this choice can be influenced by where you want to enjoy the view of the fire (e.g. from your couch or dining area) and of course depending on where the connection for the flue pipe is located.
      
      Our tip: It is even possible for some RIKA stoves to be rotated according to requirements. Simply click the "pivotable" symbol on the stove overview page to display all of the models that can be rotated.
  • What is the quality of the base on which the stove is going to be positioned?
    • Immaterial whether the stove is going to be set up on a stone, wood or carpeted floor, the patented RIKA glass or steel floor plates with surrounding sealing lip offer suitable protection for the underlying floor surface.
  • What safety clearances are to be taken into account?
    • 
      Please note the minimum clearances required when positioning your stove and selecting the relevant RIKA glass or steel floor plate.
      
      - To non-combustible items:    a > 100 mm b > 400 mm c > 100 mm
      
      - To flammable items (such as a wooden floor) and load-bearing, reinforced concrete walls:    a > 200 mm b > 800 mm c > 200 mm
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      Important information: It is imperative you comply with the national regulations as well as locally applicable provisions and requirements.
      
  • Is the stove close to a power source?
    • All RIKA pellet stoves as well as those RIKA woodburning stoves that are equipped with RIKATRONIC technology require an electrical connection that is preferably as close to the stove as possible. The woodburning stoves with RIKATRONIC technology are provided with the "RIKATRONIC" symbol in the left column on the detailed page of the stove. Alternatively you can also display all of the stoves that have "Fully automatic air regulation" (= RIKATRONIC) on the stove overview page
      
  • When is an ambient air-independent stove necessary?
    • In order to prevent negative pressure being generated during joint operation of a home ventilation system, extractor hood and a woodburning stove, it is advisable to buy an ambient air-independent stove. This is because all stoves require fresh air for both the heating and operating phase, which is supplied externally. This air can either be extracted from the room in which the stove is located, or it can be supplied from outside via a pipe. In these circumstances this is called an ambient air-independent stove.
      
      All RIKA models with a corresponding configuration are designated with the "Ambient air-independent" symbol. You can view all of the ambient air-independent stoves on the woodburning stove or pellet stove overview page.
              
      A couple of options are available for supplying the fresh air: A separate fresh air shaft can be installed in the chimney or a fresh air pipe that extracts air from outside or a well-ventilated cellar can be used. Select the option that is appropriate for your individual situation. The best way to clarify this point is by contacting your stockist.   
      
      
• Important selection criteria for purchasing your stove
  • Innovative combustion technology: Low emission levels with a high degree of efficiency
    • All RIKA stoves not only satisfy the planned legal requirements in their entirety, but they also produce results that are below the stipulated values. We have spent years working intensively on optimising the combustion technology used by our stoves. This has enabled us to drastically reduce particle and CO emissions. At the same time, the degree of efficiency produced by our stoves has been increased to in excess of 90%. This means that smaller quantities of wood or pellets are required to achieve the same heating effect! Modern woodburning or pellet stoves from RIKA generate heat in a very environmentally friendly manner and they also enable future environmentally friendly operation without the retrofitting of high-maintenance particulate filters.
      
      How does this work? Thanks to an improved mixture of the combustion gases with oxygen and an optimum distribution of primary and secondary air, a higher degree of efficiency and a lower fuel consumption can be achieved. Our stoves are equipped with the RLS-SYSTEM (simple one-handed operation of the air regulator) or RIKATRONIC technology (fully automatic air regulation). All of our pellet stoves operate in a fully automatic manner.
      
      These systems thereby provide optimum heating efficiency and maximum heat storage in relation to the dimensions of the stove. This is beneficial for both your wallet and the environment!
  • Stored heat: Economical and ecological heating.
    • Optimum heat storage – another important decision criterion. A stone casing ensures more effective storage than a ceramic or steel casing. If you find it important for a stove to supply heat for some time after the last flame has extinguished, then opt for a stove with long heat retention properties and the largest possible storage mass. The specifications relating to the storage mass of the individual models can be found on the detailed page of the respective stove.
  • A timeless design: The stove as a part of your home.
    • Trends come and go. We don't want to jump on the bandwagon of any particular style, but are primarily interested in fulfilling your desires and requirements. Therefore when we design our woodburning and pellet stoves we look towards sustainable and timeless aesthetics as well as future-oriented technology. Our stoves integrate harmoniously into any home and lifestyle and come with numerous colour options. This ensures you will get a lot of pleasure from your stove for a long time to come.
      
  • Certified safety: We take our responsibilities seriously.
    • All RIKA stoves naturally fulfil all of the relevant safety requirements.
      
      Only high quality materials that ensure a long service life and operational reliability are used in the production of RIKA stoves. Furthermore, RIKA stoves are exclusively manufactured in Austria using state of the art machinery.
      
      The 4 mm high-grade steel combustion chamber is able to withstand the stove temporarily overheating. The doors on all of our woodburning and pellet stoves are manufactured from high quality cast iron, thereby making them warp-free and ensuring long-term tightness.
      
      A special emphasis is also placed on the transparent ceramic glass panel, which is able to withstand temperatures of up to 750 degrees.
      
      Yet another safety aspect: Our stoves are available exclusively through authorised stockists. Reliable advice, experienced planning, professional stove assembly and expert instruction prevent any unpleasant surprises.
  • Panel air purge: A clear view of the fire.
    • Combustion residues are an inevitable part of the combustion process. The modern technology used by our woodburning and pellet stoves enables the glass panels to remain largely free from soot. This is due to the patented panel air purge which directs preheated combustion air (secondary air) along the inside of the panel, where it produces a protective "air cushion". The flowing air thereby constantly cleans the panel in the stove.
  • Automatic self-cleaning systems: Low maintenance requirements for pellet stoves.
    • RIKA pellet stoves are equipped with a self-cleaning system, which reduces cleaning requirements to a minimum. A pre-programmed hourly cleaning process, during which the supply of pellets is temporarily interrupted, ensures the combustion cavity is blown free of any ash residues by increasing the speed of the flue gas fan.
      
  • Long run-time: The size of the pellet tank is decisive.
    • RIKA pellet stoves are not only distinguished through their design, but also by the large holding capacity of the pellet tanks. Below is a brief overview of how long the respective stove can burn in continuous operation with a full tank.
      
      Overview of the running times of all RIKA pellet stoves during continuous operation
      
      

      		minimum		maximum		Holding capacity
      MEMO	from approx.	8	to	24	hours	17 kg
      VISIO,RIO, PREMIO	from approx.	15	to	46	hours	32 kg
      COMO	from approx.	16	to	48	hours	34 kg
      INTEGRA II	from approx.	23	to	92	hours	62 kg
      TOPO	from approx.	18	to	64	hours	47 kg

      
      
  • External control of pellet stoves: Overview of all thermostats and external controllers.
    • The following thermostats and controllers are available for our pellet stoves MEMO, COMO and TOPO:
      1. Room thermostat - comes with a rotary controller for setting the temperature, without a time programming function.
      2. Electronic room thermostat with display - offers a convenient external controller with a display and a weekly timer and/or thermostat.
      3. RIKA room sensor - offers limitless options; can be operated wirelessly or via a cable connection. This sensor is controlled via a weekly timer and/or a thermostat.
      4. Telephone modem (GSM): This modem is used to enable control by sending an SMS from a mobile phone.
      The following thermostats and controllers are available for our pellet stoves RIO, VISIO and INTEGRA II:
      1. Pellet Control; an external controller with a display which is controlled via a weekly timer and/or a thermostat.
      2. Telephone modem (landline) for enabling control via a telephone (only available in Austria).
• Tips for selecting the correct fuel
  • A brief overview: Suitable wood types and their calorific values.
    • Wood from different types of tree exhibit various calorific values. Hardwood or wood from deciduous trees is particularly suitable for use as a fuel. This burns with an even flame and produces long-lasting embers. Coniferous wood is rich in resin and, like all softwood, it burns quickly and tends to generate flying sparks.
      
      

      Wood  type	Calorific value Kwh/m³	Calorific value Kwh/kg
      Ahorn	1900	4,1
      Birch	1900	4,3
      Beech	2100	4,0
      Oak	2100	4,2
      Alder	1500	4,1
      Ash	2100	4,2
      Spruce	1700	4,4
      Larch	1700	4,4
      Poplar	1200	4,1
      Robinia	2100	4,1
      Fir	1400	4,5
      Elm	1900	4,1
      Willow	1400	4,1

      
      
      
  • Texture and quality of the fuel.
    • The following applies regardless of the wood type: The drier the wood, the cleaner it burns and the more energy it produces. Therefore you should only use wood that has been air-dried for 2 to 3 year and has a maximum residual moisture content of between 14 and 18 %. If the wood is too wet, water vapour condenses. This can cause damage to the stove and result in reduced performance.
      
      With regard to your health you should only use natural, unspoilt wood. Also make sure that pellets (wood briquettes) have been produced from natural, unspoilt timber.
      
      If the incorrect fuel is used, harmful and environmentally hazardous emissions can be produced in addition to various unpleasant odours. Therefore the following should not be placed inside the stove:
      - damp wood (moisture content in excess of 20%)
      - lacquered, laminated or impregnated wood
      - wood that has been treated with preservatives
      - household waste
      - paper briquettes
      - flammable liquids, burning pastes and jelly
      
      Please note that if unauthorised material is used, it shall result in an expiration of your warranty.
  • Size, storage and optimum quantity of split wood.
    • Size of split wood:
      
      Logs exceeding ten centimetres in diameter should be split at least once to ensure they burn properly. Ideal dimensions for firewood: 25cm or 33 cm in length; the diameter of the split wood should not exceed 7 cm.
      
      The size, however, also depends on the combustion chamber: Some models can accommodate 50 cm logs and smaller combustion chambers operate more efficiently with 25 cm logs.
      
      Chop the wood in a well-ventilated, preferably sunny location that is protected from the rain. If possible, stack the wood so that there is plenty of clearance between the layers; doing this will enable the air passing through the wood to disperse any escaping moisture. Fresh wood should not be stored in a cellar, as air and the sun are required for the drying process - dry wood, on the other hand, can be stored in a well-ventilated cellar.
      

      
      
      Storage of split wood:
      
      Too much firewood results in the stove overheating. An excessive load is exerted on the material and it will cause your stove to produce negative flue gas values.
      

      Too little firewood or logs that are too large will result in the stove not reaching its optimum operating temperature. The flue gas values produced here will also be negative.
      
      The correct quantity of firewood makes all the difference:
      
      For example, at a nominal heat output of 8 kW:
      2 logs or 2 wood briquettes (each weighing approx. 1 kg)
      
      For example, at a nominal heat output of 4 kW:
      2 logs or 2 x wood briquettes (each weighing approx. 0.5kg)
      
      
      
      Optimum quantity of split wood:
      
      Chop the wood in a well-ventilated, preferably sunny location that is protected from the rain. If possible, stack the wood so that there is plenty of clearance between the layers; doing this will enable the air passing through the wood to disperse any escaping moisture. Fresh wood should not be stored in a cellar, as air and the sun are required for the drying process - dry wood, on the other hand, can be stored in a well-ventilated cellar.
  • Quality and storage of wood pellets
    • Up to 100 percent natural, unspoilt residual wood is used for the production of wood pellets. This raw material predominantly comes in the form of wood shavings or sawdust as a quasi waste product from the woodworking industry. Fine-grain wood residues are compressed under high pressure and pelletised, i.e. pressed into a cylindrical shape.
      You can gather an impression of the quality of the pellets from their appearance. Generally speaking, good quality pellets exhibit smooth, slightly glossy surfaces that have no longitudinal splits.
      Pellets must be transported and stored so that they are kept completely dry. Please make sure that the pellets are located in a dry area of your storage room. Only by doing this can you ensure flawless and efficient combustion.
  • Disposing of the ash
    • The mineral element of the firewood and pellet (approx. 1%) remains on the floor of the combustion chamber in the form of a combustion residue. As this ash is a natural product, it makes an excellent fertiliser for all of the plants in your garden. The ash should be stored beforehand, however, and "purged" with water.
  • Purchasing firewood and pellets
    • Firewood:
      You can now order firewood online and have it delivered to your door. However, please ensure the wood you are ordering is from a reputable dealer, as there are significant differences in the quality of both pellets and logs. You can also have a look in the regional daily or weekly newspaper for local suppliers (e.g. farmers). Our tip: http://www.brennholz.org/
      
      Pellets: Purchasing pellets is a matter of trust. Therefore you should only buy pellets that exhibit the "Tested according to ÖNORM M 7531" seal of approval or pellets that have been certified in accordance with "DIN plus"; only by doing this can you be sure of the highest quality. Phrases such as "corresponding to" or "in keeping with the standard" mean that the production process for the pellets is not certified or monitored according to the standard.
      
      Our tip: Brand name pellet manufacturers ensure a nationwide network of warmth and comfort with more than 2,000 dealers located in Austria, Germany, Switzerland and South Tyrol. The range of pellets provided by these manufacturers has been rigorously tested according to the DIN and ÖNORM standard, which thereby ensures optimal heating performance and compliance with all of the regional standards and quality seal requirements.
      
      Here are some additional useful links for purchasing wood pellets in Austria, Germany and Switzerland:
      
      http://www.energie-holz-heizung.de (information arranged by state)
      http://www.pellets-sammelbestellung.com/
      
• Tips for cleaning and caring for your stove
  • General information
    • RIKA woodburning and pellet stoves have been designed according to state of the art technological knowledge and have been constructed to ensure minimal maintenance requirements and enhanced service lives. However, certain cleaning activities and seal inspections are still required from time to time. The periods between inspection intervals are primarily dependent on the quality of wood you use and how often you use your stove. We recommend you give woodburning stoves a basic clean after each heating procedure. Pellet stoves indicate the necessary service intervals on the display.
      
      Important information: Please make sure the stove has cooled down completely before conducting any maintenance or cleaning work!
      
      A suitable cleaning and care set for stoves with a soapstone or sandstone casing can be requested from RIKA. Simply send an e-mail or contact us on: 0043-7582-686-41.
      
      If you need to conduct any touch-up work, only use the original lacquer which can be purchased from your dealer as an optional accessory.
      
      Please also note that your woodburning or pellet stove is not suitable for storing, warming or drying items. Exceptions to this rule are those models which are equipped with a cooking compartment or hob.
      
  • Glass surfaces
    • When cleaning the cold glass surface use a special degreasing, ammonia-based cleaning agent which is available from your stove dealer.
      If the panel is still hot, wait until it has cooled down completely.
      Never use abrasive cleaners, as these could damage and scratch the glass panel.
  • Thermostone casing
    • Please note that the surface of the stone casing element on your woodburning or pellet stove is not suitable for storing, warming or drying items! Make sure that the surface of the stone does not come into any contact with, for example, any acidic liquids, grease, oil, adhesive, wax, resin, etc.
      Minor impurities can be removed using clean water and a sponge or some soap solution. Please exercise caution, however, as the surface or the surface structure could become damaged if this process is repeated too frequently.
  • Soapstone and sandstone
    • If you have a soapstone or sandstone stove, please note that the surface of the stone casing element is somewhat sensitive and is not suitable for accommodating metallic or ceramic pots, cans or containers. Exceptions to this rule are those models which are equipped with a cooking compartment or hob. Generally speaking, Finnish and Brazilian soapstone is used for our soapstone stoves, as this is characterised by a particularly high heat storage capacity. Natural stone surfaces have a decisive advantage in comparison to a painted surface. Stains such as grease, paint, soot particles, etc. can be removed easily.
      
      In order to ensure the surface maintains its appearance even after years of use, please observe the following cleaning and care information:
      
      Use P120 sandpaper to remove any minor impurities on the stone, such as black spots or other signs of use, by applying gentle pressure (in the direction of the grain) until the impurity is no longer visible. Then remove the sanding dust by gently brushing the surface with the supplied brush. Then wipe with a damp cloth without applying any pressure. Repeat these procedures depending on the level of contamination.
      
      In the case of sandstone the dust must be removed with the brush and then a vacuum cleaner. If a damp microfibre cloth is used, it can cause the fine dust particles to be deposited in the pores of the stone. By conducting this step you can also remove the last remaining dust particles from the stone.
      
      The cleaning kit which is available from RIKA contains a brush, sandpaper (P120 grain) and a microfibre cloth. Simply send an e-mail  if you want to order one.
      
  • Ceramic casing
    • The best way to clean the ceramic casing is by using a damp microfibre cloth and a mild cleaning agent (without any abrasive particles!). Never use cold water to clean the casing while the stove is still hot, as the thermal shock it causes could damage the ceramic casing.
  • Steel casing
    • The surface of the steel casing is resistant to extreme heat and should only be cleaned using a soft cloth (wet or dry). We recommend using a microfibre cloth.
  • Convection air openings
    • Vacuum the convection air openings regularly to ensure they are free of any dust deposits.
      The stove should be thoroughly cleaned before the start of the new heating season in order to prevent any unpleasant odours.
      
      
  • Flue gas ducts, flue pipe and exhaust air
    • The flue gas ducts should be thoroughly cleaned at least once a year. When doing this remove the flue pipes. Any soot and dust deposits in the stove and flue pipes can then be brushed away and vacuumed.
      Check the seals of the combustion chamber door and the ash tray at the beginning and end of a heating period. If they are damaged or exhibit signs of excessive wear, please ensure they are replaced.
  • Combustion chamber.
    • The interior of the combustion chamber consists of a special heat-resistant ceramic lining which should only be cleaned with a brush; never use any metal or abrasive objects.
  • Touching-up the lacquer.
    • If you need to conduct any touch-up work, only use the original lacquer which can be purchased from your dealer as an optional accessory. Never clean the lacquer before the initial heating phase under any circumstances!
• You ask - we reply
  • What happens to pellet stoves or woodburning stoves with RIKATRONIC technology in the event of a ...
    • Woodburning stoves that are equipped with RIKATRONIC technology are very convenient to use. In the event of a power failure the RIKATRONIC ventilation flap is automatically opened via a mechanical return spring to ensure a safe combustion process. After a brief power outage the RIKATRONIC unit will resume operation automatically. If the power failure is in effect for a prolonged period, the stove must be started up again.
      
      In the case of pellet stoves the previously set operating functions are likewise continued after a brief power failure. If the power failure is in effect for a prolonged period, the stove must be restarted.
      
  • Does the pellet stove motor make a noise?
    • All RIKA pellet stoves have been designed to operate in an extremely quiet manner. 
      
      The RIKA Como and Topo pellet stoves are equipped with an innovative, extremely low-noise, non-cyclic (!) drive for the conveyor system. A requirement-specific and continuous supply of pellets is produced, which also significantly reduces the level of operating noise.
      
      
      •  Send any of your queries to:  Service@rika.at