What are the contraflow channels?
There are around 4-6m of contraflow channels (model dependent) within the stoves.
These channels are effectively additional flue pipe within the stove and therefore have to be heated up like a flue does. Contraflow flue gas channels run down through the body of the stove, underneath the stove and up through back of the stove on the left and right handside.
These contraflow channels act as a heat exchanger and help retain the heat within the stove and winding flue passages heating up the thermally efficient silicon carbide, which it slowly releases the heat long after the fire has gone out.
E678 Contraflow Channels
How do I heat the contraflow channels?
Like trying to light a wood burner with a stone cold flue, you will struggle with smoke back if the flue channels on your Ecco Stove are cold.
The best way to heat the contraflow channels is to place fire lighters in the bottom plugs on the stove. Alternaively, you can use a blow torch to heat the channels.
Generally you will only do this when you are lighting the stove from cold. This isnt neccessary if you are maintaining the heat within the stove as the flue channels will remain warm. Most people only need to heat the flue channels when lighting the stove from cold. If you are having issues with smoke and have a larger model, we would recommend checking that your flue channels are pulling and therefore are warm.
To heat your flue channels within your Ecco Stove, place a fire ligher in both sides of the bottom plugs, keep the plugs off and begin to light your stove. Allow the fire loghers to burn for upto 5 minutes. When the channels begin to pull, you can place the plugs back in.
See our video below on how the channels look when they are heated.
How do I clean the contraflow channels?
Typically the contraflow channels need to be cleaned twice throughout the burning season. However, if you are noticing issues with smoke, you could have some build up in your channels.
The contraflow channels are accessed using the plugs within the stove. These plugs are removable on the left and right hand side and the front bottom plugs.
These plugs are easily removed simply by pulling them. The plugs fit snugly within their designated holes and have rope surrounding the material to ensure these don’t allow any heat/smoke to escape. Ensure to check rope on plugs is in good condiiton and the plugs fit snugly. The rope should be replaced if the rope is damaged or beginning to deteriorate.
- To clean the flue channels simply remove the plugs on the sides.
- We provide customers with a brush that fits in the cleaning port as part of the stove purchase. These are also available for purchase from our office.
- Remove side plugs on both sides.
- Feed brush down into the bottom of the channel. Repeat twice.
- Ensure both top plugs are cleaned first on both left and right side.
- Remove front plugs and hoover out ensuring all debris is removed. to add your own text and edit me. It's easy.
