Harvia Wood-Burning Sauna Stove: Installation and Use Manual
This comprehensive manual provides essential information for the safe and effective installation, operation, and maintenance of Harvia wood-burning sauna stoves.
Introduction & Product Overview
Congratulations on choosing a Harvia sauna stove. Proper use and maintenance ensure optimal performance and longevity. Please read these instructions thoroughly before installation and use.
Harvia offers a diverse range of wood-burning sauna stoves, including models such as:
M1, M2, M3, M3 SL, 20 Pro, 26 Pro, 36, 20 SL, 20 Duo, 36 Duo, 20 ES Pro/S, 20 RS/LS Pro, 20 Boiler, 20 SL Boiler, Classic 140, Classic 220, Classic 280, Classic 220 Duo, Premium, Premium VS, Linear 16, Linear 16, Linear 22, Linear 22, Linear 22 ES, Linear 22 RS/LS, Linear 28.
Specific model codes and technical data are detailed within this manual.
1. General Information
1.1. Stove Selection
Choosing the correct stove output is crucial. An undersized stove requires longer, more intense heating, potentially reducing its lifespan. Consider non-insulated surfaces (brick, glass, tile, concrete) which increase heating requirements (add 1.2 m³ per square meter). For massive log walls, multiply the volume by 1.5.
For assistance with model selection, consult your Harvia dealer or representative. Further details are available at www.harviasauna.com.
1.1. Stove Parts
Key components of the Harvia stove include:
- A. Upper connection opening
- B. Rear connection opening
- C. Soot opening
- D. Stove door
- E. Ash box
2. Instructions for Use
2.1. Safety Warnings
⚠️ Important Safety Precautions:
- Avoid prolonged exposure to high temperatures in the sauna.
- Keep a safe distance from hot stove surfaces and stones to prevent burns.
- Never throw water on hot stones when people are nearby; hot steam can cause burns.
- Keep children away from the stove.
- Ensure children, elderly, or infirm individuals are supervised during sauna use.
- Consult a doctor regarding any health conditions that may affect sauna bathing.
- Exercise caution when moving around the sauna, as surfaces can be slippery.
- Do not use the sauna under the influence of alcohol, medication, or narcotics.
- Never sleep in a hot sauna.
- Coastal air and humidity may cause corrosion on metal parts.
- Do not dry clothes in the sauna to prevent fire hazards.
2.2. Preparing the Stove for Use
The initial heating should be done outdoors. The stove body is coated with a protective paint that vaporizes, producing smoke. Once smoke dissipates, the stove is ready for normal use. Remove any paint residue mechanically. Install smoke pipes for proper draught, which may also release initial odors.
The heat-resistant paint on the outer casing cures during the first heating. Avoid rubbing or cleaning painted surfaces before this process is complete. Sauna stones should only be added after the stove has cooled down from its first heating cycle. If your stove includes a water container, clean and fill it before the first heating. Avoid splashing water onto the stove during the first heating, as this can damage the paint.
2.3. Burning Material
Use dry, chopped firewood for best results. The moisture content of the wood significantly impacts burning efficiency and cleanliness. Using wood with high thermal value excessively can reduce the stove's lifespan.
Materials to Avoid Burning:
- High-energy materials (chipboard, plastics, coal, briquettes, pellets).
- Painted or treated wood.
- Waste materials (PVC, textiles, leather, rubber, disposable diapers).
- Garden waste (grass, leaves).
- Liquid fuels.
2.4. Sauna Stones
Use only approved sauna stones (peridotite, olivine diabase, olivine, vulcanite). Stones should be cleavage-surface or rounded. Ceramic or decorative stones require manufacturer approval and specific usage instructions. Decorative stones are for the top layer only and must be placed loosely to ensure adequate air circulation. Ensure stones do not contact heating elements or the stove's inner frame. Using unapproved stones voids the warranty. Stones should be 10-15 cm in diameter. Wash stones before use to remove dust.
2.5. Heating the Stove
Before heating, ensure the sauna and safety zones are clear of flammable materials. Extractor fans may affect performance. Empty the ash box. Load firewood, allowing space for combustion air. Place larger logs at the bottom, smaller ones on top. Use firewood with a diameter of 8-12 cm. Place kindling on top for cleaner emissions. Ignite the kindling and close the door. Adjust draught using the ash box. The stove is not designed for use with the door open.
Note: Stove handles can become hot; use the provided tool. For initial heating, keep the ash box slightly open to ensure a proper start. Excessive draught can lead to overheating and shorten the stove's life. Once the sauna is warm, the ash box can be closed to regulate the fire and reduce wood consumption.
2.6. Sauna Water Quality
Use only clean household water for the sauna stones. Water quality requirements are critical:
Water Property | Effect | Recommendation |
---|---|---|
Humus concentration | Colour, taste, precipitates | <12 mg/l |
Iron concentration | Colour, odour, taste, precipitates | <0.2 mg/l |
Manganese (Mn) concentration | Colour, odour, taste, precipitates | <0.10 mg/l |
Hardness (Mg, Ca) | Precipitates | Mg: <100 mg/l, Ca: <100 mg/l |
Chloride-containing water | Corrosion | Cl: <100 mg/l |
Chlorinated water | Health risk | Forbidden to use |
Seawater | Rapid corrosion | Forbidden to use |
Arsenic and radon concentration | Health risk | Forbidden to use |
Caution: Apply water only to the stones. Water on hot steel surfaces can cause blistering due to rapid temperature changes.
2.7. Maintenance
Stove: Regularly empty the ash box to prolong the fire grate's life. Use a metal container for ash, kept away from flammable materials. Periodically clean soot and ash from smoke canals via the soot openings. Rearrange sauna stones annually or more frequently as they disintegrate, replacing any broken pieces. Wipe the stove with a damp cloth.
Chimney: Sweep the chimney and connection pipes regularly, especially after periods of non-use. Incomplete combustion or lack of sweeping can lead to chimney fires. In case of a chimney fire: close all openings, contact the fire authority, do not use water to extinguish, and have the chimney inspected by a professional afterward.
2.8. Troubleshooting
No draught / Smoke in sauna: Check flue connections for leaks, ensure the flue is warm, verify adequate room air supply (especially with extractor fans), check for multiple heat sources, ensure the ash box is empty, check for blocked smoke canals, and verify the flue connection pipe's depth.
Sauna not heating: Possible causes include the sauna being too large for the stove's capacity, excessive non-insulated wall surfaces, damp or poor-quality fuel, insufficient flue draught, or blocked smoke canals.
Stove stones not heating: Check if the sauna is too small for the stove, if the flue draught is poor, if the fuel is damp, if smoke canals are blocked, or if stones are incorrectly placed. Remove small stones and replace disintegrated ones.
Stove emitting odors: Refer to section 2.2. Hot stoves can amplify ambient odors from paint, glue, oil, or seasonings.
Blackening of wooden surfaces: This is a natural process accelerated by sunlight, stove heat, wall treatments, or fine particles from stones and smoke.
3. Instructions for Installation
3.1. Before Installation
Safety First: Ensure all safety distances are maintained. Keep electrical devices, wires, and flammable materials clear of the stove's safety zones. Comply with all local, national, and European regulations. The stove is not designed for shared flue systems. Consult local fire authorities for specific safety requirements.
3.1.1. Sauna Room Ventilation
Proper ventilation is essential. For gravity exhaust ventilation, the fresh air inlet should be near the floor by the stove, and the outlet should be high up, away from the stove. For mechanical exhaust ventilation, the fresh air inlet should be approximately 500 mm above the stove, with the outlet near the floor.
3.1.2. Protecting the Floor
Floor Types:
- Concrete Floor (un-tiled): Can be used if at least 60 mm thick, provided no wires or pipes are underneath.
- Tiled Floor: Requires protection (e.g., Harvia protective bedding) as tile adhesives and underlayments may not withstand heat radiation.
- Inflammable Material Floor: Must be protected with appropriate non-flammable material, especially in front of the stove door.
Ensure the floor has adequate load-bearing capacity. Use dark floor coverings and grouts to minimize visibility of ash and debris.
3.1.3. Safety Distances
Maintain specified safety distances to the ceiling, walls, benches, and masonry. Refer to figures 7 and 8 for precise measurements and guidelines, including requirements for air circulation and protective covers.
3.2. Installing the Stove
3.2.1. Adjustable Legs
Adjustable legs (0-30 mm range) allow for stable installation on uneven floors. Adjust legs with a wrench. Be cautious to avoid scratching the floor when moving the stove.
3.2.2. Connecting to a Masonry Flue
Create a flue opening in the fireproof wall, slightly larger than the connecting pipe (approx. 10 mm gap). Round the opening's inner corners for optimal gas flow. Connect the flue pipe to the rear or upper opening as appropriate for your model and flue configuration. Ensure a tight seal using fireproof mineral wool.
3.2.3. Connecting to a Harvia Steel Chimney
A CE-marked Harvia steel chimney is recommended. Connect the steel chimney's smoke pipe to the stove's upper connection opening, ensuring a secure fit. Follow the specific installation instructions for the steel chimney. If using a protective cover, align chimney insulation accordingly.
3.3. Changing Stove Door Opening Direction
The stove door can be configured to open either to the left or right. Refer to figure 12 for detailed instructions.
3.4. Accessories
A range of accessories is available to complement your Harvia stove installation:
- Harvia Steel Chimney (WHP1500)
- Water Heater (VL221)
- Radiation Covers (WZ020130)
- Protective Sheaths (WX017, WL400-WL775)
- Protective Bedding (WX018, WL100, WL110)
- Angle Smoke Pipes
- Lead-through Flange for Smoke Pipe (WZ020115)
- Masonry Connector (WZ011115)
Refer to figures 11, 12, and 13 for visual guidance on accessory installation.
Technical Data
Table 1 provides detailed technical specifications for various Harvia stove models, including sauna room volume, required temperature class of chimney, connection diameter, stone quantity, weight, dimensions, firewood size, and water container volume. Table 2 outlines declared performance characteristics such as fire safety, emissions, flue gas temperature, heating output, and efficiency.
Declaration of Performance
This product conforms to the EN 15821:2010 standard, as verified by VTT, Finland (Notified Body 0809). Intended use is for multi-firing sauna stoves fueled by solid wood.
Contact Information
For global support, contact Harvia Oy in Finland. Central European support is provided by Sentiotec GmbH in Austria. Contact details for the authorized representative in Russia are also listed.