FAQ - Frequently-asked questions

Using unsuitable pellets may lead to some problems, such as:

• premature clogging of the brazier and flue gas extraction ducts;
• an increase in fuel consumption and a decrease in efficiency;
• the tendency to excessively soil the glass in a very short time;
• the production of unburned granules and heavy ash.

On the market, there are various types of pellets available with qualities and characteristics that change according to the processes and types of wood used.
Since the characteristics and quality of the pellets can greatly affect the length of time between top-ups, the efficiency and correct operation of the appliance, it is advisable to use quality pellets.
 

When pellets are stored inappropriately, they risk becoming damp, and moisture is in fact the main risk factor for their quality. It is essential, therefore, to choose a ventilated, dry and well-sheltered place to store them.
Pellets are normally sold in sealed plastic bags, so you can store them in your garage, or even in a closet as long as it is free from mould problems or excessive moisture. It is advisable not to place the bags of pellets directly on the ground, and if possible, use wooden pallets to create an a plinth. Another precaution would be not to place the bags directly against the wall, but always leave at least a few centimetres to allow air circulation.

Majolica claddings are truly refined elements that enhance any setting with their particular elegance and visual appeal. But it is important to take appropriate care of them and use the most suitable product to keep them at their best, such as special detergents for majolicas and other ceramic materials.
To clean claddings you usually need to do the following:

• remove any dust from the surface of the cladding using a soft, dry cloth
• pour on the undiluted detergent and extend directly over the majolica
• wait a few minutes for it to dry completely
• remove the detergent with a soft, slightly-damp cloth
• dry the cladding with a dry cloth

N.B. If you do not know what detergent to buy, you can contact your nearest Piazzetta dealer who will suggest the most suitable product.

This effect is a true characteristic of Majolicas used to clad heating bodies: the “spider web” effect visible in some points of the Majolica cladding (especially at the points where the highest temperatures are reached), is the classic effect defined as crackle. The cracks occur due to the differentiated expansion coefficient between the internal “biscuit” (substrate) and the outer enamel: with the heat developed during use, the internal biscuit expands and produces these micro fractures that produce the so-called “spider web”. It is therefore a typical characteristic of Majolica that helps to make every single cladding unique, while also embellishing its appearance.

No, you cannot repaint Majolica cladding with other colours. Painting the Majolica panels is the last step in the production process of Majolica: once the “biscuit” has been produced, namely the still-unfinished ceramic panel, the enamel is applied to its surface by means of an airbrush. The application of enamel is a very delicate operation since it is necessary to apply the same quantity of enamel over the whole visible surface of the workpiece.
There are some enamels which require a single step i.e. the application of only one enamel; others require the application of two types of enamel and in some cases there are even three applications.
Once the workpieces have been enamelled, they have to be cooked again inside special ovens, to allow the enamel to fuse together. Through high-temperature firing, the enamel uniformly clings to the Majolica panel.

Excessive moisture or a prolonged time of non-use may lead to the formation of rust on some unpainted internal parts of the product or inside the firebox.
This is a natural phenomenon that does not compromise the efficiency and durability of the product and should not be considered a defect. If it affects the internal deflectors such as the rear or side ones, in order to remove rust or any traces of oxidation, you only need to remove the items and clean them using fine sandpaper or a steel brush. After using sandpaper, it is important to use the appropriate spray paint resistant to high temperatures to protect the inner surfaces.

Scheduled maintenance operations must be carried out at least once a year and, in any case, before using the appliance again after a long period of inactivity. If you need to book an extraordinary maintenance visit, it is always preferable to contact the technicians at the end of winter or during the spring.

Scheduled maintenance must be carried out at least once a year and, in any case, before using the appliance again after a long period of inactivity.
Maintenance operations are required and necessary to ensure safety, the proper and effective operation of the appliance and its long-lasting operation.
If these operations are not carried out with the prescribed frequency, there may be malfunctions and/or physical decay and worsening performance.

The most economical method of cleaning the glass is to use the ash produced by combustion: you only need to moisten a paper towel and dip it in the ashes creating a thin layer; rub the paper on the glass until it completely removes all residues; rinse the glass and dry it with another paper towel or clean cloth.
With ammonia: fill a spray bottle with a solution of water and ammonia in equal parts. Spray the contents on the inside of the glass and leave for a few seconds, then clean with kitchen towel or a soft cloth.
With special detergents: just spray on the product and leave it for a few seconds (or a few minutes in the event of particularly stubborn build-up) and wipe with a dry cloth, taking care not to leave haloes.

This depends on the state of wear and tear; normally service centres verify the state of the seals when performing extraordinary maintenance, and replace them then, if necessary. In general terms, it is appropriate to replace the door sealing bead when it starts to deteriorate. A ruined seal does not ensure adequate sealing and leads to a greater influx of air into the combustion chamber. There are some signs that may lead you to think that a seal needs to be replaced, such as an increase in fuel consumption - wood or pellets - and a potentially irregular flame.

Remote control with window: open the window and press the SET and OPT buttons simultaneously (buttons 10 and 12); using the menu selection button (10) select one of the eight transmission units (0-1-2-3-4-5-6-7). When stoves are supplied from the factory, the default frequency setting is 0. Disconnect the power supply cable and within 5 seconds, press the ON/OFF button and kept it pressed for about 3-4 seconds. An audible “beep” sound signals that the frequency has been changed.
Remote control without window: press the OK and ON/OFF buttons simultaneously for 5 seconds; when the words MENU RADIO ID appear, press the down arrow and the word NUOVA (NEW) will appear. Press OK and then using the arrows, choose a new transmission unit. Disconnect the power cable for a few seconds and then reconnect it and conclude by pressing the OK button.

NB: If the problem persists when you use values between 0 and 31, try setting values above 32.

Pellet and wood appliances have distinctive features, but some of the main advantages that pellet appliances have over wood-burning ones are as follows:

• the TIMER function, which allows you to turn the appliance ON and OFF automatically on the basis of programmed times and days, by saving up to six different programs;
• continuous automatic charging of the flame: the tank will ensure that the brazier has the exact amount of pellets according to the power usage. Conversely, with wood appliances you need to open the door about once every hour to load with wood;
• the possibility of controlling the stove or fireplace via the Piazzetta mobile APP.

You can have total control from your smartphone or tablet wherever you are.

As stated in the standard UNI 10683: 2012 - paragraph 6.3.2 - the installation room must not be a bedroom unless it is an airtight installation or is an appliance with a closed firebox with ducted intake of combustion air from the outside. Furthermore, it must not be placed into a lower pressure status compared to the external environment, due to a reverse draft caused by the presence in the installation room of another firebox or other appliance with a suction device (e.g. forced ventilation systems or other heating systems with the use of ventilation for air exchange).

To figure out how many kilowatts are needed to heat 100 square metres you need to calculate the minimum required thermal input. The value is expressed in Kilowatts and it is obtained by a mathematical formula that considers the cubic metres to be heated and the thermal coefficient indicating the calories (to be converted into kilowatts) needed for each cubic metre. This coefficient varies according to the heating conditions of the home and its geographic position (north, centre, south).
Taking as an example a surface area of 100 square metres with ceilings of 2.70 m, in an area that is not too cold, the volume is obtained by multiplying the surface by the height: 100 m² x 2.70 m = 270 m³
Now the cubic metres obtained are multiplied by the thermal coefficient, the value that indicates the calories needed to heat every cubic meter. This varies according to the heating conditions of the home and its geographic position. In our country, this coefficient varies between a minimum of 30 and a maximum of 40.
Following our example, lets look at an average value of 35 kcal/m². To calculate the heating demand in kilo calories (kcal), the volume must be multiplied by the heating coefficient: 270 m³ x 35 kcal/m² = 9,450 kcal. Now, in order to covert the kilocalories into kilowatts, you must divide this number by 860: 9,450/860 = 10.98 kW. With this data we know that we need a minimum of 11 Kilowatt to heat the proposed 100 sq.m. We should remind you that it would be wise to ask a qualified thermo-technician to do these calculations for you after a careful inspection of your home.

Of course. Pellet stoves can be installed in any type of home. The important thing is to comply with the instructions in the installation, user and maintenance manual regarding system characteristics: it is essential to ensure an external air inlet of an appropriate size and an appropriate flue gas extraction system. As indicated in the UNI 10683 standard: collective flues are not allowed nor can you connect up extraction ducts from kitchen hoods of any kind or from any other kind of discharge from other generators into the same chimney or smoke duct.
However, you are allowed to have a system composed of a fireplace and baking oven with a single discharge point towards the chimney flue and the manufacturer must provide the constructional characteristics for the fitting of the flue gas ducts.

Pellet appliances have a standard timer that allows you to turn your stove or fireplace on and off automatically according to pre-set times and days. This feature allows you to save up to a maximum of six programs, and one single operating cycle per program.
Operating cycle means a period between a start time and a stop time during which the stove or fireplace is made to operate. You may choose which days to adopt a chosen program.