I've had a Stovax Stockton stove for 4 years now, but it's done probably less than 120 fires in ttotal as it's always gave off fumes (feel dizzy etc) and has been like this from new. I assumed it was the 'break in' period or possibly burning off residues from previous fuels but we've obviously well since passed that now. There's a co2 meter in the room and ventilation isn't the issue. I've had 2 people do a smoke test on the chimney/flue (and sweeps), there's no blockages and both seemed to think the install was fine, however, I do think they were just sweepers so may not have been best qualified to judge that.
I rang stovax's technical who said it's a solid model with few problems or seals to worry about - they said it sounded like the fumes were coming off something surrounding the stove but I have my doubts (FWIW we also have a lot of soot staining on the walls). I've not ran it this year, but I'm pretty sure the fumes are evident before anything around it's had a chance to really, significantly heat up. We have the hearth tiled, and there's fireproof board behind that (dot dabbed onto the brickwork). The stove is at least 150mm from the tile, though the flue pipe is much closer. The problem also seems to be worse with coal (if I recall right, the problem was minimal with seasoned wood) but we last tried compressed wood pellets and they were just as bad.
Not sure where to go from here - is there any way to troubleshoot it?
I rang stovax's technical who said it's a solid model with few problems or seals to worry about - they said it sounded like the fumes were coming off something surrounding the stove but I have my doubts (FWIW we also have a lot of soot staining on the walls). I've not ran it this year, but I'm pretty sure the fumes are evident before anything around it's had a chance to really, significantly heat up. We have the hearth tiled, and there's fireproof board behind that (dot dabbed onto the brickwork). The stove is at least 150mm from the tile, though the flue pipe is much closer. The problem also seems to be worse with coal (if I recall right, the problem was minimal with seasoned wood) but we last tried compressed wood pellets and they were just as bad.
Not sure where to go from here - is there any way to troubleshoot it?