Pellet Stove Maintenance II Pellet Stove Maintenance I
Heat exchanger
Located in the combustion chamber, the heat exchanger is designed to transfer the
heat being produced by the burning fuel in the burn pot into clean hot air for
distribution into the home. This is usually done by a chamber or a series of tubes
located in the firebox that the hot air and gases pass over, heating the outside of the
chamber before exiting the stove. Fresh air is passed through the inside of the
chamber drawing the heat out of the stove and into the room.
For maximum efficiency the surface of the heat exchanger should be cleaned regularly.
The frequency of these cleanings will depend on your stove design and may range
from daily to monthly. Refer to your owner's manual for cleaning instructions.
On some stoves, cleaning is simply a matter of moving a rod that scrapes the tubes
inside the stove. Other stoves, however, may require professional service.
Ash traps
These are chambers located behind the fire chamber which prevent excess fly ash in
the exhaust from exiting the stove. In some designs they are easily accessed for ash
removal by owners. Other designs require professional service.
Glass
Clean with glass cleaner when the glass is completely cool on stoves with effective air
wash systems. May require more vigorous methods on others.
Hopper and auger
Check for accumulated sawdust materials (fines). The fuel in the hopper and auger
tube should be run out occasionally to prevent auger blockage by fines.
Cleaning the venting system and other difficult components
Most owners have the venting systems of their stoves cleaned by professionals.
However, you may want to tackle it yourself if you're handy, thoroughly
knowledgeable, and the right equipment.
In the event that your vent pipe should become blocked, a small amount of smoke
may leak into your home. Most pellet burning appliances are equipped with a safety
switch that will interrupt its operation and minimize any possible exposure.
Motors and fans need occasional cleaning and may require lubrication. Be aware that
the wrong lubricant or wrong amount of lubricant can damage components.
Some components which call for removal for service require replacement of a gasket.
Gaskets for the fire chamber door, ash pan door, and hopper lid (on some designs)
may need occasional replacement to assure a tight seal.
Troubleshooting
If possible, re-adjust your air and fuel feed rates for a leaner burn. This is an
adjustment that may need to be performed by an authorized stove technician.
Professional cleaning and maintenance
Most pellet stove owners use professional service for cleaning and preventive
maintenance on at least an annual basis. Many dealers offer service plans that offer
reduced costs and convenient scheduling. Cleaning and maintenance services usually
performed include:
Finding competent in-home service should really be part of the buying decision, since
service is needed at least on an annual basis. Many stove shops and service
technicians offer a service plan* that specifies a service schedule, what is covered,
travel costs, and other details.
Sources: HEARTH Education Foundation (in cooperation with the Hearth Products
Association and the Pellet Fuel Institute) and the Allegheny Pellet Corp.
Located in the combustion chamber, the heat exchanger is designed to transfer the
heat being produced by the burning fuel in the burn pot into clean hot air for
distribution into the home. This is usually done by a chamber or a series of tubes
located in the firebox that the hot air and gases pass over, heating the outside of the
chamber before exiting the stove. Fresh air is passed through the inside of the
chamber drawing the heat out of the stove and into the room.
For maximum efficiency the surface of the heat exchanger should be cleaned regularly.
The frequency of these cleanings will depend on your stove design and may range
from daily to monthly. Refer to your owner's manual for cleaning instructions.
On some stoves, cleaning is simply a matter of moving a rod that scrapes the tubes
inside the stove. Other stoves, however, may require professional service.
Ash traps
These are chambers located behind the fire chamber which prevent excess fly ash in
the exhaust from exiting the stove. In some designs they are easily accessed for ash
removal by owners. Other designs require professional service.
Glass
Clean with glass cleaner when the glass is completely cool on stoves with effective air
wash systems. May require more vigorous methods on others.
Hopper and auger
Check for accumulated sawdust materials (fines). The fuel in the hopper and auger
tube should be run out occasionally to prevent auger blockage by fines.
Cleaning the venting system and other difficult components
Most owners have the venting systems of their stoves cleaned by professionals.
However, you may want to tackle it yourself if you're handy, thoroughly
knowledgeable, and the right equipment.
In the event that your vent pipe should become blocked, a small amount of smoke
may leak into your home. Most pellet burning appliances are equipped with a safety
switch that will interrupt its operation and minimize any possible exposure.
Motors and fans need occasional cleaning and may require lubrication. Be aware that
the wrong lubricant or wrong amount of lubricant can damage components.
Some components which call for removal for service require replacement of a gasket.
Gaskets for the fire chamber door, ash pan door, and hopper lid (on some designs)
may need occasional replacement to assure a tight seal.
Troubleshooting
- If you should experience a dirty or sooty burn in the combustion chamber some
possible corrective measures are:
- Review proper adjustment of any air dampers if your stove is so equipped.
- Remove any excess ash, carbon or clinkers from the burn pot.
- Clean any air filters or air inlets to the appliance.
- Remove (if possible) the burn pot and clean the air openings in the burn grate.
- Inspect the burn pot and burn grate for proper fit and possible air leaks.
- Inspect door and window seals for leaks.
- Clean firebox and vent ash traps.
If possible, re-adjust your air and fuel feed rates for a leaner burn. This is an
adjustment that may need to be performed by an authorized stove technician.
Professional cleaning and maintenance
Most pellet stove owners use professional service for cleaning and preventive
maintenance on at least an annual basis. Many dealers offer service plans that offer
reduced costs and convenient scheduling. Cleaning and maintenance services usually
performed include:
- Emptying ash traps and cleaning exhaust passages behind the fire chamber.
- Cleaning and lubricating fans and motors.
- Cleaning the hopper and fuel feed system.
- Cleaning the heat exchanger system.
- Cleaning exhaust pipes and resealing the venting system if needed.
- Verifying and adjusting the stove settings with proper gauges and meters.
- Mechanical and electric components may eventually wear out and need repair or
replacement.
Finding competent in-home service should really be part of the buying decision, since
service is needed at least on an annual basis. Many stove shops and service
technicians offer a service plan* that specifies a service schedule, what is covered,
travel costs, and other details.
Sources: HEARTH Education Foundation (in cooperation with the Hearth Products
Association and the Pellet Fuel Institute) and the Allegheny Pellet Corp.
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