How to Clean a Pellet Stove

If you are using a pellet stove as your home heating device, make sure that you clean it regularly to ensure its optimal performance as well as safe operation. Here are a few tips on how best to maintain your stove.

Burn Pot

To keep its air inlets open and unclogged, clean the burn pot regularly depending on the type and grade of the pellets that you are using. Consult your manual on how often to do this.

The burn pot is responsible for controlling the amount of the fuel and air to enable combustion. When your stove is working well, the flame should be bright yellow or white. On high burn, there may be a gray or white buildup of ash, while there may be a darker ash on low burn. However, if your stove is malfunctioning, the flame is usually orange and smoky. There would also be a build up of a brown gooey substance.

Also watch out for a buildup of clinkers, which are from ashes that have melted and re-hardened. If ash in the burn pot starts melting, it can clog the air holes and ruin the optimal fuel-to-air ratio. This can then cause clinkers to form. By using the rake or ash tool that comes with your stove, you can remove these clinkers even while the stove is on.

Ash Drawer

Before starting a new fire, you have to empty out the ash drawer of the stove. You should also do this occasionally while the stove is in operation. In general, you should empty the ash drawer once or twice per week, depending on the model.

Heat Exchanger

The heat exchanger is located in the combustion chamber. It is the one that is responsible for cleaning the hot air produced in the burn pot and pushing it outside to heat your home. For the optimal release of heat, the heat exchanger’s surface should be cleaned on a regular basis. Again, the frequency of cleaning is based on the model of the design. It may be daily or monthly depending on what is indicated on the manual. In some stove models, this is done simply by moving a rod that rubs against and cleans the tubes inside. In others, professional service is needed.

Ash Traps

These are found at the back of the fire chamber. They prevent the excess ash in the exhaust from escaping from the stove. In some models, they can be easily opened and accessed. Some models, on the other hand, need professional service.

Glass

When the glass has completely cooled, clean it using a glass cleaner.

Hopper and Auger

Make sure to check for accumulated sawdust materials, which are also known as fines. The pellets in the auger and hopper should also be run out in order to prevent fines from building up and blocking the tubes.

Venting System

Have the venting system of your stove cleaned and maintained by professionals. But you may do so yourself if you’re knowledgeable about it and if you have the right equipment.

Professional Services

Remember, most owners of these types of stove make use of professional servicing of their heating gadgets on an annual basis. Moreover, pellet stove dealers may offer service plans that are conveniently scheduled and not too costly.