6 Steps to Ensure Pellet Stove Safety

There are many advantages to using a pellet stove. In terms of price, efficiency, and environment-friendliness, among others, they really do make for the almost perfect home heating device. The key word here is almost since like any other stove, this type of heater still requires our time and attention on a regular basis. They are not self-cleaning and they are certainly not self-repairing.

However, if you do these maintenance steps religiously, then your stove will surely keep up its optimal performance and ensure the safety in its operation.

If you’re one of the many who are considering buying a pellet stove, then here are few considerations that you must put in mind while you are in the purchasing phase plus a couple of safety tips to follow after it has been installed into your room:

Follow local ordinances

Go to the Inspection Service Department in your town. You will most probably be asked to apply for a permit for your stove’s installation. They might also hand you some brochures and pamphlets regarding ensuring the safety in the operation of your stove. You might also want to schedule an appointment with an inspector to evaluate the setup of your stove.

Choose a suitable place for your stove

You have to know in advance, where you want to place your unit. It is not like a couch or a coffee table that you can easily move around whenever you wish. For venting, you will definitely have your ceiling or wall cut straight through. Be sure that the location that you will choose has a distance of at least three to five feet from combustible materials and furniture, such as curtains and wooden chairs. Moreover, make it a habit to never put gloves or boots on top of the stove, hot or not.

Avoid buying a first-generation stove

First-generation stoves are great to look at, but by buying one, you are opening yourself to possible problems that have, in many cases, been corrected by successive models. Don’t be a guinea pig. Choose a brand that has proven itself over the years.

Don’t install your stove by yourself

It is tempting to install the stove by yourself especially if there are detailed steps included in the manufacturer’s manual. However, professional installers have been extensively trained in this matter. They are knowledgeable regarding what areas to seal, how to piece together certain parts, and so on. Should an accident occur, you can use the fact that you had the stove professionally installed for insurance purposes.

Read the manual first before attempting to turn on the stove

You may think that the sales agent and installer have told you everything you need to know about your pellet fuel stove, but it would be wise to go over the manufacturer’s operation manual. The manual will serve as your guide in cleaning, maintaining, and troubleshooting your heater.

Install carbon monoxide (CO) detectors in your home

The pellets that you are burning is made of organic matter and the byproduct of this burning is carbon monoxide. Make sure that your home has CO detectors. Put one within 10 feet of the stove location.