Pellet Stove Maintenance before Winter!

Pellet stove cleaning on a regular basis will prevent problems arising through lack of maintenance. A slow, orange or sooty flame can mean: Burn pot air intakes blocked Ash pan full Blocked flue Need for air intake adjustment A very fierce flame indicates that less air is needed. Smoke leakage probably indicates that a door or inspection gasket is leaking or that a vent joint is not sealed. Reduced heating output can mean that the heat exchanger needs to be cleaned. Glass sooting up can mean that the air wash system is blocked. If the stove shuts down unexpectedly, make sure proper start up procedures were followed, and that there is fuel in the hopper. Check that the electricity supply is on. Most stoves will shut down automatically in case of a mechanical failure. Check the obvious things above, refer to your owner or technician manual for assistance, if this doesn't solve the issue then call in an expert.

Year round maintenance in most cases can keep your heating source in good shape.  Pellet stoves especially need consistent care as they are more mechanical than wood or gas burning stoves. Don't wait until it is winter and cold to maintain your heating source.  If you have a stove, fireplace, insert etc that is older than 10 years, consider having replacement parts on hand even if it is functioning "well". During peak heating season when demand is high from suppliers and manufacturers for replacement parts it can be 2-6 weeks or longer depending on the part needed. Plan ahead and be prepared!  Get ready for winter and don't wait. "TIPS" are just suggestions for your general information, WoodHeatStoves.com will not be held liable and use of this information is at your own risk. Thank you for reading the WoodHeatStoves.com Newsletter!