Aside from the usual ash removal and general maintenance, your wood pellet stove needs additional care in order to operate efficiently and safely. Although many stove owners believe their own cleaning techniques are sufficient, and some perhaps are, the fact remains that some things should be left to trained professionals.
Think of it like service for a car. There are some car owners who can adequately handle his or her own engine service. However, engines are typically best taken care of within the hands of honest, experienced professionals.
Check out this pellet stove chimney clog to the left. Just because pellet stoves burn with less creosote buildup than wood stoves, it doesn’t mean the stove doesn’t need attention. (The picture is from a stove with over four years with no professional cleaning and inspection.) Dramatic, perhaps…but you get our point.
We have broken down the 8 steps needed to keep your pellet stove running safe and at optimal efficiency.
- Empty ash traps and clean exhaust passages behind fire chamber
- Clean burn pot, combustion chamber and exhaust fan
- Clean and lubricate fans and motor components
- Thoroughly clean the heat exchanger system
- Clean liner and reseal the venting system if needed
- Inspect all seals, heat/pressure switches and vacuum sensors
- Verify and adjust all stove settings for optimal efficiency
- Clean glass with solvent to remove stubborn stains
Not everyone can service their own cars sufficiently. Not everyone can clean, inspect and repair their pellet stoves sufficiently. You have a lot going on…you can’t do everything!
If your stove hasn’t received the 8 critical steps listed above, call 1-800-735-5387 to learn more about how to have the cleanest, safest and most efficient pellet stove possible.