Pellet Stove Problem Questions – Answered by a Professional Stove Technician

I Keep Getting Clinkers in My Burn Pot. What is Causing This?

PelletStoveClinkerClinkers, which look like clumps of ash, can cause airflow issues from blockage. Clinkers are formed by burned or partially burned pellets that melt together into a clump.

There are two likely reasons for clinkers – a poor air mixture which due to a neglected or dity unit, or incorrect air adjustments.

My Pellet Stove Won’t Ignite.

There are a variety of reasons for your pellet stove failing to light.  The most common reasons – bad air flow, a dirty unit, bad igniter, blown fuse, bad gasket around igniter – could be easily avoided with regular maintenance and professional inspections.

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Top 5 Wood Pellet Myths Explained

Myth #1: Hardwood Pellets are Better than Softwood

Wood Pellets

Preference for hardwood over softwood has its origins in the firewood burning community. It has long been considered better to burn hardwood in your wood stove or fireplace because it provides a longer burn compared to softwood. The main reason that hardwood burns better than softwood in wood stoves/fireplaces has to do with wood density (hardwood is more dense than softwood).

However, with wood pellets the advantages of hardwood are neutralized by the pelletizing process. Both hard and softwood material is dried to the same moisture level, of about 4-5%. Furthermore, regardless of the type of wood used to produce the pellets, the pelletizing process produces wood pellets with the same density.  Once the moisture and density variance has been removed during the manufacturing process, softwood comes out ahead in terms of heat and performance.

But why does softwood produce hotter pellets with less ash? Biomass Magazine explains: “softwood has a higher percentage of resin content than hardwood, which will produce more heat per pound.”

The choice between hardwood and softwood pellets is entirely up to the consumer. There are some very high quality hardwood pellets available in the market that perform very well, but for the most part, softwood pellets will typically provide you with more heat for your money.

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Thanksgiving Made Easy: Recipes, Leftover Ideas and Extra Tips

Easy Thanksgiving Recipes

November is a wonderful time of year. (Surely by now you’ve ordered your wood pellets and/or heating fuel, or it has already been delivered.) The leaves are still changing and falling, the air is crisp, and before the holiday shopping kicks into high gear – Thanksgiving brings everyone together. Since we are feeling so festive, we thought it would be nice to compile some easy new recipes for the big day, leftovers ideas, place-setting guidelines, and a handy cleaning tip. First, let’s start with the bird.

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