Fall is approaching, and now is the perfect time to get your wood pellet stove ready to heat your home for the winter!

Fall maintenance for your wood pellet stove is much easier if you were properly prepared in the spring. When the temps start to warm up outside, it’s a great time to clean out residue, leftover pellets and moisture. If you’re sheepishly considering what you didn’t do to get your stove ready, fear not. There’s still time.

To prepare your stove, you can plan a cleaning session by a certified technician before the heating season begins. A tech can check all stove parts and adjust or replace those that are worn or not working properly, maximizing your stove’s efficiency.

Aside from the standard ash removal and general maintenance, your wood pellet stove needs additional care for safety, preparedness and efficiency. Pellet stoves use pressurized air drawn from an exhaust, so your exhaust naturally sucks in pet hair, dander, dust, lint and other particles in your home. Ensure proper air circulation by cleaning out all passages, along with clearing out the exhaust.

Below is a checklist of what you should include for a thorough cleaning. And make sure to check out this article for more about the tools needed to clean your stove properly.

• Check unit for visible defects, ash and discoloration
• Vacuum inside the unit
• Remove baffles, clean and reinstall 
• Clean and inspect heat exchanger
• Remove access doors and panels, vacuum and reinstall
• Clean and inspect:
  • Heat exchanger
  • Burn pot
  • Ignitor
  • Ash pan
  • Convection fan
  • Glass
  • Combustion fan
  • Pressure switch/hose
  • Venting pipe
• Also inspect the following:
  • Gaskets
  • Electrical wiring
  • Auger motor*
  • Venting seals
• Inspect hopper for pellet quality and excess fines
• Vacuum back of stove
• Check and lubricate shaker grate cam*

*These parts are not applicable on all stove models.

By following these steps, you can ensure your wood pellet stove is ready to keep your home warm and cozy throughout the winter season. Regular maintenance not only improves efficiency but also extends the life of your stove. Take the time to prepare now, and you’ll enjoy reliable and efficient heating all season long.