A pellet stove is a great way to heat your home and save on your energy bill. But like any stove, it needs to be properly maintained in order to function at its best. That’s why we’ve put together a list of 11 things you should clean on your pellet stove to keep it running like new.
Combustion Chamber
If you have a pellet stove, chances are you know how important it is to keep the combustion chamber clean. A dirty combustion chamber can lead to all sorts of problems, including decreased efficiency, more smoke, and even a fire.
First, you’ll need to make sure that the pellet stove is turned off and cooled down completely. Once it’s cool, you can remove the ashes from the combustion chamber using a vacuum cleaner with a long hose attachment. If there are any stubborn pieces of ash or debris clinging to the sides of the chamber, you can use a stiff brush to loosen them before vacuuming them up.
Once the majority of the ashes have been removed, you can begin cleaning the inside of the combustion chamber with a damp cloth. Be sure to wipe down all of the surfaces, including the walls, ceiling, and floor. You may need to use a mild detergent on particularly stubborn dirt or grime. Once you’ve wiped down the entire surface area, rinse the cloth in clean water and wipe down the surfaces again to remove any soap residue.
Finally, use a dry cloth to buff all of the surfaces until they’re completely dry. Once everything is dry, you can replace the ashes and restart your pellet stove.
Burn Pot
The burn pot is where the pellets are burned, so if it becomes clogged, your stove won’t operate as efficiently.
Why You Need to Clean Your Burn Pot
The burn pot in a pellet stove can become clogged for a few reasons. First, ash can build up and block the airflow. Second, unburned pellets can fall through the grate and become wedged in the bottom of the burn pot. Third, the auger that feeds pellets into the burn pot can become jammed.
If any of these things happen, your pellet stove will have trouble operating. The fire will be smoky and incomplete, and the stove will likely shut down altogether. That’s why it’s important to clean your burn pot regularly, we recommend once a week when you’re using your stove regularly.
Cleaning Your Burn Pot
Cleaning your pellet stove’s burn pot is a relatively simple process. First, empty the ashes from the firebox into a metal ash bucket. Then, remove the grate and set it aside. Next, use a small screwdriver or another sharp object to scrape any unburned pellets or ash from the bottom of the burn pot. Finally, use a wire brush to scrub away any remaining residue. Once you’re finished, replace the grate and restart your stove.
Ashtray
An ashtray is a small metal tray that is placed under the pellet stove to catch the ashes that fall from the fire. Over time, the ashes will build up and need to be cleaned out.
The ashtray on a pellet stove is typically located below the burn pot inside the combustion chamber and is where any excess ash produced by a fire is collected. Ashtrays in pellet stoves will be removable, so you simply need to take the ashtray out of the combustion chamber and dispose of the ashes accordingly.
How Often Should You Clean Your Ashtray?
You should aim to empty your ashtray at least once a week, although this will depend on how often you are using your pellet stove. If you find that you are having to empty it more frequently than this, then it is likely that you need to clean your pellet stove more often.
Cleaning Your Ashtray
The good news is that cleaning your ashtray is relatively straightforward and only takes a few minutes. Here’s what you need to do:
- Remove the ashtray from the combustion chamber and place it on a heat-resistant surface;
- Use a stiff brush to remove any large pieces of debris or ash;
- Empty the contents of the ashtray into a bin;
- Rinse the ashtray with warm, soapy water;
- Dry the ashtray with a clean cloth or paper towel;
- Replace the clean ashtray in the combustion chamber.
An unclean ashtray can cause problems with your pellet stove, so it is important to keep on top of the cleaning. By following the steps above, you can easily clean your ashtray and ensure that your pellet stove is running smoothly.
Fresh Air Inlet
A pellet stove uses a fan to draw fresh air in from the outside and circulate it through the combustion chamber. This fresh air is necessary to keep the fire burning hot and prevent the formation of creosote, a flammable substance that can build up inside the chimney and cause a dangerous chimney fire.
The fresh air inlet on most pellet stoves is located below the burn pot and can be cleaned when the burn pot has been removed. In this article, we’ll show you how to clean the fresh air inlet on your pellet stove so that your stove will continue to operate safely and efficiently.
1. Remove the burn pot from your pellet stove. Refer to your owner’s manual for instructions on how to do this.
2. Inspect the fresh air inlet for any blockages or debris. If necessary, use a small brush or vacuum attachment to remove any debris from the inlet.
3. Replace the burn pot and reattach it to your pellet stove according to the instructions in your owner’s manual.
4. Test your pellet stove to make sure that it is operating properly.
It’s important to keep your pellet stove’s fresh air inlet clean so that your stove will continue to operate safely and efficiently. In most cases, the fresh air inlet is located below the burn pot and can be cleaned when the burn pot has been removed.
Ignition
If you have a pellet stove, then you know that ignition is an important part of the stove’s operation. Ignition is what starts the fire in the stove, and it needs to be working properly for the stove to function correctly.
Over time, ignition can become clogged with soot and debris, which can prevent the fire from starting or cause it to burn less efficiently.
What is Ignition?
Ignition is the process of starting a fire in a pellet stove. The ignition system consists of an igniter, a heat sensor, and a controller. The igniter creates a spark that ignites the pellets in the firepot. The heat sensor monitors the temperature of the firepot and tells the controller when to turn on and off the igniter. The controller manages the entire ignition process and regulates how often the igniter sparks.
How to Clean Your Pellet Stove’s Ignition
Cleaning your pellet stove’s ignition is important for two reasons: first because it ensures that your stove will continue to work properly; and second, it prevents soot and debris from buildup in the system, which can eventually cause problems. To clean your pellet stove’s ignition, follow these steps:
- Turn off the power to the pellet stove and allow it to cool completely.
- Remove any ashes or debris from the firepot.
- Use a small brush or vacuum attachment to clean out any debris from around the igniter. Be careful not to damage the igniter itself.
- Use compressed air to blow out any debris from inside the heat sensor.
- Wipe down all of the external surfaces of the controller with a damp cloth.
- Once everything is clean, reassemble your pellet stove and turn on the power. Test the ignition by starting a fire in the stove according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Cleaning your pellet stove’s ignition is important for both safety and efficiency reasons.
Glass Door
A glass door on a pellet stove is a great way to enjoy the beauty of the fire while still getting the heat you need. But what exactly is a glass door, and how do you clean it?
What is a Glass Door?
A glass door on a pellet stove is a clear pane of glass that covers the opening of the firebox. The purpose of the glass door is twofold: first, it allows you to see the fire; and second, it helps to keep the heat in. Most pellet stoves have a glass door that can be opened and closed as needed.
How Do You Clean a Glass Door?
Cleaning a glass door on a pellet stove is relatively simple. First, make sure that the stove is turned off and cooled down completely. Then, use a soft cloth or brush to remove any ashes or debris from the surface of the glass. Next, mix equal parts water and white vinegar, and use this solution to wipe down the inside and outside of the glass door. Finally, dry the door with a clean cloth or paper towel.
Hopper
A hopper is an important part of a pellet stove. It’s a large container that holds the pellets that fuel the stove. The pellets are fed into the stove by an auger, which is a rotating screw that moves them from the hopper into the fire pot.
Over time, the hopper can become clogged with ash and other debris. This can interfere with the auger’s ability to move the pellets and can cause your stove to stop working properly. Luckily, cleaning the hopper is a relatively easy process.
How Often Should I Clean My Hopper?
Ideally, you should clean your hopper every time you empty it of pellets. However, if you forget or don’t have time, it’s still important to clean it regularly. At a minimum, you should aim to clean it once a month.
Cleaning Your Hopper
The first step is to turn off your pellet stove and allow it to cool completely. Once it’s cool, open up the hopper door and remove any pellets that are left inside. Next, use a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment to remove any loose ash and debris from the hopper.
Be sure to get into all of the nooks and crannies. Finally, use a damp cloth to wipe down the inside of the hopper. Once you’re finished, close the door, and your stove is ready to use again.
Auger
The auger is responsible for delivering the pellets from the hopper to the burn pot, and if it gets clogged, it can cause your stove to run less efficiently.
An auger is a spiral-shaped shaft that delivers the pellets from the hopper to the burn pot. The auger is turned by an electric motor, and as it turns, it moves the pellets through a tube toward the burn pot.
Why Does the Auger Need to be Cleaned?
The main reason why you need to clean your auger is that, over time, it can become clogged with ash and other debris. This can cause your stove to run less efficiently because it takes longer for the pellets to reach the burn pot. Additionally, a clogged auger can cause your stove to overheat and shut down prematurely.
How Often Should You Clean the Auger?
You should clean your auger at least once a month or more often if you notice that your stove isn’t running as efficiently as it should be.
Cleaning Your Auger: Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Turn off your pellet stove and unplug it from the power source. You don’t want to be working on the auger while the stove is still turned on.
Step 2: Remove the pellet hopper from the back of the stove. This will give you better access to the auger.
Step 3: Use a brush or vacuum cleaner to remove any ash or debris that’s accumulated on or around the auger. Be sure to get rid of as much of this material as possible so that it doesn’t end up clogging the auger again in a short period of time.
Step 4: Once you’ve removed all of the visible debris, use a rag to wipe down the inside of the hopper. This will help remove any hidden debris that could potentially clog up the auger again in the future.
Step 5: Reattach the hopper to the back of the pellet stove and plug it back into its power source. You’re now ready to use your pellet stove again!
Pellet Chute
A dirty pellet chute can cause all sorts of problems, from reduced efficiency to a dangerous build-up of flammable material. In this article, we’ll show you how to clean your pellet chute quickly and easily.
Why You Need to Clean Your Pellet Chute
Your pellet stove works by burning small pellets of wood or other biomass material. The pellets are fed into the fire chamber by an auger, which is powered by an electric motor. The pellets are fed through a tube known as the pellet chute, which leads from the hopper (where the pellets are stored) to the fire chamber.
Over time, some pellets will inevitably miss the auger and end up in the pellet chute. Additionally, ash and other debris can build up in the chute, reducing its efficiency. For these reasons, it’s important to clean your pellet chute regularly.
How to Clean Your Pellet Chute
Cleaning your pellet chute is a relatively simple task that can be done in just a few minutes. First, turn off your pellet stove and unplug it from the power source. Then, use a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment to remove any loose debris from the pellet chute. Next, use a stiff brush to remove any stubborn debris. Finally, use a damp cloth to wipe down the inside of the pellet chute.
Once you’ve finished cleaning the pellet chute, reassemble your stove and plug it back in. You’re now ready to enjoy clean, efficient operation!
Chimney Flue
A chimney flue is a duct that allows hot gases and smoke to escape from a fireplace, wood stove, or pellet stove. The flue also helps to draft fresh air into the fire chamber. Because the flue plays such an important role in the function of a fireplace or stove, it is important to keep it clean. A dirty flue can cause dangerous chimney fires.
How to Clean a Chimney Flue on a Pellet Stove
Pellet stoves are a type of wood-burning stove that uses pellets made from compressed sawdust as fuel. They are a popular choice for homeowners because they are more efficient than traditional wood-burning stoves and produce less pollution.
Cleaning the chimney flue on a pellet stove is similar to cleaning the flue on a traditional wood-burning stove. First, you will need to remove any ashes from the fire chamber. Next, use a stiff brush to scrub away any soot buildup from the walls of the flue. Finally, vacuum out the flue using a heavy-duty vacuum cleaner with an attachment designed for cleaning chimneys.
Baffle plate(s)
The baffle plate is a metal plate located near the top of the firebox. Its purpose is to reflect heat back into the firebox and prevent the escape of heated air up the chimney. Over time, soot and creosote can build up on the baffle plate, which can reduce its effectiveness. That’s why it’s important to clean your baffle plate regularly.
Cleaning your baffle plate
The best way to clean your baffle plate is to remove it from the firebox and scrub it with a stiff brush. Be sure to wear gloves and a dust mask while you’re doing this, as soot can be harmful to your lungs if inhaled. Once you’ve scrubbed off all the build-up, rinse the baffle plate with water and dry it before putting it back in place.
Other Cleaning & Maintenance
As part of the seasonal or annual maintenance of a pellet stove, other parts of the stove can be cleaned. These parts include the full ignition system, electric motors, distribution blower, combustion blower/fume extractor, sensors (such as temperature and pressure), and electronic control system.
Full Ignition System
The full ignition system should be checked for dirt and debris. The igniter should be replaced if it is damaged. The electrodes should also be checked and replaced if necessary.
Electric Motors
The electric motors should be checked for dirt and debris. The bearings should be lubricated if necessary. The motor brushes should also be replaced if they are worn down.
Distribution Blower
The distribution blower should be checked for dirt and debris. The blades should be replaced if they are damaged. The bearings should also be lubricated if necessary.
Combustion Blower/Fume Extractor
The combustion blower/fume extractor should be checked for dirt and debris. The blades should be replaced if they are damaged. The bearings should also be lubricated if necessary.
Sensors (such as temperature and pressure)
The sensors (such as temperature and pressure) should be checked for accuracy. They should be calibrated if necessary.
Electronic Control System
The electronic control system should be checked for software updates. The firmware should also be updated if necessary.
In Conclusion
As you can see, there are quite a few things that you need to be cleaning on your pellet stove! However, don’t let that overwhelm you – just take things one step at a time and focus on one thing at a time. Before you know it, everything will be sparkling clean!