If you’ve ever used a pellet stove, you know that it can be a bit finicky. Sometimes, the pellets just won’t stay lit. Other times, they seem to burn too hot. And then there are those times when the pellets just start piling up in the stove, no matter what you do. So, what causes pellets to pile up in a pellet stove, and how can you prevent it?
There are three main reasons why pellets may pile up in your pellet stove: not enough air, a vacuum leak, or a blocked exhaust. Let’s take a closer look at each of these issues.
Not Enough Air
Pellet stoves need a constant supply of fresh air in order to operate correctly. If there’s not enough airflow through the pellet stove, the fire will smolder rather than burn hot. This can cause the pellets to pile up on top of the fire rather than being consumed.
The first thing you should do if you suspect this is the problem is to check your exhaust and intake vents to make sure they’re clear and unobstructed. You might also need to clean or replace your air filter. If you’ve done all of this and the problem persists, you may need to have your chimney cleaned or inspected by a professional.
Too Much Ash
Another common reason for pellet piles is too much ash buildup in the burn pot. When there’s too much ash, it can insulate the fire and prevent it from getting hot enough to consume all of the pellets. To fix this problem, simply empty out the ash pan on a regular basis and make sure that the area around the pellet stove is clean and free of debris.
How often should I empty the ash pan?
Depending on how often you use your pellet stove, you may need to empty the ash pan once a week or more. It’s best to check it regularly and emptied as needed to prevent the buildup of ash.
What if there’s already a lot of ash in the burn pot?
If you haven’t been emptying the ash pan on a regular basis and there’s already a lot of ash in the burn pot, you’ll need to clean it out before using your pellet stove again. This can be a messy job, so it’s best to wear gloves and a dust mask to protect yourself from the debris. Once you’ve cleaned out the burn pot, make sure to vacuum up any ashes that have fallen on the floor around the pellet stove.
Clogged Burn Pot
Pellets might also pile up if your burn pot becomes clogged with ashes or other debris. This can prevent air from flowing through properly and cause the fire to smolder.
Removing the Burn Pot
The first step is to remove the burn pot from the stove. You’ll need a stiff brush or vacuum cleaner hose to remove any build-up. You might also need to scrape away any stubborn bits with a putty knife or other sharp object. Once you’ve cleared away the debris, reattach the burn pot and try restarting your fire.
Cleaning the Burn Pot
If the build-up is particularly bad, you might need to clean the burn pot. This can be done by soaking the burn pot in a solution of water and ashes for several hours. The ashes will help break down any tough grease or grime that’s stuck in the pot. After soaking, scrub the pot with a stiff brush to remove any remaining residue. Rinse the pot well with water and dry it before using it again.
Vacuum Leak
If you’ve noticed pellets piling up in your pellet stove, it may be due to a vacuum leak. A vacuum leak can cause the amount of air flowing into the stove to be lower than it is supposed to be, which can cause smoldering and smoking. To fix this problem, you’ll need to find and repair the vacuum leak.
Step 1: Locate the Leak
The first step is to locate the leak. You can do this by visually inspecting all of the hoses and pipes that are connected to your pellet stove. If you see any cracks or holes, that is likely where the leak is coming from.
Step 2: Repair the Leak
Once you’ve located the leak, you’ll need to repair it. Depending on the severity of the leak, you may be able to patch it up with some glue or tape. However, if the leak is more severe, you may need to replace the entire hose or pipe.
Step 3: Test for leaks
After you’ve repaired the leak, it’s important to test for leaks again. The best way to do this is to turn on your pellet stove and see if smoke or pellets are still coming out of the area where you repaired the leak. If everything seems to be working properly, then congratulations! You’ve successfully fixed your vacuum leak.
Blocked Exhaust
A clean exhaust pipe is essential to the proper functioning of your pellet stove. If the exhaust pipe becomes blocked, it can cause problems with airflow and lead to pellets piling up in the stove. To prevent this from happening, make sure that you regularly clean your pellet stove’s exhaust pipe.
How a Blocked Exhaust Pipe Can Affect Your Pellet Stove
If the exhaust pipe on your pellet stove becomes blocked, it can restrict airflow and cause pellets to pile up in the stove. This can lead to a number of problems, including:
Decreased Efficiency: If your pellet stove’s exhaust pipe is blocked, it will have to work harder to operate. This can reduce its efficiency and cause it to use more fuel than necessary.
Damage to the Stove: A blocked exhaust pipe can put stress on other parts of your pellet stove, potentially causing damage. In extreme cases, a blocked exhaust pipe can even cause the entire stove to catch fire.
Poor Indoor Air Quality: A blocked exhaust pipe can cause harmful fumes and smoke to build up inside your home. This can lead to poor indoor air quality and pose a serious health risk to you and your family.
In Conclusion
Pellet stoves can be a great way to heat your home, but they can also be frustrating when they don’t work right. Pellets piling up in your pellet stove can be caused by three main issues: not enough air, a vacuum leak, or a blocked exhaust.
To prevent this from happening, make sure that there are no obstructions blocking the fresh air intake on your pellet stove, that you find and repair any vacuum leaks, and that you regularly clean your pellet stove’s exhaust pipe.