If you are an owner of a pellet stove, you have chosen an excellent product that provides quality and low-cost heating. As you prepare to use your appliance, you should get familiar with pellet stove service & maintenance. Pellet stoves burn small wood-like pellets, producing a steady fire for 24-36 hours between refueling. These devices are cheaper to install and burn cleaner than their traditional wood-burning heater counterparts. On top of savings from functional design and convenient-to-handle fuel, the pellet stove you’re investing in is an environmentally-friendlier alternative.
While pellets burn cleaner than traditional wood stoves or fireplaces, they are still wood products and will produce some amount of creosote and soot. While they may require less maintenance than other appliances, regular care is still essential to keep them functioning properly and safely. In order to get the most efficiency and longevity out of your appliance, follow these pellet stove service tips and tricks!
Regular Maintenance
The first step to maintaining a well-functioning pellet stove is choosing the right pellets. Different brands can vary in quality and cheaper pellets may have more issues.
Next, set up a cleaning schedule. Basic cleaning should usually be done two times a week and can be completed by pellet stove owners. The owner-completed cleaning will increase your device’s longevity, but a more thorough cleaning after every ton of pellets burned should be completed by a licensed professional. In addition there are monthly and weekly chores such as cleaning the burn pot, vacuuming the empty hopper (important!), cleaning the heat exchangers, cleaning the glass, and so on. Your owner’s manual is key here. It will tell you exactly what needs to be done and when and it should be followed very closely. Plus, check out our quick guide to clearing jammed pellet augers.
Annual Inspections
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends annual inspections and routine cleanings to ensure the safest and most efficient chimney systems. This means that your pellet appliance will be at peak safety and efficiency only when inspected and cleaned annually by a certified technician like our staff at Black Moose Chimney. Cleaning away soot and creosote on a regular basis prevents buildup of these corrosive and flammable materials, and inspections ensure the system is sound and in safe working order.
Your standard inspection will include a visual inspection of the appliance and flue as well as a thorough inspection of the unit itself. Black Moose pellet stove inspections include:
- A clean and check of the venting system
- A cleaning of appliance, heat exchangers, burn area, blowers, and hopper
- A check of installation, clearances, and connections
- Any other services required by the manufacturer to maintain safety and warranties
Pellet Stove Service
Finally, the stoves themselves are mechanical systems which break down. Be sure you purchase from someone who can give you support and supply you with parts and service.
If you’re not sure what is required when you start thinking about your pellet appliance service, contact a professional now. A Black Moose associate can help you determine what is required for your specific model and active warranties. The good news is that we’re CSIA certified and any manufacturers or home insurance policies will accept our inspection for legal purposes. Our technicians are well-trained, experienced, and knowledgeable in both fire science as well as federal and municipal fire safety codes.
Questions? Ready for an Appointment? Contact Us Today!
We are South-Central New Hampshire’s #1 choice for chimney, fireplace & masonry services. Our team is National Chimney Sweep Guild (CCP/NCSG) certified and well-trained in current industry standards and procedures. We are ready to assist with inspections, repairs and installations for chimneys, fireplaces, wood and pellet stoves and more.
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