How Can You Keep Your Pellet Stove in Good Condition?
Pellet Stove Maintenance
Wood pellet stoves are an excellent addition to your home since they have low installation and operating costs. They’re also considered to be eco-friendly since they use renewable resources instead of fossil fuel. However, if you’re planning to buy a pellet stove, take note that your job doesn’t stop at choosing the best make and model. To make your investment last for a long time, you should also learn how to maintain your stove and keep it in good shape. Here are some of the maintenance steps that you need to take:
Use the right fuel
Ideally, you should use dry and clean pellets to fuel your stove. Wet pellets aren’t recommended since they’ll create a lot of residues, which can clog the stove’s auger and other parts and cause the appliance to work harder than normal. This, in turn, can prematurely damage your stove and shorten its lifespan.
Make cleaning a habit
Regular cleaning can prevent structural and mechanical issues and keep your stove performing well for a long time. Generally, you should do the following tasks once a week during the heating season:
-
Empty the contents of the ash trap, which can usually be found behind the fire chamber.
-
Remove ash and clinkers, which can mess with your stove’s air flow and prevent fuel and oxygen from properly mixing. You can buy and use a special ash tool for this task.
-
Use a wire brush to remove soot from the stove’s interior surfaces.
-
Clean the glass panel using paper towels and a store-bought glass cleaner.
Schedule annual servicing
Hire an expert who will clean and inspect your stove at least once a year (usually at the start of the heating season). This expert will ensure that the pipes and venting system are clean and in good working order, and they’ll fix any minor issues before they grow bigger and more expensive to repair.
Take these steps to extend the lifespan of your pellet stove! If you need assistance, don’t hesitate to call Chimney Sweep & Stove Lee Services and take advantage of my professional stove and chimney cleaning services in Auburn, CA. Contact me now at (530) 206-9472!