Chimney Care Company's Blog
Troubleshooting Common Pellet Stove Problems
Pellet stoves are a great alternative if you’re looking for a low-maintenance, eco-friendly source of warmth for your home. This affordable option not only saves you money on your electricity bill, it also is as customizable as the rest of your home with a variety of styles to fit your décor. If your pellet stove is not performing normally or producing smoke, make sure it is disconnected from the power source and cool before inspecting it.
Pellets:
The fuel that feeds into your stove is made up of compressed bits of sawdust and bark that produce little to no smoke and are a renewable resource. If the pellets are producing soot or smoke when burned, it is likely that the pellets being used aren’t of a high quality, which means there is a higher likelihood of them producing deposits of creosote that can keep your stove from functioning properly. Invest in a better quality pellet, and see how much longer they burn for. Chances are, you’ll see better results.
Stove:
If the stove won’t start at all, even when plugged in to the power outlet, check the fuse to make sure it has been damaged. Once your stove is up and running, keep an eye out for these telltale signs. If you’re using high-quality pellets and smoke is still coming out of the stove, the burn pot could be at fault. Clean it of waste and debris and try again. The same solution goes for the auger that feeds the pellets into the burn pot. Clear the augur of pellets and try again. If the motor is at fault, give us a call. We will clean it of debris and lubricate the moving parts so that it can function properly. Most of the time, it is either the pellets or the deposits created by the pellets that cause a problem.
Ventilation:
Sometimes, air leaks develop in the seal of the door. If you are not feeling appropriate amounts of heat from the stove, this could be the culprit. The air inlet cap, which provides oxygen to full the fire, can also become blocked, so clean this on a regular basis as well. Proper ventilation is key to a successful pellet stove fire, so make sure the vent and exhaust pipe are clean.
Pellet stoves are high-tech and easy to use. Keep all the parts and pieces clear of debris and buildup, provide plenty of fuel, and you’ll have a beautiful fire in no time. Give us a call here at Chimney Care Company. We install pellet stoves in a variety of styles and sizes, depending on your budget and the ambiance you want to achieve. We also provide maintenance to make sure everything is working smoothly. Call us today: 513-248-9600!