Wood and Pellet Stove Safety

Pellet Stove Maintenance and Safety

Pellet stoves are becoming more commonly used, as pellets in bags are easier to move and store than traditional wood. Pellet stoves can be efficient and safe if proper maintenance is upkept.

Basic cleaning should be done every 3-4 days. Start by turning off the stove and giving time for the unit to fully shut down and cool off. Then open the front door and remove all the ash from the burn box / fire box. This can be done using a vacuum to save time and ensure all the ash is removed. Next, remove the baffles that cover the heat exchange, and clean any carbon deposits / ash build up. Vacuum the fire box again after and clean the glass window with an approved window cleaner.

Monthly cleaning is just as important to keep up with as basic cleaning. Again, start by shutting the stove off and letting it cool off completely. Then start with your basic cleaning. After the heat exchange is clean, clean the blower motor and fan out with a small paint brush and vacuum. After that, finish basic cleaning and inspect all gaskets around the door and hopper, replacing any ripped or broken gaskets.

Having an annual cleaning routine for your pellet stove can increase the lifespan of your stove. Start with the basic and monthly cleaning described above. Next, empty all pellets that are left in the hopper. Leaving pellets in the hopper can cause corrosion. After that, inspect the hopper, auger, and pressure latch / switch for any debris or wear. Then clean and vacuum out the chimney, getting all soot and debris cleaned out. Cleaning and lubricating any blower motors and auger motors should be done at this time also. Lastly give the stove a visual inspection to ensure all wires are connected and things are installed back together correctly, then start the stove to ensure proper function.

Wood Stove Maintenance and Safety

Wood stoves are still a commonly used source of heat for many homes in the north country. With them being used frequently through the winter it is important to maintain your stove to keep you and your home safe. There is less maintenance than a pellet stove, but it is still just as important to keep up with it.

The wood you burn can affect how your stove operates. Dry hardwoods are recommended for use in wood stoves as it burns hotter, and produces more heat compared to wet wood. Wet wood also causes more smoke, and more soot builds up in the chimney. DO NOT BURN CARDBOARD IN YOUR WOOD STOVE. When cardboard burns, it releases more smoke than wood and causes excess soot buildup, leading to a fire hazard.

Basic cleaning should be done every 3-4 days, just like the pellet stove. This includes cleaning out the burn box of all the ash, and cleaning the glass window, if there is one. The chimney should be cleaned out monthly, and a certified chimney sweep done annually. Before each heating season all gaskets, seals, and other parts should be inspected and replaced if needed.  

https://www.highschimney.com/wood-stoves-vs-pellet-stoves/

https://koopmanlumber.com/clean-maintain-pellet-stove/

Last updated January 23, 2024