Do I have to Clean inside my Pellet Burner every day?
Quick Answer: Maybe! Your pellet burner needs regular cleaning to make sure it is working properly, not only for best heat output, but maximum efficiency as well.
If you use your pellet burner all day then YES, you have to clean inside every day. If you use your pellet burner for shorter periods, then maybe not. Every 2-3 days may be enough, depending on how many pellets you burn.
Do I need a regular maintenance routine?
Pellet stoves do not clean themselves, and routine maintenance is essential to ensure safe and efficient operation. Having a regular clean and check routine is one of the most important aspects of pellet burner ownership.
With experience you will soon find out what frequency suits your situation best, but we recommend you use this guide as a base.
Tips before you start
- Always follow the manufacturer's instructions.
- Use an ashvac, not your normal vacuum cleaner. Pellet ash contains very fine dust particles which will block a normal vacuum cleaner's filters very quickly.
- Ensure the appliance is fully cooled down before you start working on it.
- Switch off or disconnect the electrical supply at the mains socket.
- Never empty the burn pot into the pellet hopper.
Daily Cleaning
Ash Pan: Remove the ash pan and vacuum, or safely dispose of, the ash build-up
Firebox: Remove the burn pot (brazier) and vacuum the build-up of ash and partially burnt pellets, especially in the air inlet below the burn pot.
Firebox: Clear any debris away from the igniter plug area.
Burn Pot: Clear the burn pot of ash and unburnt pellets The small air holes within the burn pot must remain clear to allow proper airflow.
Door Glass: Spray ash deposits with stove glass cleaner. After a few seconds wipe clean with paper towel and finish with a damp rag.
Monthly Cleaning
Baffle Plate: If accessible, remove the baffle plate and clear out any soot and ash build-up behind.
Flue Tee Piece: Remove the cap at the base of the tee and remove any deposits. It is perfectly normal to find a small amount of ash, soot, condensation or rain water inside the tee.
Firebox: Clear any debris away from the igniter plug area.
Burn Pot: Clear the burn pot of ash and unburnt pellets The small air holes within the burn pot must remain clear to allow proper airflow.
Door Glass: Spray ash deposits with stove glass cleaner. After a few seconds wipe clean with paper towel and finish with a damp rag.
What if the property is left vacant?
Many of our customers use their properties seasonally and may leave them unoccupied for extended periods. If your home will be empty for several weeks or months, we strongly recommend carrying out a simple shutdown procedure to protect your appliance.
This should include:
- Run the appliance until it is completely empty of fuel where possible.
- Remove any remaining pellets from the hopper.
- Empty the burn pot and ash pan.
- Switch off at the electrical supply, but only once the shutdown cycle has fully completed.
Does my pellet stove need an Annual Service?
Like any heating appliance, your pellet burner requires professional maintenance. An annual service allows internal components to be inspected and cleaned thoroughly, ensuring the appliance continues to operate safely, efficiently and reliably.
Regular servicing can also help identify potential issues before they develop into more significant problems.
In many cases, maintaining an up-to-date service history is also a requirement of the manufacturer's warranty. For this reason, we recommend arranging a service every year, ideally before the start of the heating season or throughout the summer months.
What to do next
Still not sure about how to service your pellet burner? Get in touch or visit the showroom, we’re always happy to help you get the most from your heating system.