Getting to Know Your Pellet Burner

A Quick-start Guide for New Users

If you’ve recently installed a pellet burner, or you’re considering one, welcome to a cleaner, easier way to heat your home. Whether you’re living inland or by the sea here on the Costa Blanca, pellet stoves are efficient, low-maintenance, and perfect for keeping cosy during the cooler months.

But like any heating system, pellet burners work best when you understand the basics. Here’s your friendly, straightforward guide to getting started.

What Is a Pellet Burner?

A pellet burner is a modern heating stove that uses compressed wood pellets—a sustainable, renewable fuel. These pellets are automatically fed into the burn chamber in controlled amounts, allowing for steady heat with minimal effort on your part.

Unlike a wood stove, you don’t need to keep feeding it logs or constantly adjust the air. Once it’s set up, a pellet burner maintains your desired temperature with ease.

How It Works – Air In, Smoke Out

Pellet burners are sealed systems, meaning they draw in air from the room or outside, burn the fuel efficiently, and then expel the exhaust gases through a flue (chimney pipe). This process is managed by a built-in fan system that:

• Draws in air for combustion
• Pushes out the smoke and any moisture or gases via the flue

Because pellet burners breathe in and out, airflow is crucial to performance. If the air intake or exhaust becomes blocked or restricted by ash, soot, or moisture, it can lead to poor burning, excess smoke, or error messages.

Key Parts to Know

• Pellet Hopper
  Holds your wood pellets and feeds them automatically into the burn chamber.
• Control Panel
  Lets you set your desired temperature, fan speed, and timer. Some models even have remote controls or Wi-Fi apps.
• Burn Pot/Brazier
  Where the fire burns. This should be cleaned daily to maintain a strong, efficient flame. Don’t forget to clean underneath the burn pot.
• Ash Tray / Collection Area
  Collects the ash from the burning process. Although pellet stoves produce less ash than traditional wood stoves, the ash tray also needs daily cleaning during regular use to prevent build-up and ensure proper airflow.
• Flue & T-Piece
  The flue expels smoke and gases. Some installations include a T-piece at the base of the flue to catch condensation and residue. This area should be checked and cleaned regularly, especially in cooler or damper conditions.

Keeping Your Pellet Burner In Tip-Top Shape

Daily & Weekly Maintenance Tips

• Clean the burn pot and ash tray daily during colder months when your stove is used regularly. A quick routine keeps the flame healthy and prevents ash build-up in the system.
• Wipe the glass when needed for a clear view of the flame.
• Check the flue T-piece – This small section at the base of the flue can collect condensation and soot, especially in colder months or when the stove hasn’t been used for a while. Give it a quick clean regularly to keep things flowing.
• Use good-quality pellets to reduce soot, ash, and maintenance time.

Annual Maintenance – Don’t Skip It

Pellet burners are low maintenance day-to-day, but they do require professional servicing once a year. This includes:

• Deep cleaning the internal components
• Checking the fans and sensors
• Inspecting and cleaning the full flue system
• Ensuring safe and efficient operation

We recommend booking a service before the heating season starts to make sure your burner is in top shape.

Choose the Right Pellets

Pellets can vary quite a bit in quality, and their performance often depends on your specific stove model or installation. Some pellets that burn perfectly in one stove might cause more ash or smoke in another. We always recommend ENplus A1 certified pellets. They are generally high-quality, low-ash, and suitable for pellet burners.

If you notice your stove running less efficiently or the glass getting dirty quickly, it might be worth trying a different brand of pellet to find the best match for your burner.

What If the Stove Beeps or Shows an Error?

Most pellet burners come with built-in safety systems that will alert you if something’s not right. These usually appear as a beep, flashing light, or error code on the screen. Common triggers include:

• A blocked or dirty burn pot
• Ash build-up in the air intake or flue
• A problem with pellet feed
• Loss of power or poor ventilation

Don’t worry, there is no need to panic! These alarms are there to keep you safe and protect the stove. Often, a quick clean of the burn pot and ash tray will clear the issue. If the message persists, refer to your user manual or give us a call. We’re always happy to help diagnose and fix the problem.

Pellet Heat – Smart, Clean, and Simple

Your pellet burner is a powerful, user-friendly way to heat your home, perfect for Costa Blanca living. With a little daily care, regular cleaning of the T-piece, and yearly servicing, your stove will keep running efficiently all winter long.

Need pellets, cleaning kits, or want help understanding your stove’s settings? Get in touch or visit us, we’re always happy to help you get the most from your heating system.

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For more information about Pellet Burners, please visit our main website or contact us directly.