Pellet stoves require some simple maintenance steps to keep them running their best. Today we’re sharing some general tips for a glimpse into what that looks like. If you own a pellet stove, be sure to follow the instructions in your owner’s manual. It will provide guidance and steps that apply to your particular brand and model of stove.

Annual Maintenance
First and foremost, all pellets stoves should be cleaned and inspected at least once a year, or after each time you have burned a ton of pellets through it. You can do it yourself by carefully following the instructions in your owner’s manual, or it can be performed by a professional. In addition to thoroughly cleaning the stove, a pro can closely inspect vital components like the auger, motor, hopper, switches, blowers, wiring, seals, sensors and exhaust pipes.

Ongoing Maintenance
Over the course of the heating season, ongoing maintenance is a must to keep your stove functioning properly. This includes cleaning ash out of the burn chamber area and the ash pan, scraping of the burn pot, and keeping vital components free of ash, like the airwash system and venting. Be sure to wear heat resistant gloves to protect your hands and arms, and deposit ashes in a metal container with a lid that is stored far away from any combustible materials. Be sure to consult your owner’s manual for specific instructions.

You can clean the viewing glass when the stove is completely cool – never when the stove is hot! To clean the glass, use a soft cloth and a glass cleaner specially formulated for wood or pellet stove glass. Don’t scrape the glass with any sharp objects, as scratches can compromise the integrity and strength of the glass.

Some brands of pellet stoves require less maintenance than others. Good examples are stoves manufactured by Harman and Quadra-Fire. These brands outfit their pellet stoves with today’s best technologies for making heating with pellets as easy as possible for you.

The Pellet Factor
We recommend using premium-grade pellets whenever possible. They will burn more efficiently and produce less ash than low-grade pellets, meaning you’ll need to clean your stove less often. If you aren’t sure how a certain grade of pellet will perform in your stove, buy a small amount (2-3 bags) and burn it through before stocking up a ton more to last the season.

The Bottom Line
To keep your hard-working stove performing at its best, remember these two things:
1. Always use premium pellets if possible, and
2. Maintain your stove on both an ongoing and annual basis.