How To Clean & Maintain Your Pellet Stove

So you just bought a wood pellet stove or you're thinking of buying one. Either way, you should be aware of the proper ways to care for your stove year round. With each season comes a chore. Depending on the type of stove you own (freestanding or insert) you will need to take some time and either perform these chores yourself or call in a professional.

Cleaning Inserts

If you’ve purchased an inserted wood pellet stove, each year right before winter or at the end of fall you should perform a chimney sweep. Call in the professionals for this task. Your chimney sweep should include a certification which shows that other components of the stove and chimney are safe and working efficiently.

Cleaning Inserts/Freestanding

Regardless of which type of wood pellet stove you own, the winter season usually calls for the most labor. The catalytic combustors should be checked thoroughly at least 3 times during the season. You may need to replace the combustor and can do so for under $200.00. At the end of the winter season you should remove any left over pellets and ash to prevent future problems. Wire brushes should also be used inside the stove throughout the year along with the inspection of fans and motors.