Pellet Stove Shut Down Operation

July 3, 2008 · Filed Under Pellet Stove Operation · Comment 

What are signs of performance problems?


Properly operated and well maintained pellet stoves experience few, if any problems. Most of pellet stove operation is automatic, but sometimes combustion air adjustment is needed.

Signs like a lazy, orange, sooty flame or dark smoke coming out of the vent (after startup and before shutdown) may indicate the need for more air or an overactive, “blow torch” flame calls for less air.” Performance problems are more likely to be caused by neglected maintenance than by operation. Lazy flame, dark smoke, unusual sooting of glass, unexplained smoke spillage, and reduced heat output all point to the need for maintenance of appliance components and/or the venting system or for remedies for house depressurization. Problems related to mechanical failure usually result in safety switches shutting the appliance down. Appliance shutdowns may, however, indicate nothing more than owner forgetfulness (empty hopper) or hurry (improper startup), or intermittent power failure. Unexplained, repeated appliance shutdowns call for professional advice and service.

How do I shut the stove down?
Shutting the pellet stove down is typically a matter of simply setting the control to the “Off position” according to operating instructions. The fuel feed stops delivering fuel right away, and after the stove cools sufficiently, all motors and blowers cease operation. The pellet stove should NOT be shut down by unplugging the power cord.

What happens in an unexpected shutdown such as a power outage or component failure?
Although fuel feed stops in a power outage, the pellets in the burn pot may continue to burn or smolder. The duration of this condition can vary depending on the pellet stove appliance design from a few minutes to an hour or more. The resulting smoke and hot gases rise, seeking the path of least resistance. If the exhaust vent does not have vertical sections to provide natural draft, smoke may spill into the home (Figure 14).

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Pellet Stove Starting Operation

June 29, 2008 · Filed Under Pellet Stove Operation · 2 Comments 

Where do we start?

The obvious would be the instructions that accompany the pellet stove appliance, generally operating a pellet stove is not difficult, but it maybe new technology so it calls for some basic knowledge.

Training vides accompany some stoves, and hands on demonstrations are done by many dealers and installers.

How do I start a fire?
Most designs make start up easy by using Small dry pellet fuel and combustion air. Operating instructions provided with the stove give the specific steps to follow.

Manual ignition stoves call for the owner to apply an approved gel or solid starter material (no liquids), light the pellets, and monitor the fire to see that the fire catches and the flame gradually grows. On the automatic ignition pellet stoves, pushing the start button feeds pellets to the burn pot and heats the self-igniter device.

What if the stove doesn’t start properly?
For this a safety device monitors startup and stops fuel feed if operating temperatures are not reached within a specified time period. If startup fails, the operator makes sure that the hopper has fuel, that fuel is feeding, and restarts the stove. Repeated failed lighting cycles indicate the need for maintenance or professional service.

What do I do after the stove starts?
After the initial start up the control panel or air inlet adjustments and a quick performance check, the pellet stove is set to provide hours of even, comfortable heat. Stoves equipped with a remote wall thermostat respond to owner setting and room air temperature by cycling on and off or by cycling from a low to high burn, depending on pellet stove design.

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