Click here for Venting solutions, and helpful hints...

All wood pellet stoves will run more efficiently when clean.  Air will move more freely, allowing appropriate combustion in the firebox.  For tools we recommend, a paintbrush, paper towels, or a soft cloth, a shop vac with a micro-filter bag (be cautious of burning embers), or a fire resistant ash vac, and in some cases a scraper rod (should come with your stove).  A stove glass cleaner may need to be used in some cases (depending on the quality and type of pellet you use).

Each time a new bag of pellets is put into the hopper it is a good idea to clean the heat exchanger.  Keeping these clean will help effectively transfer the heat from the firebox to your room.  Pull the attached rod two or three times to clean lennox/whitfield stoves, or using scraper tool provided by Harman to clean accordian heat exchangers.  If you are using a lower quality pellet, you may need to to clean more frequently.

Each time the pellet stove is turned off for cleaning the paintbrush can be a very helpful tool.  (note- Watch out for burning embers...)  The paintbrush can efficiently clean the light dust a pellet stove produces.  Starting at the top brush your way down, using the flexibility of the brush to get into the small crevices and hard to reach places.  Then open the slide plate (depends on stove features)to allow ash to fall into collection pan, or vacuum the ash out with an ash vac.

Each month, or at least every ton you may want to do a little more thorough cleaning.   Check with your dealer for 'hidden' places that ash may accumulate.  Your paintbrush, and or ash vac will help you clean those areas.   Clean firepot and any ash that may have settled behind or beneath the burnpot.  You will also want to check the gasket on your door.  Make sure it has a proper seal.  This is also a good time to be sure your air wash is free from ash or other blockage.  A card or folded piece of paper can help you clear any blockages, helping your window stay cleaner, longer.  Check your damper setting(stove depenedent) to ensure proper air flow.

Once a year it is a good idea to either perform,  or have a professional complete the following:  Clean as described above; check all gaskets and see that the motors are not blocked or clogged by hair, dust or other debris; remove firebrick to clean behind (stove depenedent), check your manual for any hidden ports, or airways that may accumulate dust, and check the reliability of firebrick which acts as an insulator for your firebox;   empty the clean-out T ( depends on installation) and clean out vent pipe with approved vent pipe brush.  Open access panels on stove, and clean out any dust, ash, hair or debris that may have settled.  Remove ash pan (stove dependent), and clean any ash or dust that may have settled behind or below pan.  Clean firepot completely, and check it for defects.  Verify damper operation, check fuses, and test your battery back-up system ( back-up is not found with all stoves).

When shutting off your stove for the summer it is a good idea to evacuate all pellets from the hopper.  Pellets left in hopper over the summer may accumulate moisture and not feed properly when you turn your stove back on in the fall.  Un-plug your stove to protect it from any lightning strikes or other power surges that may occur during the summer.

The information above is a general guide for all pellet stove owners.  All issues may not have been addressed.  The Stove Keepers cannot be held responsible for any damage that may occur from following these instructions.  If you are not confident in performing any of the above cleaning or maintenance items, we recommend a professional cleaning.  Also, be certain not to void any warranties by opening or maintaining parts within your stove:  Check your owners manual for more information.

For more information on The Stove Keepers professional cleanings or for specific questions on the stoves we carry please feel free to call, e-mail or stop by.  If you would like to schedule an annual servicing please click the following:

Click here to schedule an annual cleaning and maintenance check

Always read your owners manual before operating stove.

A safety label is located on the hopper lid of Whitfield, Harman and Thelin pellet stoves.   This label contains important information about the installation and operation of your stove.

Fuel- Whitfield stoves are designed and approved for the burning of wood pellets with an ash content of up to 3%.   Burning of agricultural residues (such as corn and alfalfa) are not approved.   It will void all warranties if such a fuel is used.

Continuous Operation-  When used correctly, a pellet stove cannot be over-fired.  Continuous operation at a maximum burn rate can, however, shorten the life of the electrical components, and is not recommended.

Liquid flammables-  Please, for your safety do not use gasoline or other flammable liquids to start or "freshen up" your fire.

Auger- Pellet fuel is fed to the burn grate by an auger.  This auger is driven by a high torque motor, and is capable of doing severe damage to fingers or other items placed in the auger while it is on.   The auger can start and stop any time while the stove is running.

Soot Formation-  Burning with insufficient combustion air will result in the formation of soot.     This is not only a hazardous situation, it is also an inefficient use of pellet fuel.

Cleaning-  Many stove companies have added features to ease the cleaning of your wood pellet stove, such as large ashpans, but it will still be necessary to clean your vent system periodically.   Once a year is a good average.  This will vary due to the ash content and quality of fuel used.

Overheating-  A high temperature switch will automatically shut down the stove if it overheats.  The stove will need to be re-lit after allowing 45 minutes cooling time.  If overheating continues, contact your local dealer.

                      Freestanding Room Heater

       A Hearth Insert (when installed into a masonry of factory builtfireplace)

                      A Mobile Home Heater