Troubleshooting guide

Page 10
The stove operates using a top feed auger system; where the fuel is stored in a 40 to 90 pound
hopper (depending on the model), then auger driven up through the auger tube and gravity
dropped from the drop tube into the Burn Pot. The stove also operates using a Negative
Pressure System, where exhaust gases are being expelled through the exhaust port at a faster
rate than which fresh air can be delivered into the inlet port. Since an internal negative pressure
system exists, the potential for smoke and other hazardous gases escaping from within the
firebox and out into the room have been considerably decreased in comparison to a positive
pressure system. When using a negative pressure system, room air actually wants to be pulled
into the firebox as opposed to a positive pressure system, where exhaust gases are being forced
from the firebox and potentially into the room.
Pellet stoves are typically an automated controlled heating appliance, where extensive
supervision generally is not necessary during operation, but even so, it's wise to be educated on
various combustion characteristics that may cause potential safety hazards; such as a situation
where excessive smoke and black soot may adhere to the viewing glass surface, this is a sign of
either too many pellets or not enough air to create the correct combustion ratio. A black shiny
build-up that is difficult to remove, is an indication of too much air and can lead to creosote
build-up in the stove. It's important to understand the significance of how a correctly installed
and well-maintained pellet stove can greatly affect the performance and safety level of operation.
Even though there is considerably less work to burning a pellet or corn stove in comparison to a
conventional wood stove; a daily, periodic and yearly preventive maintenance program faithfully
needs to be followed. The type of fuel and the amount of fuel burned daily along with other
various conditions will contribute to the frequency of required stove maintenance.
Wood Pellets
Wood Pellet Manufacturing
Quality wood pellets for residential heating are made from clean wood wastes. Chips, sawdust,
slabs and other wood wastes are used. These products are ground, dried or have water added,
extruded through a die, cooled, screened, bagged and placed on pallets.
The quality of the pellet is determined by the quality of the raw material, the pelleting process
and its subsequent handling.
The quality of the raw material will vary based upon the specie of tree and where the tree grows.
Also important is whether the raw material contains any bark and dirt, the length of time the raw
material is exposed to weather, how its handled and stored.
The pelleting process affects the quality of the pellet. High quality pellets will meet the PFI
"PREMIUM" standards. Poorer quality pellets may be too long, short, soft, high in moisture, ash
and saw dust.