ASH REMOVAL AND DISPOSAL
IMPORTANT: While the amount of ash generated by this unit is not excessive compared to log-burning woodstoves, keeping the unit clean and free of ash is essential for peak performance. Too much ash build-up hampers airflow and reduces the unit’s efficiency, and can cause smoke-back.
Daily Ash Maintenance
Press the “OFF” touch pad and allow the stove to burn for five (5) minutes prior to opening the door. A long-handled screwdriver or long-handled putty knife can be used to scrape off any build-up or crust in the burn pot area. This can then be pushed to the left or right into the ash storage area.
Ash Pan
NOTE: The ash pan must be latched when the unit is in operation. NEVER operate the unit with the ash pan out! This unit has an ash pan for more convenient and hassle-free cleaning; to open, simply pull the handles and rotate them down, then pull the ash pan forward. Note also that there are two access panels (one on each side) inside the unit in the bottom; to put ashes into the ash pan, remove the panels and push the ashes into the ash pan and then replace them, making sure that the area under these plates are clear before replacing them. As noted below, the unit should be off and cooled before any ash maintenance.
Semi-Weekly Ash Removal
Twice each week: Shut the unit down by pressing the “OFF” pad and allowing the unit to go through the complete Shut-Down cycle. Allow the unit to completely cool down and then remove the ashes with a scoop, as described in the Ash Pan section above. The ashes should be placed in a non-combustible container with an airtight lid and should always be placed on a non-combustible surface or on the ground until completely cooled and free of hot cinders. Once the ash is removed, the burn pot should be given a thorough inspection. Remove and clean the burn pot. Check for any build-up in the front of the burn area. Clean out all air holes, these air holes should be kept clean, as they supply combustion air under and around the fuel. The burn pot assembly should also be thoroughly cleaned, including the burn box.
IMPORTANT: Ash build-up can cause the unit to malfunction.
Monthly Ash Removal
Use a screwdriver or chisel and break any creosote build-up in the front of the unit, where the pellets are fed into the burn pot from the Auger Tube. Moisture in the pellets and resulting build-up in this area can cause the auger to “squeal” or squeak. Also inspect your flue pipes, and remove ash buildup from the clean-out tee.
Annual Cleaning
The stove and the flue system should be given a complete cleaning at the end of the heating season. Remove the burn pot, clean it thoroughly, and re-install it. In addition to the cleaning mentioned for semi-weekly and monthly, the Combustion (exhaust) Blower should be removed annually and the blower tube vacuumed of any ash build-up. When cleaning or replacing the blower a new gasket (Part # PU-CBG) should be added between the blower flange and the steel exhaust tube.
Soot and Fly ash: Formation and Need for Removal – The products of combustion will contain small particles of fly ash. The fly ash will collect in the exhaust venting system and restrict the flow of flue gases. Incomplete combustion, such as occurs during startup, shutdown, or incorrect operation of the room heater will lead to some soot formation which will collect in the exhaust venting system. The exhaust venting system should be inspected at least once every year to determine if cleaning is necessary.