Pellet Stove Maintenance 101: Common Questions Answered

Author: Sean Summers, NFI Master Hearth Certified Technician – WoodstovePro.com

Pellet stoves are clean-burning, efficient, and easy to use—but like any heating appliance, they need regular care to keep them performing safely and reliably. Whether you're new to pellet heating or just want to brush up on best practices, this guide answers the most common homeowner questions about pellet stove cleaning, auger maintenance, and routine upkeep.

Let’s begin:

Q: How often should I clean my pellet stove?

Most pellet stoves need light daily or weekly cleaning and a deep cleaning every 1–2 tons of pellets burned.

Daily or weekly tasks include:

• Emptying the ash pan
• Scraping the burn pot
• Wiping the glass

Deep cleaning should involve:

• Cleaning heat exchange tubes
• Vacuuming ash traps
• Inspecting gaskets
• Checking the auger system

If you use your stove as a primary heat source, you may need to clean it more frequently.

Q: How do I clean my pellet stove properly?

A proper pellet stove cleaning includes:

1. Turning off the stove and letting it cool
2. Emptying the ash pan
3. Scraping carbon buildup in the burn pot
4. Vacuuming ash inside the firebox (with an ash-rated vacuum)
5. Cleaning the heat exchanger
6. Removing soot from the venting pipe
7. Checking door and ash pan gaskets

Always use a metal ash vacuum—not a household vacuum—to avoid fire hazards.

Q: What is auger maintenance and why is it important?

The auger feeds pellets from the hopper into the burn pot. If it becomes clogged or dirty, your stove may fail to ignite or burn inconsistently.

Basic auger maintenance includes:

• Emptying the hopper regularly
• Removing fines (pellet dust)
• Checking for buildup around the auger
• Ensuring smooth pellet feeding

If you hear grinding noises or inconsistent feeding, your auger may need lubrication or cleaning.

Q: Why does my stove produce soot or a dirty burn?

Soot or dark flames usually mean:

• Poor-quality pellets
• A dirty burn pot
• Clogged air inlets
• Incorrect draft settings

Switching to high-quality pellets and keeping your burn pot free of carbon buildup will dramatically improve your burn quality.

Q: How often should I have my pellet stove professionally serviced?

Even with good homeowner maintenance, a pellet stove should be inspected and cleaned by a professional once a year. A technician will:

• Deep-clean internal components
• Check wiring connections
• Test sensors and vacuum switches
• Inspect the auger motor
• Examine the venting system

Q: Why is pellet quality so important?

Low-quality pellets create more ash and produce uneven burns. High-quality pellets:

• Reduce clogs and buildup
• Improve heat output
• Extend the time between cleanings
• Protect the auger and burn pot

Look for pellets with a low moisture content.

Q: When should I replace gaskets, sensors, or other parts?

Replace parts when you notice:

• Door gasket leaks or is loose-fitting
• Slow or failed ignition
• Intermittent auger feeding
• Excessive smoke during startup
• Poor burn quality

Final Thoughts

Proper pellet stove maintenance ensures safer operation, better heat output, and fewer breakdowns—especially during peak heating months. With routine cleaning and occasional professional service, your stove will run smoothly for many years.

Have questions about pellet stove parts, cleaning tools, or troubleshooting? Contact our certified hearth experts at 888-418-0005 or info@woodstovepro.com.