Heating your home with a pellet stove is an affordable and efficient alternative to gas or wood options. However, if you’ve just moved into a home with a pellet stove and don’t have any experience with these models, it’s important to learn how to use it. Here are some essential tips to follow to ensure the stove will heat your area safely and consistently each season.

How to Safely Use a Pellet Stove

1. Follow Manufacturer Maintenance

Have your stove professionally cleaned and inspected at the start of each cold season before you start using it. A professional will ensure that the seals are tight, all parts are working correctly, and it’s clean enough to heat your home efficiently.

Throughout the season, use an ash vacuum to remove residue, and empty the ash trap every week. Clean the heat exchanger according to manufacturer directions. At the end of each season, clean and remove all pellets from the hopper and feed system.

2. Burn Only Approved Substances

Each brand of pellet stove has a recommended type of pellet to use. Don’t stray from these recommendations, as burning a different variety could lead to ash buildup. This will change the ratio of oxygen to fuel inside your stove, affecting its performance.

Do not burn anything besides the approved fuel. Burning random items like papers, trash, or other substances can result in dangerous combustion.

3. Install a Carbon Monoxide Detector

Properly ventilated pellet stoves release carbon monoxide to the exterior of the home. However, a poorly installed stove or damaged ventilation system can leak this deadly gas to leak inside the home.

Always install a carbon monoxide detector if your home has a pellet stove. The device should be placed within ten feet of the stove so you’re alerted to any leaks immediately.

For help maintaining your pellet stove, contact Warming Trends in Onalaska, WI. This family-owned business has been helping families heat their homes for almost 20 years. They have an extensive showroom, where you can choose from a wood stove, gas fireplace, or fireplace insert. They also provide wood pellet fuel so your family has everything they need to stay warm and cozy all season. Call (608) 783-6400 to experience their top-notch customer service, and visit their website or Facebook for more information.