IS CLEANING A PELLET STOVE REALLY THAT COMPLICATED?
Pellet stoves are an eco-friendly, efficient, and economical way to heat your home. However, you might have heard pellet heating critics claim that cleaning is a major downside. But is maintaining a pellet stove really that complicated, burdensome, or difficult? Reading our article or speaking to any pellet stove owner, you'll realize it’s not the case at all.
Let’s take it step by step.
First of all, when we talk about pellet stove maintenance, we need to distinguish between two types:
- Routine maintenance, which you can do yourself.
- Extraordinary maintenance, which should be done annually by a professional technician.
How to Clean a Pellet Stove
Cleaning a pellet stove is quick and easy. Thanks to regulated combustion, these products generate less ash compared to wood stoves. The amount of ash produced is minimal, and the small amount of unburned residue is removed via a self-cleaning brazier that activates automatically. This ash production is even lower when using certified, high-quality pellets that burn more efficiently with fewer residues.
Cleaning must always be done when the stove is turned off.
For pellet stoves with a self-cleaning brazier, cleaning the firebox becomes a quick and simple operation that only needs to be done 1-2 times a week.
Here are the steps you’ll need to follow, which won’t take more than five minutes depending on the type of pellets used and how many hours the stove has been running:
- Vacuum the firebox and brazier using a regular vacuum cleaner. This ensures proper airflow and optimal stove operation.
- Clean the glass door. This step is more for aesthetic reasons and to ensure you can clearly see the flame. If you’re using high-quality pellets and the installation is done correctly, a dry brush will suffice to remove ash from the glass. If there are crusty residues, wipe the glass with a clean cloth and a small amount of neutral spray.
WHEN TO MAKE MAINTENANCE OF A PELLET STOVE?
Extraordinary maintenance is a professional cleaning and inspection of the pellet stove and its system, conducted annually by a qualified technician. It includes:
- Cleaning and inspecting the flue and smoke duct.
- Checking the stove’s gasket seals.
- Removing all residue from the internal components.
- Inspecting emissions.
- Checking all electronic and mechanical components of the stove.
This maintenance is not only legally required but also has two major benefits:
- The stove remains efficient for a longer time, saving you money.
- It guarantees greater safety. In Italy, more than 10,000 fires occur annually due to neglected maintenance. An old, dirty flue can cost you your home—and in the worst cases, your life!
HOW MUCH DOES PELLET STOVE MAINTENANCE COST?
Maintenance of pellet stoves must be carried out by an authorised and certified technician, qualified for the installation and servicing of heating systems and specifically trained to work with renewable energy systems.
It’s ideal to always rely on an authorized MCZ technician, ensuring they are up-to-date on the product and any technical updates or modifications. Find your local Service Center here.
Want to learn more about pellet stoves? Download our Selection Guide or request an inspection from our technicians right away.
