How to Troubleshoot a Quadra-Fire Pellet Stove

Pellet stoves are home heating appliances that burn small wood "pellets," which look like guinea pig food. Often, these energy-efficient appliances are used as secondary heat sources in a home. As with any appliance, though, you are bound to come across some problems with your stove. Save yourself the money of calling in a technician by troubleshooting the issues on your Quadra-Fire pellet stove yourself.

1. Ensure that there is a current to the outlet by checking the breaker if you plug in the appliance and receive no response. The 0.7 amp fuse also may be defective and need to be replaced. Reset or replace the stove's No. 3 snap disc if it has been tripped or is defective.

2. Check to make sure the hopper is full of fuel if the call light is on but there is no fire and no fuel in the firepot. Your vacuum switch may not be closing. If this is the case, check the exhaust blower to make sure it is plugged in and working. See that the vacuum switch is plugged in and that the hose is in good condition and not clogged. Also, clean out your venting system and make sure the front door is closed.

3. Make sure the firepot’s clean-out plate is fully closed if the call light is on but there is no fire and some partially burned fuel in the firepot. The firepot may also be dirty and thus missed igniting. If this is the case, clean the firepot and make sure there are no clinkers (unburned pellets) in it.

4. Reduce the feed rate using the feed-rate adjustment control rod located inside the hopper if you get a slow or smoky start-up. The firepot may also be dirty. You may have to clear any clinkers out of the firepot by using a firepot scraper tool.

5. Replace the snap disc if the feed system fails to start. It may be defective. The feed system may be jammed or blocked. If this is the case, empty the hopper of fuel. Remove the remaining fuel from the hopper, including the feed tube, by using a wet/dry vacuum cleaner.