How to Clean a Pellet Stove Flue

Vacuum any pellet stove residue.

Byproducts of combustion, like soot and fly ash, accumulate in a pellet stove flue. These byproducts restrict exhaust gas flow and consequently need to be removed periodically to maintain safe operation of the pellet stove. Pellet stove manufacturer, Harman, recommends cleaning the flue annually or after every 50 bags (one ton) of pellets. Pellet stove flues are cleaned with brushes.

Things You'll Need

• Flue brush
• Shop vacuum cleaner

Instructions

1. Shut down the pellet stove and disconnect the power.

2. Open the door and remove the ash pan. Remove the combustion blower. On a Harman and similar models, you loosen the wing nuts and twist the blower mount plate counter-clockwise to unlock it. Clean the blower wheel with a brush and vacuum the residue.

3. Brush the flue with the flue brush. Be careful not to damage or dislodge the sensitive, exhaust sensor probe that is installed in the flue. Vacuum any residue.

4. Reinstall the combustion blower and slide the ash pan back into the stove. Latch the door.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure the stove is fully extinguished and cold before using a vacuum cleaner on it. Hot ash must not get into the vacuum or it could catch fire.

References

• Harman XXV Pellet Stove Owner’s Manual