How to Clean the Chimney of a Pellet Stove

Pellet stoves are electrical stoves that burn 2 to 7 pounds of fuel every hour. Because the pellets usually comprise recycled sawdust or wood shavings, these stoves are an energy-efficient way to heat a room during the cold months. Pellet stoves are closed units, so there is no contact between the fire and the air in the room that contains the stove.

Pellet stoves require regular maintenance, including a thorough cleaning of the exhaust system and chimney.

Things You'll Need

• Trash can
• Handheld shovel
• Measuring tape
• Chimney brush or wire brush
• Glass cleaner
• 2 clean cloths

Instructions

1. Prepare the stove for cleaning. Unplug the pellet stove and let it cool overnight. Close the glass doors of the stove tightly. Pull the ash drawer out from behind the unit and empty it. If the ash drawer comes all the way out, dump the ashes into a trash can. If the drawer doesn't come out completely, remove the ashes with a small shovel.

2. Remove the screen or vent that covers the end of the exhaust system outlet or chimney. Most pellet stoves vent to the outside of the building; find this outlet and remove its cover. Measure the width of the chimney with your measuring tape. Purchase a chimney brush of that width, or a wire brush that will fit into the vent. Make sure the handle is long enough to clean the entire length of the chimney.

3. Insert the chimney brush into the outlet of the chimney. Move it up and down slowly to remove built-up soot from the sides of the chimney. Have a helper stand by the pellet stove and tell you when the end of the brush appears in the burn chamber.

   Remove the brush cautiously, because you will probably bring a lot of soot out with it.

4. Open the glass doors of the stove and shovel out any soot you pushed into the burn chamber. Wipe down the burn chamber with a clean, damp cloth to remove any built-up ash. Spray glass cleaner on the glass doors, and wipe them down with a clean cloth to remove the soot.

Tips & Warnings

• If you can't safely reach the exhaust outlet, hire a professional chimney cleaner certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America.

• Always wait until the stove is completely cool before handling the components.

References

• Home Tips: Pellet Stove Care & Maintenance
• Oregon Energy Coordinators Association: Pellet Stoves