AES Technical Bulletin #T-0068 Date of Issue 06/22/2007
Wet/dirty fuel
- Make sure to use up all of the fuel at the end of the season- do not try to carry
fuel over to the next season. All types of fuels can take on moisture over the summer unless
it is properly stored, so it is a good idea to start with fresh fuel at the beginning of a heating
season.
Inadequate cleaning
-
Make sure to follow the end of the season cleaning procedures in the
owner’s manual. A stove that is full of ash won’t be as efficient and heat output will be
considerably lower.
Different type of fuel-
Different types of fuel will have different heat outputs. Corn will vary
in heat output depending on the breed, size, shape, and chemical makeup. Wood pellets will
be different depending size, manufacturer, and makeup.
Negative/improper pressure inside the home-
Check the installation configuration for any
changes. Find out if there have been any “improvements” to the home since the unit was
installed. A lot of times people will update windows, siding, or put on additions to the home.
This can have an affect on the entire house and how the appliances operate.
The following are the motors located in the stove with symptoms
and solutions when they start to go out:
Draft blower-
Also known as the exhaust blower, or the combustion blower. The draft
blower is located on the right side of the stove when looking at it from the front. The draft
blower is responsible for creating a negative draft inside the stove. This will cause fresh air
to be drawn in the intake, pass through the exhaust system, and out into the venting. The
venting would then have a positive pressure.
The draft blower will receive different amounts of voltage depending on the heat setting.
During start-up the draft blower will receive full voltage for the first 8 to 10 minutes. After
the stove is in the normal run mode the voltage to the motor will change when the heat
setting changes.
There are a couple different things that can be checked to make sure the draft blower is
operating properly. During operation check the amp draw of the motor. The amp rating is
located on the label of the motor. If the amp draw is exceeding the number given- replace
the draft motor. Check the ohms of the motor. If there is no resistance, or high resistance-
replace the motor. Check the voltage going to the motor to make sure it is getting the correct
voltage. Also check the continuity of the wires- make sure to move them around to check for
any variations.
On the exhaust manifold there is also an inspection plug, which should be removed once a
month for maintenance. If there is a build up on the fan blades the above checks should be
done. A draft blower that is allowed to be plugged up will not be a warranty item.
If the draft blower is still in working order, but has a layer of “creosote” on the fan blades it
can be cleaned. Take off the draft motor and spray on an oven cleaning solvent to the fan
blades. Follow the directions listed on the can. Remount the draft blower to the stove and
make sure the gasket is sealing properly. Get a hold of some clean dry fuel (a 75%corn
25%wood pellet combination works great). Start the stove and get a nice fire going. Turn
the stove up to the highest heat setting. Burn the stove on high for several hours to make sure
the unit gets nice and hot. This will help clean the unit by burning off any signs of
incomplete combustion.
