Page 8
Troubleshooting Steps
Printed 3/18/98
Travis Industries Pellet Stove Troubleshooting Guide (
1994)
V
ENT
M
AY BE
R
ESTRICTED
If the vent becomes restricted, the amount of air flowing through the burnpot will be reduced, leading to a
poor burn. In extreme cases the flow switch system will detect the reduced flow and disable the auger,
shutting the stove down. One of the best ways to determine a restricted venting system is to detach the stove
from the flue and burn it briefly outside. In cases of restricted venting systems, the stove will show a drastic
improvement in burn quality. The most common causes of restricted vent systems are listed below.
A stove attached to a chimney with a direct connection
may experience restricted venting due to downdrafts
upon the chimney and the lack of draft due to the
increased cross sectional area of the chimney.
Downdrafts (caused by tall objects near the vent termination,
locations near hills or lakes, or local wind patterns)
Wind/Rain Cap (make sure
it is not pressed on too far,
reducing the outlet area)
Pellet Vent Sections - check for
creosote accumulation which
indicates a poorly burning stove.
Tee's are recommended over
elbows because they come with
removable clean out covers which
speed vent cleaning considerably
Make sure to clean off the
screen on caps with screens.
Flyash will pile up the most
in upward-turning sections.
Flyash will deposit along
sections that are horizontal.
Remedy
Make sure the vent system is clear of all flyash and the screen on the cap has no obstructions (if applicable).
Certain installations may have reduced venting performance due to down drafts and chimneys with large cross
sectional area. Check the installation to make sure it conforms to all of the requirements listed in the owner's
manual. Try installing a direct vent in installations that show poor venting performance. Keep in mind that a
stove requiring cleaning will show compounded difficulties when attached to a vent that is venting poorly.
Summary of Contents for 400 PI
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