22
BLOWERS AND PRESSURE SWITCH PROBE
DANGER: RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK. DISCONNECT POWER BEFORE
SERVICING UNIT.
Blower Cleaning –
Over a period of time, ashes or dust may collect on the
blades of both the combustion/exhaust blower and convection blower.
Periodically, the blowers should be cleaned as the ash and dust can
impede performance. The combustion/exhaust blower can be accessed by
opening the left, right, and back panels.(Figure 51) To clean the blades in
the combustion blower housing, insert the vacuum tip through the air inlet
damper opening located on the side of the combustion blower housing.
Clean thoroughly. To clean the blades in the exhaust blower housing, use
a screw driver to remove the cleaning access panel located on the side of
the metal box covering the housing. Insert the vacuum tip through the
cleaning outlet and clean the blades thoroughly.
Pressure switch probe cleaning –
Ashes may accumulate on inside tip of
the pressure switch probe connector. Use a mesh pad or wire brush to
clean the connector and blow inside the tube to make sure it’s free of
obstruction.
NOTE:
When cleaning, be careful not to bend fan blades. Some stove owners lightly spray an
anti-creosote chemical on the fire to help reduce creosote formation within the stove.
Figure 51
Exhaust blower cleaning
CHIMNEY CLEANING
a.
Creosote Formation
– When wood is burned slowly, it produces tar and other organic vapours, which combine with expelled moisture to form
creosote. The creosote vapours condense in the relatively cool chimney flue in a newly started or a slow-burning fire. As a result, creosote residue
accumulates on the flue lining. When ignited, creosote produced makes an extremely hot fire, which may damage the chimney or even cause a fire.
Despite their high efficiency, pellet stoves can accumulate creosote under certain conditions.
b.
Fly Ash
– This accumulates in the horizontal portion of an exhaust run. Though non-combustible, it may impede the normal exhaust flow. It should
therefore be periodically removed.
c.
Inspection and Removal
– The chimney connector and chimney should be inspected annually or per ton to determine if a creosote or fly ash build-
up has occurred. If creosote has accumulated, it should be removed to reduce the risk of a chimney fire. Inspect the system from the stove
connection to the chimney top. Cooler surfaces tend to build creosote deposits quicker.
The creosote should be removed with a brush specifically designed for the type of chimney in use. A qualified chimney sweep can perform this service. It
is also recommended that before each heating season the entire system be professionally inspected, cleaned and, if necessary, repaired.
To clean the chimney, disconnect the vent from the stove.
