24
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 50) 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.
PROBE
CONNECTOR
Figure 50
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.
