Archive for the ‘QUESTION & ANSWER FORUM CONTENT’ Category
What is the annual cost of heating with a pelletstove?
My typical Willamette Valley (Oregon) customers consume 2 to 2 and a half tons of pellets a year using their stoves as a sole source of heat. At $200 per ton that works out to be $400.00 to $500.00 dollars annually. Interestingly, on low, where most stoves are run most of the time, pellet consumption is equal between almost all stove brands because 1 to 1 and a half pounds per hour are required to keep the stove operational. The greater consumption differences are found when running the stoves on high.
My stove run 10-15 minutes then shuts down. Why?
Many stoves have a 10-15 minute start-up cycle. At the end of the cycle the stove seeks confirmation that there is a viable fire in the burnpot. Typically a heat sensitive switch called a bimetallic snap disk is used. Heated up it closes, allowing electricity to pass across it. If the switch fails to close during start-up, the stove, lacking proof of fire, shuts down. This is an inexpensive part and should not cost more than $20.00 dollars.
What should the fire look like?
The flame should be bright and active, more white than orange, low and compact not tall and wispy. The pellets may roll around a bit lazy but should not “popcorn” out of the burnpot. If your flame is lazy make sure the holes in the burnpot are open and all access doors are sealed. If you have an air inlet control (damper) try pulling it out a bit. Have your pelletstove and flue annually professionally cleaned to ensure maximum efficiency.
How much should a replacement auger motor cost?
The auger moter delivers pellets from the hopper to the burnpot. An auger motor for the great majority of stove brands should cost about $120.00, and installation should run about $89.00. The auger motor works hard, cycling on and off. After many years it may quit working. Unfortunatly, replacement parts for pellet stoves are “blind items”. The average customer is vulnerable to overcharging. Make a few calls before you open your checkbook. Information is power and advice is always free.
I have owned my Austroflamm pelletstove for 2 yrs. and now the glass gets black and sooty quickly. Why?
It’s either a clogged exhaust issue, a dust ball on the air sensor located in the air inlet tube or low quality fuel. Have your stove professionally cleaned at the end of each burn season & make sure the tech knows about and services the air sensor.