Why Does My Pellet Stove Keep Faulting Out in the Night?

Low Pellets

• Pellets in the stove keep the temperature steady during use and automatically activates the fault line when the stove runs out of available pellets to burn. Once activated, the stove lowers its heat setting and eventually shuts off until new pellets are added to the appliance.

Flow Switch Error

• The restrictor located underneath the pellet stove near the front manages the amount of air the stove's firepot receives while in use, which affects the size of the flame while burning pellets. Too much or too little air affects the stove's flame size and causes the fault light to turn on to notify you of adjusting the stove's restrictor. Pulling out the restrictor balances the flame, eliminates clumps of ash and stops the fault light from flashing. Alternatively, pushing the restrictor rod in reduces the amount of air in the stove and reduces the flame's size.

Power Failure

• Some pellet stoves include a circuit board that monitors your stove's settings and automatically reduces the stove's burn level if a power failure occurs that could interfere with the stove's performance. A power failure in your home causes a fault to occur in the pellet stove and requires resetting your home's circuit breaker and the pellet stove to resume normal burning performance.

Prevention

• Prevention of persistent faults from your pellet stove is possible by reducing the heat level while the stove burns pellets, as extreme heat levels can cause the stove to produce a fault. Maintaining the pellet supply also ensures the stove continues to run efficiently; it can hold up to 50 pounds of pellets depending on your stove manufacturer. Have the pellet stove inspected annually by a professional stove technician to maintain burning performance.