Why Would a Pellet Stove Fill a House With Smoke?

Installation

• A small amount of smoking may occur the first time you make a fire in the stove. Paint and residue from chemicals used in the manufacturing process, exposed to heat for the first time, produce smoke as they cook off of the stove’s outer surfaces. Ideally, the stove’s maiden run should be done during mild weather with windows and doors open to provide adequate ventilation.

Fuel

• Using pellets that are damp or have been exposed to high humidity can create excessive smoking. Increased moisture content lowers the efficiency of the fuel’s combustion. Burning corn and cherry pits, or a mixture of these, also has a negative effect on efficiency.

Draft

• Under ideal conditions, all of the gases from the combustion process are carried up the chimney and vented safely out of the house. When smoking occurs in a new installation, the problem may be as simple as a closed damper or an ill-fitting joint. In older installations that have worked well in the past, smoking may indicate a creosote buildup in the chimney or a blocked chimney cap. Clean the chimney and inspect the chimney cap once each year, immediately before or after heating season.

Combustion Blower

• Pellet stoves use a blower that creates a blast furnace effect to efficiently burn fuel. Over time, the blower can wear out, slow down or become blocked with dust. The presence of smoke and partially burned pellets can indicate a blower problem. Inspect and clean the blower intake frequently.

Door Seal

• Pellet stoves are designed to operate as airtight units. Under normal operation, the smoke and gases from the combustion process should never enter the house. Over time, the gasket material that forms a seal around the door opening can degrade or become damaged. A damaged or poorly fitting gasket may allow smoke to enter the house. When combined with other issues, such as damp fuel or insufficient draft, the smoke can become a health hazard. Check the gasket at least once a year before the heating season.