starting pellet stove

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4dimad

Member
Jul 4, 2008
49
MA
I am having troubles with starting my 3 years old Harman pellet stove with a manual light. I figure out that the only way to “establish” a fire is to leave a door little bit open for 2-3 minutes (I use a fire starter gel) . Is it safe? What could be a problem? Thanks!
 
I would try to find the owners manual for your stove model and look at proper starting procedure because they can vary.
 
When was the stove last totally cleaned, including the exhaust and flue? Plugged passages and/or flue can dramatically degrade draft.
 
I always clean it myself. Should I use a pro? I am in Canton, MA. If you are from this area - can you recommend somebody who does this kind of service?
 
4dimad said:
I always clean it myself. Should I use a pro? I am in Canton, MA. If you are from this area - can you recommend somebody who does this kind of service?

Can you describe how you clean your stove and is it a P38?
 
Do the Chimney Sweep people do the pellet stove tune up / parts cleaning or I have to contact the dealer?
 
4dimad said:
I am having troubles with starting my 3 years old Harman pellet stove with a manual light. I figure out that the only way to “establish” a fire is to leave a door little bit open for 2-3 minutes (I use a fire starter gel) . Is it safe? What could be a problem? Thanks!

Is this a new issue? If so, there is a cleaning issue afoot (most likely), or a part issue. 3 years old would either be a P61 or a P38. I DO NOT like the idea of lighting and leaving the door open.....ever. The process to lihgt a p38 vs a p61 is different, so it would be helpful to have a bit more info. Methinks a dirty ESP tho.
 
4dimad said:
I am having troubles with starting my 3 years old Harman pellet stove with a manual light. I figure out that the only way to “establish” a fire is to leave a door little bit open for 2-3 minutes (I use a fire starter gel) . Is it safe? What could be a problem? Thanks!

My Harman XXV has always needed the door opened for a few minutes to establish a deep enough ember base. If you close the door too quickly, the gel willl not have enough time to set the embers and will burn off too quickly.
 
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