Cleaned my exhaust pipe today

[The Grintch]

I have burned a little over 4 tons this year without cleaning the exhaust. My glass would be dirty 20 min after cleaning it and the flame was a little lazy. I do a good 1/2 hour cleaning every Sunday, but it seemed like it was starving for air.

So I went to lowes and bought the $20 dryer brush. I pulled the clean out off and duct taped a trash bag to catch anything that would be pushed out. I did 3 passes in and out and what a difference

It has been burning for 3 hrs now and the glass is crystal clear!! The stove seems much happier!

Now I'm wondering if I do a good cleaning after the last bag, clean the exhaust, and clean out the fines box....do I need to pay someone $200 for a PROFESSIONAL CLEAN? What else do they do?

Happy Spring!!

 

[chuckster]

The first year


i had my XXV one year and at the end of the season I had a professional cleaning. I had already done a thorough cleaning myself but I figured the first year it wouldn't hurt to see what I missed. They came and showed me how to clean the fines box and the esp sensor which I hadn't done and said otherwise I had done a good job and if it kept running good that I could clean it myself at the end of each season so I haven't had them come since. 3 years now. I also do the leaf blower trick halfway thru the season and at the end of the season. Also the fines box halfway thru the season and at the end.
Chuck

 

[The Grintch]

Thanks Chuck, how do you clean the ESP probe? I hear you have to be very gental!! I have brushed it gently with a small brush.

 

[Lake Girl]

Combustion and convection blowers need tlc too...

 

[sinnian]

Exhaust should be cleaned a minimum of every ton!

 

[chuckster]

Thanks Chuck, how do you clean the ESP probe? I hear you have to be very gental!! I have brushed it gently with a small brush.

Hi Grintch. I clean the ESP with a damp paper towel. It should come out bright and shiny and looking like new. I would think you could use mild liquid detergent on it if you had to. Also I have a very short run from outside into the stove so before running my round dryer brush from outside into the stove using an electric drill I remove the esp so I won't damage it running the brush through. I do this before doing the leaf blower trick. I forgot that as Leaf Girl mentioned I also do the blowers twice a season.
Chuck