Lots of Ash - Englander 25-PDVC

[tylerdami]

Hi Everyone,

I just joined the pellet world, and I have a Englander 25-PDVC. Flame looks good, white and blue at the very bottom, looks to be active. Very little smoke, and exhaust from the vent looks clear.

But it looks like there is a ton of ash in the burnpot, even after a couple hours. I uploaded a picture of the fire, the cameras white balance makes it look a little more orange than it is. The stove is attached to a Dura-Vent kit and connected to outside air.

Is this normal? I have read a couple posts that the Englander does not clear ash well.

Thanks!

 

[MtDew]

What brand of pellets are you burning?

 

[tylerdami]

They are inexpensive Tractor Supply pellets. I just bought a couple bags. Maybe poor quality?

 

[MtDew]

They are inexpensive Tractor Supply pellets. I just bought a couple bags. Maybe poor quality?

You could try a more High End pellet and compare the ash levels.
Also when was the last time the stove had a good deep cleaning(stove and exhaust piping)?

 

[tylerdami]

Sure, I can give that a shot. We have a couple smaller retailers around with better quality pellets. The stove is brand new, so it should be pretty clean.

Thanks for the advice!

 

[jss227]

The ash seems to be normal on both of my PD stoves. Lots of ash on low-medium burns, and a big bed of coals on high burn. I use a long handled metal spatula and scrape the ashes into my ash bucket a couple times a day.

 

[tylerdami]

Good to know! The stove is producing a good deal of heat and I don't think the flame is lazy.

 

[doghouse]

Search 'Englander burn pot modifications.' The mods will help improve the burn but not eliminate the issue. Just the way these stoves burn.

 

[jss227]

Lower holes closed off and outer edge burn plate holes closed off, same as on my PDVC.

 

[jss227]

Lower holes closed off and outer edge burn plate holes closed off, same as on my PDVC.

Sorry about the brain fart. Try to cover the two 5/8 holes below the burn plate, one on either side. I use magnets or tin foil. Also closing off the holes on the outer edge off the burn plate (closest to the door) can help. This forces more air up through the burn plate instead of around/above.

 

[tylerdami]

Sorry about the brain fart. Try to cover the two 5/8 holes below the burn plate, one on either side. I use magnets or tin foil. Also closing off the holes on the outer edge off the burn plate (closest to the door) can help. This forces more air up through the burn plate instead of around/above.

Thanks! - I'll try that and report back. Any idea why this isn't like this from the factory?

 

[jss227]

EPA.

 

[bill3rail]

What settings are you on?
9 & 9?

I have the big brother to your stove and generally keep it on a lower setting but only see that amount of ash after 20 hours of burning.

If your setting the stove on high, you will burn more pellets, which equals more ash buildup.

When my stove has a lot of ash, I actually dig out a bunch while it is still burning.

Bill