Rust inside Pellet Stove

[New2PelletStoves]

So,

I have a Hampton GC60 Pellet stove that I purchased new last March and used for about a month until the spring warmed up. After using it for the last time I cleaned it out and filled the pellet hopper.

It is in my downstairs living area which experiences about 45 % humidity at most.

I never really looked at the stove again throughout the summer until today. I gave the stove a general once over to ensure it was ready for the coming season and I found the entire interior fire box are was covered with a thin scale of rust. The side walls, the burn pot, everything.

What's the deal ? Anyone know? Should I have capped off or somehow sealed off the exhaust pipe? I am guessing the moisture creaped in through the exhaust pipe over the summer.

Has anyone else dealt with this and is this something I should be concerned with. Also is this norm and what should I do to prevent it in the future ? Should I be looking at anything in the stove that could be damaged as a result of the moisture ?

Also, should I clean off the scale of rust and if so how would you recommend it ? Wire brush etc. ? Thank you VERY much in advance for any advice etc.

Keith C New Gloucester, Maine

 

[earl764]

In the off season you'll want to leave the hopper empty. I also keep a container of baking soda in the area of the burn pot to absorb moisture. The living area may be 45% humidity, but the outside air will flow in from the vent pipe.

 

[New2PelletStoves]

Ok. Thanks for the reply. I wondered about the pellets in the hopper. I fired up the stove tonight and they definitely seemed to burn like crap. The baking soda idea sounds like a good one. Should I cap off the exhaust pipe somehow in the off season to keep the warm air from flowing in ?

 

[smoke show]

Should I cap off the exhaust pipe somehow in the off season to keep the warm air from flowing in ?

Def won't hurt.

 

[New2PelletStoves]

Def won't hurt.

Thank you for the reply !

 

[DexterDay]

Pellets are absorbing moisture. They can and will bind up inside the auger.

A little Pam cooking spray can go a long ways at the end of season. Clean after the last fire, then spray with Pam, Cap Exhaust if possible, and finally a moisture absorber inside the hopper and/or firebox will help tremendously.

 

[New2PelletStoves]

Pellets are absorbing moisture. They can and will bind up inside the auger.

A little Pam cooking spray can go a long ways at the end of season. Clean after the last fire, then spray with Pam, Cap Exhaust if possible, and finally a moisture absorber inside the hopper and/or firebox will help tremendously.

Thank you for the reply. I will be applying all the techniques above. Very helpful thanks !