Harman Stove Maintenance: Cleaning A Burn Pan

Cleaning a burn pan in a Harman pellet stove is a straightforward process, but it requires some elbow grease and the right tools. The frequency of cleaning depends on the type of pellets used and how often the stove is used. Here's a step-by-step guide to cleaning a burn pan in a Harman stove:

1. Ensure the stove is turned off and disconnected from the power source.

2. Open the burn pot clean-out by loosening the wing nuts holding the plate under the burn pot.

3. Use a vacuum cleaner to remove any loose fly ash from the burn pot and the surrounding area.

4. Using the flat end of the scraper tool provided with the stove, scrape the holed surface of the burn pot to remove carbon deposits. Scrape in a downward direction, under the fire.

5. Replace the burn pot clean-out cover.

6. Use the pointed end of the scraper to remove carbon deposits and ash from the fins of the heat exchanger.

7. Clean the inside of the stove with a vacuum and a scraper, removing any fly ash and carbon deposits.

8. Remove the ash pan and dispose of the ashes in an approved container, storing it away from combustible materials.

9. Clean the viewing glass with a mild glass cleaner and a soft cloth.

By following these steps, you can effectively clean the burn pan and maintain your Harman pellet stove.

Scrape the burn pan

To clean a burn pan in a Harman pellet stove, you must first turn off the stove and ensure it is cool before opening the door.

The burn pot is the part of the stove where the pellets are fed and burnt, so it will quickly accumulate a buildup of ash and burnt material. To clean it, use a scraper to remove all ash and burnt material from the burn pot, allowing it to fall into the ash pan below. You will need to vigorously scrape away at the hard, glass-like deposits that form on the bottom and/or sides of the burn pot close to the auger tube. Scrape all material over the grate (the section with a series of small holes) and ensure that none of the holes are clogged with ash. These holes need to be clear for the igniter to work properly.

You should clean the burn pan every time you fuel the stove, scraping the holes to remove carbon deposits.

Empty the ash pan

To empty the ash pan of a Harman pellet stove, first ensure that the stove is off and cool. This is important because if the stove is still warm or running, the ash pan will contain embers that could cause a fire if dumped somewhere. Open the door and slowly pull the ash pan out of the stove.

Ash should be thrown away in the trash only if it is fully cool. Ashes can also be placed in an approved container and stored away from combustibles. Alternatively, you can dump the ash in a compost pile or somewhere else in your yard. This ash is from wood pellets, so it is not harmful to the environment. In fact, ash is alkaline, so it will raise the soil pH over time if continually dumped in the same place. It can also be added to a compost tumbler.

Clean the viewing glass

The glass on your Harman pellet stove will quickly become coated with carbon and ash deposits. You should clean the viewing glass as necessary.

To clean the glass, grab three paper towels. Wet two of the paper towels with plain water and wring them out until they are moist but not dripping. Wipe the inside of the glass with the first moist paper towel. This will break up the carbon and spread it around the glass. Use the second moistened paper towel to finish wiping the glass until it looks clean. Use the dry paper towel to dry the glass to a clean finish.

If you have stubborn black spots that plain water won't remove, dip the moist paper towel in ash from the stove and scrub until they disappear. The ash acts as a gentle abrasive cleaner that works well to remove adhered carbon deposits on the glass.

Never use glass cleaner containing ammonia on the pellet stove glass. A little bit of vinegar mixed with plain water works well, but plain water is usually all you need.

Place some old newspaper or a dustpan under the door while you clean the glass to collect any ash that falls.

Vacuum the stove

Vacuuming the stove is an important step in cleaning a Harman pellet stove. It is recommended to use a vacuum that is designed for ash, with a steel hose and body. Here is a step-by-step guide to effectively vacuum your Harman stove:

Step 1: Remove the Ash Pan

Before beginning to vacuum, it is important to first remove the ash pan. Make sure the stove is turned off and has cooled down completely. Open the door and slowly pull the ash pan out. Place the ashes in an approved container, preferably a metal one with a tight lid, and store it away from any combustible materials.

Step 2: Vacuum the Lower Part of the Firebox

Once the ash pan has been removed, use your vacuum to clean the lower part of the firebox. Ensure that you use an ash vacuum or a vacuum with a steel hose and body to avoid any damage or safety hazards.

Step 3: Clean the Blower Wheel

The blower wheel, or combustion blower fan, can accumulate fly ash. Use a brush and your vacuum to carefully clean this component. Be gentle and avoid bending the fins of the blower wheel during the cleaning process.

Step 4: Clean the Flue

The flue and the beginning of the vent pipe can be cleaned using a brush. Reach as far as you can into the flue and brush away any built-up ash or debris. After brushing, you can use your vacuum to remove any remaining ash and ensure a thorough clean.

Step 5: Finish Vacuuming the Interior

After cleaning the blower wheel and flue, finish vacuuming the interior of the stove. Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies to remove any remaining fly ash and carbon deposits.

Step 6: Reassemble the Stove

Once you have thoroughly vacuumed the stove, it's time to put everything back together. Replace the ash pan, close the door, and latch it securely. Your Harman stove is now clean and ready to use!

Clean the flue

To clean the flue of a Harman pellet stove, you will need a flue brush. There are a few different options available, including the Harman Accentra Insert & Invincible Flue Cleaning Brush, which is designed specifically for Harman pellet stoves. This brush has a square brush design to clean the flue passageway cavities and measures approximately 36 inches in length. It has a stiff coiled metal rod and course metal bristles that remove hard ash and build-up from the ash traps and stove ports.

Step 1: Shut Down and Prepare

Begin by shutting off the stove and disconnecting the power cord. Open the burn pot clean-out by loosening the two wing nuts holding the plate under the burn pot in place.

Step 2: Remove Ashes and Debris

Use a vacuum cleaner to remove any fly ash that has accumulated. It is important to do this carefully to avoid disturbing the ashes and creating a mess.

Step 3: Clean the Burn Pot

Use the flat end of the scraper tool provided with the stove to scrape the holed surface of the burn pot. Scrape in a downward direction, under the fire, to remove any carbon deposits. There is no need to remove the scrapings as they will be pushed out when fresh pellets are added. Replace the burn pot clean-out cover when finished.

Step 4: Clean the Heat Exchanger

Use the pointed end of the scraper to remove carbon deposits and ash from the fins of the accordion-style heat exchanger. Scrape up and down to ensure all areas are cleaned.

Step 5: Clean the Interior

Using the flat end of the scraper, clean the inside of the stove, removing fly ash and carbon deposits. Scrape from top to bottom and use the vacuum cleaner to remove the debris.

Step 6: Clean the Blower

Remove the ash pan and vacuum the lower part of the firebox. Take off the combustion blower cover by turning the latch or latches holding it in place to the vertical position, then sliding the cover out of its slot. Use a brush and the vacuum cleaner to clean fly ash off the blower wheel, being careful not to bend the fins.

Step 7: Clean the Flue

Finally, clean the flue using the flue brush. Reach as far as you can into the flue to access the beginning of the vent pipe, which you can also clean with the brush. Ensure you clean all passageway cavities to remove any built-up ash.

Step 8: Reassemble and Finish

Once the flue is clean, finish vacuuming the interior of the stove and put the blower cover back on, securing the latches. Replace the ash pan, close the door, and latch it.

By following these steps and using the appropriate tools, you can effectively clean the flue of your Harman pellet stove, ensuring its optimal performance and efficiency.

Frequently asked questions