Why Won’t My Pellet Stove Drop Pellets? Here’s The Answer!

Are you having trouble with your pellet stove not dropping pellets? If so, you’re not alone. Many pellet stove owners experience this issue at some point. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the reasons why your pellet stove may not be dropping pellets and what you can do to fix the problem. We’ll also provide some tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your pellet stove.

Why Does My Pellet Stove Not Drop Pellets?

Pellet stoves require electricity to function. This electricity powers the auger motor, which is responsible for moving the pellets from the hopper to the firebox. If the auger motor is not functioning correctly, the pellets will not be able to be moved to the firebox and the fire will not be able to be started.

There are a few things you can check to determine if your auger motor is the problem. First, check the power supply to the stove. Make sure that the stove is plugged in and that the circuit breaker has not tripped. If the power supply is good, check to see if there is any power to the auger motor. You can do this by unplugging the stove and using a multimeter to check the voltage at the motor. If the voltage is low, the motor may be the problem.

If the power supply and motor are good, the problem may be with the auger itself. The auger can become jammed with pellets, preventing the pellets from being moved to the firebox. In this case, you will need to remove the auger and clear the jam.

If the auger and motor are good, the problem may be with the hopper. The hopper can become clogged with pellets, preventing the pellets from being moved to the auger. In this case, you will need to clean the inside of the hopper.

No matter what the problem is, it is important to check and repair it as soon as possible. A pellet stove that is not functioning properly can be dangerous, and it can cause a fire.

What Are The Common Causes Of A Pellet Stove Not Dropping Pellets?

• 1. Clogged Auger: The auger, which is responsible for transporting the pellets from the hopper to the firepot, can become clogged with ash or other debris.
• 2. Low Pellet Level: If the pellet level in the hopper is too low, the auger may not have enough pellets to transport and will not be able to drop any.
• 3. Malfunctioning Auger Motor: The auger motor, which powers the auger, can malfunction and prevent the auger from transporting the pellets.
• 4. Dirty Combustion Area: The combustion area of the stove can become dirty or clogged with ash, preventing the pellets from igniting properly.
• 5. Clogged Exhaust System: The exhaust system of the stove can become clogged with ash or other debris, preventing the stove from exhausting properly and causing the pellets not to combust.

How Can I Troubleshoot My Pellet Stove To Identify The Problem?

Troubleshooting a pellet stove involves a systematic approach to identify the problem. Here are the steps you can follow to troubleshoot your pellet stove:

1. Check the power supply: Ensure that the stove is receiving power by checking the circuit breakers or fuses. Also, make sure that the stove is plugged into a working outlet.

2. Check the fuel supply: Ensure that the stove has enough pellets in the hopper and that the auger is feeding pellets into the burn pot.

3. Check the igniter: The igniter is responsible for lighting the pellets. If the igniter is not working, the stove will not start. Make sure that the igniter is clean and free of debris.

4. Check the blower: The blower circulates warm air into the room. If the blower is not working, the room may not heat up properly. Make sure that the blower is clean and free of debris.

5. Check the vents: Make sure that the stove’s vents are clear and unobstructed. If the vents are blocked, the stove will not be able to draw in enough air to burn the pellets efficiently.

6. Check the temperature sensor: The temperature sensor tells the stove when to start and stop burning pellets. If the sensor is not working properly, the stove may not heat the room properly.

7. Check the auger motor: The auger motor is responsible for feeding pellets into the burn pot. If the auger motor is not working, the stove will not start. Make sure that the auger motor is clean and free of debris.

If the problem persists, you may need to contact a professional technician for assistance.

How Can I Clean The Auger Motor In My Pellet Stove?

Cleaning the auger motor in a pellet stove is essential to maintain the efficiency of the stove and prevent it from breaking down. Here are some tips for cleaning the auger motor:

1. Turn off the stove and unplug it from the power source.

2. Remove the screws that hold the access panel in place and carefully remove it.

3. Use a small brush or vacuum cleaner to clean out the dust and debris from the auger motor.

4. Inspect the auger motor for any signs of wear or damage. If you notice any, contact a professional for repairs.

5. Reinstall the access panel and plug the stove back in.

By following these steps, you can keep your pellet stove running smoothly and efficiently.

How Can I Replace The Auger Motor In My Pellet Stove?

Replacing the auger motor in a pellet stove is a relatively simple task that can be done by most homeowners. Here are the steps you need to take:

1. First, you will need to disconnect the stove from the power source. This is usually a switch on the unit itself, but it may be located elsewhere depending on the model.

2. Next, you will need to remove the screws that hold the control panel in place. This is usually located on the front of the stove.

3. Once the control panel is removed, you will be able to see the auger motor. It is usually located behind the control panel.

4. To remove the auger motor, you will need to disconnect the wires that are connected to it.

5. Once the wires are disconnected, you should be able to remove the motor from the stove.

6. To install the new motor, simply reverse the process. Connect the wires, reinstall the control panel, and reconnect the stove to the power source.

It is important to note that you should always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific stove model. Additionally, if you have any doubts or concerns about the process, it is best to hire a professional to handle the replacement.

How Can I Adjust The Auger Speed In My Pellet Stove?

To adjust the auger speed in your pellet stove, you will need to consult the owner’s manual for your specific stove model. In general, most pellet stoves have an auger adjustment knob that allows you to increase or decrease the auger speed. This knob is typically located near the hopper or ash pan of your stove.

To adjust the auger speed, turn the knob in a clockwise direction to increase the speed, or turn it counterclockwise to decrease the speed. As you adjust the speed, pay attention to the flame in your stove. If the flame becomes unstable or begins to flicker, slow down the auger speed until the flame returns to a normal, steady burn.

It’s also important to remember that the auger speed should be adjusted based on the type and moisture content of the pellets you are using. Higher quality, denser pellets may require a faster auger speed to maintain a consistent burn, while lower quality pellets or pellets with a higher moisture content may require a slower auger speed to prevent feed problems.

Always be sure to consult the owner’s manual for detailed instructions on how to properly adjust the auger speed in your pellet stove.

Key Points

In conclusion, if your pellet stove isn’t dropping pellets, it could be due to a number of reasons. It could be that the auger motor isn’t working, or that the auger is clogged up with pellets. It could also be that the draft inducer motor isn’t working, or that the combustion fan isn’t working. It’s best to call a repair technician to diagnose the problem and make the necessary repairs.