Pellet stoves are good for the environment because the use a renewable waste product for fuel, and because they burn very clean.  However, sometimes it is possible that your glass may get dirty or soot up rapidly (within one or two hours).

If your glass is sooting up rapidly it is probably a combination of factors. There are two things that have a large impact on this. One is the quality of the wood pellets you are using. You should be using a pellet that is free of any glues or binders. Although we do not recommend particular brands of pellets, we do recommend that you get a wood pellet that is manufactured by a company that subscribes to the Pellet Fuels Institute standards. They will have the PFI logo on the bag if they do.

The second issue that affects your glass sooting up rapidly is the airflow in your pellet stove. Damper control and general maintenance and cleaning of the stove have a large impact on this. When you clean the stove, you need to make sure that you clean from behind the small access doors in the firebox very well. Ash and creosote will collect and buildup there, thus reducing your airflow. It is also important to clean your exhaust flue for the same reason. We recommend that you clean these things at least once every ton of pellets burned. You should also stir your burn pot each and every day.

The exhaust configuration fo your pellet stove will also have a major impact on your airflow. Make sure that your exhaust is installed according to the specifications in the owners manual. It is very important that your EVL and flue size match, and that you have sealed the exhaust flue properly.  Be sure to consult the pellet stove installation page of our website for more information regarding the installation fo your pellet stove.

Your damper should also be adjusted for each heat level setting. You want the damper open enough to give plenty of air to the fire, without causing a blowtorch appearance to the flames. You do not want any white or blue color in the flame. It should be a robust yellow flame that stands basically straight up. You also want to avoid a lazy orange flame that flickers back and forth and has black tips.

All of these things are important for your airflow and a clean and efficient burn.