Harman Accentra52i-TC Pellet Insert - Black Soot

[ILARDI74]

Hello Everyone,

I purchased a Harman Accentra52i-TC Pellet Insert almost 2 years ago and have noticed the front glass and my outside exhaust pipe has excessive black soot buildup. At times you can see some black smoke (very light) coming from the exhaust as well and the smell is unpleasant compared to my Castle stove.

Basic research reveals that I might be burning too rich but I do not see a way to adjust the exhaust speed on this stove. I have a Castle stove in my basement and never get black soot on the exhaust. I have been burning Premium pellets (same as in the Castle Stove). Any idea on what may be going on?

 

[johneh]

Black soot = burning too low a fire
Or not enough combustion air

 

[Ricks]

Not at expert on these stoves but it sounds like the stove and exhaust could you a complete and thorough cleaning including the leaf blower trick.

John is correct black soot and black smoke means the fire is not getting enough combustion air.

 

[ILARDI74]

Black soot = burning too low a fire
Or not enough combustion air

I definately don't run a low fire but I would imagine the issue COULD BE from it turning on and off when it hits the room temp? Its been ridiculously cold the past few days and I switched it to "constant burn" instead. I just did a thorough cleaning of the unit last week but it would be a nice test to clean it fully again and just use contant burn to see if it makes a difference. Any thoughts?

 

[johneh]

Does your stove have an outside air kit installed AKA OAK?
How tight is your home ?
I think this unit has an air intake flapper and is it free
Have you cleaned the chimney?
Try a leaf blower trick to clean the stove
The main cause of soot is a poor burning fire lacking oxygen
for complete combustion

 

[ILARDI74]

Does your stove have an outside air kit installed AKA OAK?
How tight is your home ?
I think this unit has an air intake flapper and is it free
Have you cleaned the chimney?
Try a leaf blower trick to clean the stove
The main cause of soot is a poor burning fire lacking oxygen
for complete combustion

Yes my stove has an outside air supply kit.
My home is 30 years old so there is no spray foam or anything like that. Its not tight.
Today I did another cleaning of my unit just to see if running on constant burn will make a difference. I also went outside and cleaned the flu and then used my leaf blower to dislodge any remaining soot. I also blew air into the air intake and that blew out alot of soot from the exhaust as well. I am running the unit on constant burn mode 5.0, I will let you know how that works out.

5.0 should be a suitable feedrate, yes or no?

 

[johneh]

5 should be OK as long as the fire gets enough air and the OAK,
stove (not just the burn pot area but all the passages behind ) and
the chimney are clear of any blockage it should burn like a champ

 

[ILARDI74]

Just letting everyone know that running on constant burn vs temperature sensing did the trick. Burns alot cleaner now. Thanks for the feedback.