Pellet Stove 101 for Beginners

[Brownks]

We purchased our house in March and it came with a King 5502m Pellet Stove. We’d like to start using it, but being the first time either of us have had a pellet stove we’re a little weary. Obviously doing my own research and reading the online manual for the one we have, but I’d like to see if anyone on here has any advice to help ease our minds a little bit. One of the videos I watched on YouTube said that the seal on the outside between the door and glass needed to be cut about 6 inches? But other videos I’ve watched didn’t mention or show anything like that.

 

[Dataman]

We got our Harmon XXV in May 2018. Biggest thing we did was AIMS 1250 Charger/Inverter with Couple of 100ah batteries for power outages. Longest so far is 10 hours. We used One 100ah Battery and one 30ah Battery (next year we doubled the battery power.

Other thing is couple of box fans to move cold air from Laundry Room down the hall to living room.

Keeping things clean is a must. Every 1 ton I do major clean and sweep the chimney about mid winter (Not needed really). I do the daily clean of burn pot. Scraper that came with it and Hooked Tool from Harbor Freight. I can do it hot or cold. Wipe the glass if cold with wet paper towel or newspaper if hot.

 

[Dataman]

https://www.harborfreight.com/mini-pick-and-hook-set-63697.html

 

[Ricks]

Before purchasing a ton (50 bsgs of pellets) purchase two or three bags each of different pellets to see how your stove reacts.

For example my Whitfield Quest works best on high quality low ash pellets. While Harman pellet stoves are known to burn just about anything.

Depending on the pellet keep in mind the quality can differ year to year.

Pellet stoves are great and can heat a large area but keep in mind the are more like a space heater than a furnace. Meaning the room with the stove will be the warmest and the further you get from the stove the colder the room will be.

 

[ARC]

One of the videos I watched on YouTube said that the seal on the outside between the door and glass needed to be cut about 6 inches? But other videos I’ve watched didn’t mention or show anything like that.

Called a air wash, keeps the glass cleaner for a little longer. Some USSC 5502M have it some don't depends on what year it was made. Not all pellets stoves have it, my USSC 6039 does not. Below is your manual if you do not have one.

 

[Dataman]

Nice advice on trying different pellets. I found my Harmon XXV just don't care about what the label is. Of course only 3 types here in Newport WA. ACE has delivery and I get 4 tons delivered and put in bay of building. Harmon even will chew thru any clumped stuff just fine. Rather not play the game of lifting the bags more than once. Wife will carry them up to the porch in basket with our John Deer. Bucket is not an option because of 6ft Plow On Front in Winter.