Juts like your automobile. Any stove (which is mechanical, like your car) requires periodic and consistent maintenance to work properly. Living in the current 'plug and play' society we live in might apply to non-mechanical items but like your car, if you never maintain it, it will fail. I always go back to... You change your oil and filters in your ride, same applies to the stove.Thanks, Ssyko and Sidecar. I appreciate the help. I love my pellet stove and want to give it the care it needs to live long and prosper.