To clean my stove, can I use a normal vacuum cleaner?

[The Ds]

Shop Vac, HEPA filter, drywall bag = good to go!

 

[notch]

can I use a normal vacuum cleaner or should I buy an ash vac?

My answers would be yes and yes. You can use any vac to clean out the ash. Your results will vary. For two years I have used an Oreck canister that is exactly the same as this one ( http://www.homedepot.com/p/Oreck-Commercial-Canister-Vacuum-BB900DGR/203563240#.UpnpBSdqFyU ) except that I paid $20 for it at Ocean State Junk Lot. It had a paper bag and a paper pleated exhaust filter and I never had a dust problem. I'd reuse the same paper bag for about 5 cleanings, then replace it. The only problem was that the motor would overheat if I ran it too long towards the end of the cleaning when the bag was getting full. I learned to just run it in stages, brushing the exchanger and venting in between. This year, I succumbed to the allure of a true ash vac when fellow inmate domenick posted up the great deal on Fleet Farm ($59 shipped for the Powersmith). Still waiting for it, but hoping the improved suction and lack of overheating will make the weekly job a bit easier. Certainly won't be any less dust.

Any vacuum with a paper-based filter will catch fire if you vacuum up embers, so just wait for the embers in the burn pot to go out. I stir up the burn pot and then put my stove in "test" mode to operate the combustion fan - if sparks fly, I wait a while longer.

Bottom line that any vacuum can do the job, it just depends on how much dust you can tolerate, how quick and easy you want the job to be, and how much $ you have to allocate.

 

[Margo]

I've just used a designated shop vac which lives outside. I do have to make sure its really clean or it does blow dust. I saw an ash vac at Home Depot for $30 it was small but I think it would be ok. Has anyone tried this one I don't think it even had a brand label on it.

 

[GeHmTS]

What Briansol said times two!!

No way should you use a central vac system on a pellet stove! You are potentially mixing warm ash and God knows what else that can/will burn your house down.

Please, clean out your system and go get a real ash vac today.

Point is well taken and much appreciated. I'm glad I came to the site, otherwise, I could have made a serious mistake. I have some decent recommendations now to consider, and I'll never use my central vac system again for cleaning out my stove, not even for cold ash!