Observations re cleaning. Stove differences

Our little Santa Fe insert is on its first year here, having replaced our fantastic Whitfield Quest (which is now in the shed ready, to be hooked up, but blizzard and work keeps getting in the way). I noticed that it was acting a bit sluggish and harder to start than I would have expected, so of course I pulled out the might vacuum and started into a cleaning. The stove itself was not overly dirty - certainly not enough to be hampering the flame that much. So after finishing, I pulled the cap off the cleanout Tee and pulled out the brush and extension kit. Wow!

I got more out of there after just 44 bags than I got all last season with the Whit with over 120 bags through it. Now, the Santa Fe itself is MUCH cleaner than the Whit ever was. Using the same brand of pellets, Hamer's, which I also burn in my MVAE freestanding, the Whit produced far more ash than I see in the Santa Fe. But it appears that the Santa Fe simply blows it up the vent (about 27' of 4" SS flex liner, straight up the chimney). I have always chuckled at the people who say they clean their vents after every ton because neither the MVAE or the Whit ever produced anything close to enough ash and soot to warrant a vent cleaning after every ton (I do monthly cleanings of the stove itself, into the combustion blower). But it looks like the Santa Fe might require this! My hypothesis is that it has so much force from the combustion blower that it forces the ash up the vent, where it settles in the flex liner ridges. Has anyone else observed a difference between stoves, using the exact same pellets?

 

Every stove burns a little different. Using the LBT after every ton is a good idea... some cleanings will produce more ash than others but you know your stove will always be running at peak performance.

Now this reminds me that my house stove has about 60 bags thru it...

 

There is no consistency with pellets, as well. Imo since pellets got so popular the industry is (or was, until oil dropped) probably using a lot more fillers in pellet to promote profits. Just my theory and I admit I can find a conspiracy in about anything. Having said that, it will be interesting to compare todays Somersets with a two year old pallet of sets I have not unwrapped yet. I was saving for the last cold month of this year.

I would also like to add that, most stove manufacturers have recommendations on when to clean the stove pipe. IIRC my Cumberland is after 1.5 tons. I haven't checked on the Omega yet. I think I have put about 30 bags through it so far.

 

The LG's did diddly squat in my Fahrenheit furnace, heat level from #3 to #5 with same 120*F temps out the distribution air and causing black soot in the firebox. Now I'm burning them in the Harman Accentra and I have a good fire with lot's of heat. Noticed some condensation on the hopper glass lid which indicates some humidity in the pellets.

 

The air flow, baffle type and location, the size, type and speed of the draft fan all make a big difference in the amount of crap that collects in the various places.

Our units are all direct vented and the Leafer trick is never far away.

Usually biweekly on the little Whit and Monthly on the Big Whit they get SUCKED

 

Wish I could do a LBT, but it's 27' of vent and last 7' is chimney at peak of roof (inaccessible). Brushes from inside it is...

 

How much for a helicopter rental?

 

I am thinking that this entire scenario is the reason I went with the direct vent systems.

Tall chimneys are fine but not being able to suck my stove out would really "Suck" even more.

Any way to get a "bypass" hose that you could hook to the stove and then suck it out without having to worry about getting the house dirty???

 

Just did an exhaust chamber cleaning and this is how mine looks . Oct. - present mainly softwood and recently some hardwood.

 

my set-up is about identical. We had quite a project to get the 4" liner up the chimney with a slate rain cap.

 

I may be able to do something in the future, but not 'til spring. Might be a good summer engineering project.