Safety first: Always unplug the stove and let it cool completely to room temperature before working on any internal parts.
Pellet quality, burn rate, and venting can vary a lot from home to home, so the timeframes below are basically just guidelines. In the end, let your own ash buildup be the final judge of how often you clean.
Harman has produced many popular pellet stove and insert models over the years, and with proper maintenance they can provide reliable heat for decades. At Harman-Parts.com, we want to help you keep your Harman pellet stove running safely and efficiently with a simple maintenance routine like the one outlined below.
Daily–Weekly Quick Checks (as needed)
Burn Pot Airflow
- Check the burn pot each day (or each time you use the stove heavily).
- If the air holes are plugged with ash or clinkers, use the factory scraper or a suitable tool to clear the holes and push debris into the chamber below.
- Empty what collects beneath the burn pot into the ash pan.
Ash Management
- Open the ash gate so combustion ash can fall down into the ash pan where it belongs.
- When the pan is about two-thirds full, empty it into a sealed, non-combustible metal container stored outside, away from the house and any combustibles. Ash can retain hot embers for many hours.
Heat-Exchanger Tubes
Once the stove is completely cool:
- Hook the scraper rod with the burn-pot tool (or your model’s supplied cleaning tool).
- Pull the rod toward the firebox until you feel the scraper head reach the internal opening, then push it back.
- This motion helps keep the heat-exchanger tubes clear so they transfer heat into your room more efficiently.
Every 1–2 Months
Exhaust Stack & Internal Passages
Over time, fly-ash coats the vent pipe and internal exhaust passages.
- Inspect the venting and internal exhaust channels every 30–60 days during heavy use.
- On vertical vent runs, open the clean-out tee and look inside.
- If you see more than a thin layer of ash or any noticeable creosote, schedule a thorough cleaning of the flue and internal passages before continuing regular use.
Every 6 Months
Thermal Low-Limit (Proof-of-Fire) Switch
Most Harman pellet stoves use a temperature-sensing disc in the exhaust stream (often called a proof-of-fire or low-limit switch) to detect when the stove is up to operating temperature.
Every six months:
- With power still disconnected, vacuum loose ash from around the switch area.
- Gently pull the two spade connectors off the switch terminals.
- Wipe the face of the disc with a clean, dry cloth to remove ash and dust.
- Inspect the terminals for corrosion and make sure the wiring is tight and in good condition.
- To check basic operation, you can carefully warm the disc with a household hair dryer and listen for a light “click” as it snaps closed (typically in the 120–140 °F range, depending on the part).
If the switch fails to close, looks damaged, or the contacts appear badly pitted, it’s time to replace it. Reinstall the spade connectors securely before restoring power.
Motor Lubrication
- Older exhaust (combustion) blowers with oil ports may require a few drops of high-temperature bearing oil after several months of heavy use.
- Many newer Harman exhaust, auger, and convection blowers are factory-sealed and do not require oil.
- Always check your owner’s manual for your specific model and follow those instructions.
Yearly Deep Clean
Air-Wash Slot
The narrow air-wash channel that keeps the glass cleaner can collect dust, ash, and pet hair.
- Use a stiff piece of paper (like a business card) and gently slide it through the slot to push debris out.
- On some models, you can remove the air-wash or glass-retainer bracket to brush and vacuum the area more thoroughly.
Baffle Plates & Firebrick
Once a season:
- Remove the interior baffle plates and firebrick (or panels) according to your manual.
- Vacuum ash, soot, and creosote from behind and above these parts where buildup often hides.
- If this area plugs up, your stove can become starved for air and performance will suffer.
Door & Ash-Pan Rope Gaskets
Good seals keep your Harman stove burning clean and hot.
- Close the door on a dollar bill so it’s half inside, half outside.
- Try to pull the bill out.
- If the gasket is sealing properly, the bill should have firm resistance.
- If it slides out easily with little or no drag, the rope gasket is likely worn and should be replaced.
- Repeat this test around several spots on the door and the ash-pan door.
Regular cleaning and inspection will help your Harman pellet stove:
- Burn more efficiently
- Produce more heat from each bag of pellets
- Stay safer and more reliable over the long term
If you’re unsure which replacement gaskets, switches, or other parts your Harman stove needs, Harman-Parts.com is here to help you identify the correct components and keep your stove running like it should.
