Why is it important to remove all ash from the pellet boiler immediately after turning it off, even before the annual service? How is ash removed, and why is an ash vacuum indispensable?
As the heating season comes to an end, many have already turned off their central heating systems, and many more plan to do so soon. For modern pellet boilers, one crucial task after the season ends is to clean out all the ash immediately after shutting down the boiler.
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Of course, an annual boiler service is also recommended. Ideally, this should be performed by a professional. However, waiting for the technician can take time. If you turned off your boiler at the end of March or the beginning of April, and the technician advises you to call in May for the service, do not wait for the ash cleaning.
Most boilers are located in basement areas where there is moisture, and ash tends to absorb moisture. Especially with the arrival of spring rains and high humidity, it’s not uncommon for ash to turn into a mud-like mixture within a month.
Cleaning this mixture is much more complicated as it sticks to the corners and is harder to remove. Additionally, it’s important to remember that ash contains chemical elements which, when combined with water, can have an aggressive and corrosive effect on the boiler. Therefore, it is advised to remove all ash immediately after shutting down the boiler.
Although using an ash vacuum is not necessary during the heating season, it is now recommended. During the heating season, new ash is constantly being produced, so it’s enough to remove the bulk of the ash without vacuuming. However, at the end of the heating season, you can use a vacuum to extract ash from all corners of the ash container.
For this purpose, you can use an ash vacuum, or even an old household vacuum that you no longer use in your home, if available. If you wait for the ash to absorb moisture, you will no longer be able to vacuum it out of all corners, and it will remain there until the next season, which is not advisable.
Every pellet boiler has two ash containers. One is in the combustion chamber where the burner is located (left on the upper image). But, do not forget to clean the second container, which is the ash drawer that is emptied only a couple of times a month.
If you are unsure, check the specific manual for your boiler. If you have lost or misplaced the manual, you can easily find it in PDF format online for most boilers. Happy cleaning!
Photo: Alfa-Plam, LHT