Why Your Englander Pellet Stove Won't Ignite? ( Reasons & Solutions )

Englander brand is one of the most popular brands in the industry. These stoves produce heat in the winter and distribute it throughout the room. But pellet stoves all have problems with ignition, which is bothersome, especially during the cold winter months.

In this article we explain the main problems of ignition problems with pellet fuel stoves and their solutions.

Why Is My Pellet Stove Not Igniting?

A pellet stove that isn’t igniting can be a sign that the outlet to the ignition system is blocked or that there’s a fault with the ignition system itself. Thoroughly clean the stove including the ignition area to help resolve the issue.

If a pellet stove isn’t igniting then it can be a problem with the:

• The ignition system
• The airflow
• The fuel

If the ignition is blocked with ash or unburnt pellets then ensure to clean this area thoroughly and also before each fire. 

Solution:

1. Determine If The Igniter Element Has Failed 

• First, a simple visual inspection of the igniter element and the wiring going from the igniter to the control board. Look for any broken or burned wires and make sure that every connection is tight. 
• Start your stove and wait approximately 2 minutes, then open the door and look to see if the ignition hole is reddish orange, or place your hand down near the hole and feel for heat. If there is no heat and no orange glow, your Igniter is possibly shorted out and needs to be replaced.

2. Check The Burn Pot And The Gasket Between The Burn Pot And The Firewall

• If your burn pot has changed shape, or if the gasket between the burn pot and the firewall is loose, the hot air from the igniter will slip past the ignition hole in the burn pot and flow upwards the back side of the burn pot. If the top of your burn pot is curved, this is a problem and you should replace your burn pot and the gasket. Doubling up the burn pot gasket. To remove the burn pot, remove the two 1/2” hex screws from the under the ash lip and remove the burn pot. With a metal straight edge, Check the back of the burn pot for curvature. Anything greater than 1/8” and the burn pot should be replaced. 
• If it's relatively flat, check for rust or corrosion, use a wire brush to remove any flaking. If there is a rough texture at all, replace the burn pot. 

3. Check For Blockage And Clean Pellet Stove

• You may start by checking the air inlet pipe and the outside air kit for blockages. Focus in on any blockages inside the stove down wind from the burn pot. This includes behind the baffles, inside the air chambers leading to the exhaust blower, and the exhaust venting. 
• Start by brushing all areas to loosen up the blockage. Then use an air compressor to clear the fire box and a leaf blower to suck out the exhaust pipe. Reaching those areas is crucial.
• Check that the igniter port is not partially blocked by ash and that the igniter is in the correct position (too far forward causing the tip of the igniter rod to restrict airflow through the igniter hole.)

4. Check For Moisture Or Wetness In The Pellets

• After checking the other possibilities and finding the stove still won't light, then the issue may be damp pellets. 
  If the pellets are damp or moist, they will not ignite. Always keep pellets in a dry place in your home.

Conclusion

A pellet stove that is too dirty and not cleaned is a major cause of most ignition problems. A dirty unit can block proper airflow, so we recommend having your stove professionally cleaned once or twice a year, which helps maintain proper airflow.