Summer may feel like the off-season for home heating, but now is the perfect time to make sure your pellet heater or heater is safe and ready for winter. At NJ Pellets and Firewood, we always recommend a mid-year inspection to avoid problems later, when cold temperatures hit and repair schedules fill up. A quick tune-up now can save you from headaches—and heating issues—down the road.
Clean, Inspect, and Test Before It’s Cold
Start by thoroughly cleaning your pellet heater’s burn pot and ash tray. Ash buildup reduces efficiency and can cause air circulation problems. Use a vacuum or soft brush to remove soot from the interior chamber, and check the burn pot for any signs of corrosion or cracking. Next, inspect your venting system. The vent pipe can accumulate creosote or soot over time, which not only reduces performance but also creates a fire hazard. Make sure the pipe is clear, tightly sealed, and free of blockages or damage.
Don’t forget the gaskets and seals around your heater door and ash pan. These need to be airtight to function properly. If you can slide a dollar bill between the gasket and door frame and pull it out easily, it’s time to replace the seal. Leaky pellet heaters don’t just waste pellets—they can release harmful gases into your home.
Finally, take a few minutes to test your heater. Power it on and observe how it ignites, burns, and ventilates. Listen for unusual noises and check that the fan runs smoothly. Even a 10-minute test run in July can alert you to problems that are much easier (and cheaper) to fix in summer than in November.
Order Heating Pellets Early and Stress-Free
Once your pellet heater is clean and running properly, it’s time to order heating pellets. Summer is the best time to stock up—prices are often lower, delivery times are faster, and you won’t be competing with last-minute winter rush orders. Storing pellets in a dry, well-ventilated space during the warm months also helps preserve quality for peak performance when it matters most.
NJ Pellets and Firewood delivers premium hardwood heating pellets throughout New Jersey. By ordering now, you’ll beat the seasonal surge, lock in pricing, and ensure your home is ready when the cold finally returns. Don’t wait until it’s freezing to find out your heater needs service or your fuel source is out of stock. A little planning now will go a long way in keeping your home safe and warm this winter.
