Igniter For Englander Pellet Stove (5 Expert Fixes You Must Try)

Ever found yourself shivering in the dead of winter because your Englander pellet stove refuses to ignite? I know I have, and it’s not a pleasant experience. Troubleshooting a pellet stove igniter can seem daunting, but with a systematic approach, you can often fix the problem yourself. In this guide, I’ll walk you through five expert fixes that I’ve personally used to get my Englander pellet stove roaring back to life. Let’s dive in and get that stove working!

Igniter for Englander Pellet Stove: 5 Expert Fixes You Must Try

The igniter is the heart of your pellet stove, responsible for starting the fire that keeps your home warm. When it fails, your stove becomes nothing more than a fancy-looking box. Understanding the common causes of igniter failure and knowing how to diagnose and fix them can save you time, money, and a lot of frustration.

1. Inspecting and Cleaning the Igniter Tube

One of the most frequent issues I’ve encountered is a build-up of ash and debris in the igniter tube. This blockage prevents the hot air from reaching the pellets, resulting in ignition failure.

Why Cleaning Matters

Over time, ash, unburnt pellets, and other debris accumulate within the igniter tube. This build-up acts as an insulator, preventing the igniter from effectively heating the air needed to ignite the pellets.

Step-by-Step Cleaning Process

Safety First: Always disconnect the power to your pellet stove before beginning any maintenance. This prevents accidental shocks and ensures your safety.
Locate the Igniter Tube: The igniter tube is usually located near the bottom of the burn pot. Refer to your Englander pellet stove manual for the exact location if you’re unsure.
Remove the Igniter: Depending on your model, the igniter may be held in place by screws or a bracket. Carefully remove the igniter, noting how it’s oriented for reinstallation.
Clean the Tube: Use a stiff brush or a vacuum cleaner with a narrow nozzle to remove any ash and debris from inside the igniter tube. I’ve found that a pipe cleaner can be particularly useful for reaching tight spots.
Inspect the Igniter: While the igniter is removed, visually inspect it for any signs of damage, such as cracks or corrosion.
Reinstall the Igniter: Once the tube is clean, carefully reinstall the igniter, making sure it’s securely in place.
Test the Stove: Reconnect the power and test the stove to see if the cleaning has resolved the issue.

My Personal Experience

I remember one particularly cold January when my pellet stove refused to start. After checking the obvious things like the pellet supply and power, I decided to inspect the igniter tube. To my surprise, it was completely clogged with ash. After a thorough cleaning, the stove fired right up. It was a simple fix that saved me a service call and a lot of discomfort.

Tool List

Screwdriver (Phillips or flathead, depending on your stove model)
Stiff brush or pipe cleaner
Vacuum cleaner with a narrow nozzle
Gloves
Safety glasses

Measurement and Data

Cleaning Frequency: I recommend cleaning the igniter tube at least once a month during the heating season, or more often if you notice frequent ignition failures.
Debris Volume: You might be surprised at how much ash and debris can accumulate in the tube. I’ve seen tubes that were more than half-filled with residue.

Takeaway

Regular cleaning of the igniter tube is a simple but effective way to prevent ignition problems. It’s a task that anyone can do with basic tools and a little bit of patience.

2. Checking the Igniter’s Electrical Connections

Loose or corroded electrical connections can prevent the igniter from receiving the power it needs to heat up. Ensuring these connections are clean and tight is crucial for reliable ignition.

Why Connections Matter

Electrical connections are the lifeline of your igniter. If they’re loose or corroded, the igniter won’t receive the necessary voltage to heat up and ignite the pellets.

Step-by-Step Connection Check

Safety First: Disconnect the power to your pellet stove before working on any electrical components.
Locate the Igniter Wires: Trace the wires leading to the igniter. These wires are typically connected to the control board or a junction box.
Inspect the Connections: Carefully inspect the connections for any signs of corrosion, looseness, or damage.
Clean the Connections: If you find any corrosion, use a wire brush or electrical contact cleaner to remove it.
Tighten the Connections: Make sure all connections are tight and secure. If necessary, use pliers to gently tighten the connectors.
Test the Wires: Use a multimeter to test the continuity of the wires. If you find any breaks in the wires, they will need to be replaced.
Reassemble and Test: Reconnect the power and test the stove to see if the connection check has resolved the issue.

My Personal Experience

I once spent hours troubleshooting my pellet stove, convinced that the igniter itself was faulty. It turned out that one of the wires leading to the igniter had come loose. A simple tightening of the connection was all it took to get the stove working again.

Tool List

Screwdriver (Phillips or flathead)
Wire brush or electrical contact cleaner
Pliers
Multimeter
Gloves
Safety glasses

Measurement and Data

Voltage Check: Use a multimeter to check the voltage at the igniter terminals when the stove is in start-up mode. You should see a voltage close to the rated voltage of the igniter (typically 120V or 240V).
Resistance Check: Measure the resistance of the igniter. A healthy igniter will typically have a resistance between 40 and 60 ohms.

Takeaway

Checking and cleaning the electrical connections is a quick and easy way to rule out a common cause of igniter failure. It’s a simple task that can save you a lot of time and money.

3. Testing the Igniter with a Multimeter

A multimeter is an invaluable tool for diagnosing electrical problems in your pellet stove. Testing the igniter with a multimeter can help you determine if it’s receiving power and if the igniter itself is functioning correctly.

Why a Multimeter Matters

A multimeter allows you to measure voltage, current, and resistance in an electrical circuit. This information can help you pinpoint the exact cause of an igniter failure.

Step-by-Step Multimeter Test

Safety First: Disconnect the power to your pellet stove before testing any electrical components.
Set the Multimeter: Set the multimeter to the resistance (ohms) setting.
Locate the Igniter Terminals: Identify the terminals on the igniter where the wires are connected.
Connect the Probes: Place the multimeter probes on the igniter terminals.
Read the Resistance: Observe the resistance reading on the multimeter. A healthy igniter will typically have a resistance between 40 and 60 ohms. If the resistance is significantly higher or lower, the igniter is likely faulty and needs to be replaced.
Voltage Test (Optional): If you want to test the voltage, set the multimeter to the AC voltage setting and connect the probes to the igniter terminals while the stove is in start-up mode. You should see a voltage close to the rated voltage of the igniter (typically 120V or 240V).
Interpret the Results: If the resistance is within the expected range but the igniter still doesn’t work, the problem may be with the control board or another component.

My Personal Experience

I remember a time when my pellet stove would occasionally start but then quickly shut down. I suspected the igniter, but I wasn’t sure. Using a multimeter, I discovered that the igniter’s resistance was fluctuating wildly. This confirmed that the igniter was failing intermittently and needed to be replaced.

Tool List

Multimeter
Screwdriver (Phillips or flathead)
Gloves
Safety glasses

Measurement and Data

Resistance Range: A healthy igniter should have a resistance between 40 and 60 ohms.
Voltage Range: When the stove is in start-up mode, the voltage at the igniter terminals should be close to the rated voltage of the igniter (typically 120V or 240V).

Takeaway

Testing the igniter with a multimeter is a reliable way to determine if it’s functioning correctly. It’s a valuable skill for any pellet stove owner.

4. Replacing a Faulty Igniter

If you’ve determined that your igniter is faulty, the next step is to replace it. This is a relatively straightforward process, but it’s important to follow the instructions carefully to avoid damaging your stove.

Why Replacement Matters

A faulty igniter can’t be repaired. Once it fails, the only solution is to replace it with a new one.

Step-by-Step Replacement Process

Safety First: Disconnect the power to your pellet stove before starting the replacement process.
Identify the Correct Igniter: Make sure you have the correct replacement igniter for your Englander pellet stove model. Refer to your stove’s manual or contact the manufacturer to ensure you get the right part.
Remove the Old Igniter: Carefully remove the old igniter, noting how it’s oriented and connected. Take pictures if necessary to help you remember the correct wiring.
Disconnect the Wires: Disconnect the wires from the old igniter.
Install the New Igniter: Connect the wires to the new igniter, making sure they’re securely attached.
Reinstall the Igniter: Carefully reinstall the new igniter, making sure it’s properly aligned and secured.
Test the Stove: Reconnect the power and test the stove to see if the new igniter is working correctly.

My Personal Experience

I’ve replaced several igniters over the years, and I’ve learned that it’s always best to buy a high-quality replacement part. Cheaper igniters may not last as long or perform as well. I once tried to save a few dollars by buying a generic igniter, and it failed after only a few months.

Tool List

Screwdriver (Phillips or flathead)
Wire stripper/crimper (if necessary)
Pliers
Gloves
Safety glasses

Measurement and Data

Igniter Lifespan: A typical pellet stove igniter will last for 1-3 years, depending on usage and the quality of the part.
Igniter Wattage: Make sure the replacement igniter has the same wattage as the original. Using an igniter with a different wattage can damage your stove.

Takeaway

Replacing a faulty igniter is a relatively simple process that can be done by most homeowners. Just make sure you have the correct replacement part and follow the instructions carefully.

5. Checking the Control Board

If you’ve tried all of the above fixes and your pellet stove still won’t ignite, the problem may be with the control board. The control board is the brain of your pellet stove, and it’s responsible for controlling all of the stove’s functions, including the igniter.

Why the Control Board Matters

The control board sends the electrical signal to the igniter, telling it when to heat up. If the control board is faulty, it may not be sending the correct signal to the igniter.

Step-by-Step Control Board Check

Safety First: Disconnect the power to your pellet stove before working on the control board.
Locate the Control Board: The control board is usually located in the back of the stove, behind a metal panel.
Inspect the Control Board: Carefully inspect the control board for any signs of damage, such as burnt components or loose connections.
Test the Voltage Output: Use a multimeter to test the voltage output to the igniter when the stove is in start-up mode. You should see a voltage close to the rated voltage of the igniter (typically 120V or 240V).
Check the Fuses: Check the fuses on the control board to see if any of them are blown.
Replace the Control Board (If Necessary): If you suspect that the control board is faulty, you may need to replace it. This is a more complex repair that may require the assistance of a qualified technician.

My Personal Experience

I once had a pellet stove that would randomly shut down in the middle of the night. After checking everything else, I suspected the control board. I contacted a local pellet stove repair technician, and he confirmed that the control board was faulty. Replacing the control board fixed the problem, and the stove has been working perfectly ever since.

Tool List

Screwdriver (Phillips or flathead)
Multimeter
Gloves
Safety glasses

Measurement and Data

Voltage Output: When the stove is in start-up mode, the voltage output to the igniter should be close to the rated voltage of the igniter (typically 120V or 240V).
Fuse Ratings: Make sure you replace any blown fuses with fuses of the same rating.

Takeaway

Checking the control board is a more advanced troubleshooting step that may require the assistance of a qualified technician. However, it’s important to rule out the control board as a potential cause of igniter failure.

Preventative Measures

Beyond these fixes, I’ve learned that consistent maintenance is key to preventing igniter problems in the first place.

Using Quality Pellets

The type of pellets you use can significantly impact the performance of your igniter. Low-quality pellets often contain more ash and produce more residue, which can clog the igniter tube and cause it to fail prematurely. I always recommend using premium-grade pellets that are specifically designed for pellet stoves.

Why Quality Matters

High-quality pellets burn cleaner and produce less ash, reducing the risk of igniter tube blockages and other maintenance issues.

My Personal Experience

I once switched to a cheaper brand of pellets to save money, and I quickly regretted it. The stove produced more ash, the igniter tube clogged more frequently, and the stove required more frequent cleaning. In the end, the savings weren’t worth the extra hassle.

Measurement and Data

Ash Content: Look for pellets with an ash content of less than 1%.
BTU Rating: Choose pellets with a high BTU (British Thermal Unit) rating for efficient heating.

Regular Maintenance Schedule

Establishing a regular maintenance schedule can help you prevent igniter problems and extend the life of your pellet stove. I recommend cleaning the igniter tube at least once a month, inspecting the electrical connections every six months, and having the stove professionally serviced once a year.

Why Maintenance Matters

Regular maintenance can help you identify and address potential problems before they become major issues.

My Personal Experience

I’ve found that sticking to a regular maintenance schedule has significantly reduced the number of problems I’ve had with my pellet stove. It’s a small investment of time that pays off in the long run.

Measurement and Data

Cleaning Frequency: Clean the igniter tube at least once a month.
Inspection Frequency: Inspect the electrical connections every six months.
Professional Servicing: Have the stove professionally serviced once a year.

Conclusion

Troubleshooting an igniter issue on your Englander pellet stove doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By systematically inspecting, cleaning, and testing the igniter and its connections, you can often identify and fix the problem yourself. Remember to always prioritize safety by disconnecting the power before working on any electrical components. And don’t forget the importance of using high-quality pellets and maintaining a regular maintenance schedule to prevent future problems. With these expert fixes and preventative measures, you can keep your Englander pellet stove running smoothly and efficiently, providing warmth and comfort throughout the winter months. Now, go get that stove fired up and enjoy the cozy warmth!