Pellet Stove Smoke Due to Restricted Burn Pot Airflow

To confirm this cause, inspect the burn pot while the unit is cold and powered down. Check for hardened ash deposits known as clinkers blocking the ventilation holes. Use a probe to verify if the air passages and the igniter slot are completely clear of debris. A lack of visible airflow through these holes during the startup blower phase, or the presence of a heavy layer of compacted residue, confirms that the combustion air cannot properly reach the fuel to facilitate a clean, smoke-free ignition.

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