We're always on the lookout for outdoor wood burning furnace parts that go unnoticed and end up costing you money. This is a huge one!

Buying an outdoor wood boiler and not knowing how to maintain it would be insane!

So What Is This Most Overlooked Outdoor Wood Furnace Part?

You pull this handle - the "Pull Rod" - before opening your outdoor wood burning boiler door so that the smoke does not blow in your face. (See photo above.)

If you don't have a Pull Rod, read below for urgent and important info.

You might think: "Yeah, so what?" 

But did you know that EACH MONTH, you should use the pull rod to clean your top air channel? This is often overlooked, and potentially FATAL to your outdoor boiler.

How Is This Done? 

Simply pull the Pull Rod until it hits the stop. Normally, you should pull the Pull Rod about 18 inches before it hits the stop. Then twist the Pull Rod clockwise about one-eighth of a turn, and you can continue to pull it out much farther! Several more feet! 

If you do this with the front door open, you will see a poof of white powder drop down inside the firebox. This is how you clean out the top air channel (we call it the "D-Plate").

How Else Can I Clean The D-Plate?

You can also clean out the top air channel with a cleaning brush we call the "Cleaning Brush - D-Plate" (available HERE). With the furnace off and cool, simply remove your chimney cap, push the wood handle down the chimney and point the handle towards the front of the furnace. Push it until the wood handle hits the front wall.

Go to the front of your wood furnace, open the door, and reach up to grab the wood handle and pull the brush through. Do this several times until sufficiently clean.

It is also recommended to use a shop vac to remove ash from the top air channel by reaching the shop vac hose down the chimney.

If My Outdoor Wood Furnace Doesn't Have a Pull Rod?

Then you MUST obtain a "Cleaning Brush - D-Plate" and follow the directions above to clean the top air channel of your outdoor wood burner at least once per year or as needed. More cleaning instructions can be found in the product description of this cleaning brush HERE. 

For more cleaning supplies and tools for your heating system and other outdoor wood boiler parts, visit our website OutdoorBoiler.com.

Learn all the tips and strategies for keeping your outdoor wood boilers in great shape! Gain a thorough understanding of products, and boiler water treatments to make sure that your water is properly treated and your furnace is free from corrosion.

You'll also learn how experts reply to the most often asked questions about wood boiler installation and maintenance from users.

You can also call the office at 231-861-8200 M-F 9 am to 8 pm EST for more questions.