Switching an ABC Combo boiler from pellets to wood
How do you switch an ABC Combo boiler from pellets to wood?
An ABC Combo boiler can burn both wood logs and pellets. This allows the fuel choice to be adapted to availability, usage and preferred operation. When switching from pellet operation to wood operation, the boiler must be prepared correctly so the combustion chamber, air supply and burner area are suitable for burning wood.
The conversion must be carried out carefully and according to the manual for the specific ABC Combo model. It is important to understand that the wood is not automatically ignited by the pellet igniter after the switch. The wood must be ignited manually and safely.
Why must the boiler be converted for wood operation?
Pellets and wood logs are supplied and burned differently. During pellet operation, pellets are fed automatically and ignited by an igniter. During wood operation, the fuel is placed in the combustion chamber and ignited manually.
Correct conversion ensures that the combustion chamber, air supply and relevant components are arranged properly for wood combustion. Incorrect settings or wrongly positioned parts may affect airflow, ignition and combustion.
What should you check before switching from pellets to wood?
Allow pellet combustion to stop completely and wait until the boiler has cooled sufficiently. Then check whether the burner area is free from burning pellets, hot ash and loose pellet residues.
- Switch off the boiler according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Allow pellet combustion to finish completely.
- Wait until the boiler and burner area have cooled safely.
- Remove ash, clinker and unburned pellet residues.
- Check whether the combustion chamber and air openings are clean.
- Consult the manual for the correct position of components and settings.
Which components must be adjusted?
During the conversion, components in or around the burner area may need to be removed, repositioned or refitted. The required steps depend on the ABC Combo model and technical version.
Always follow the manual and instruction video. Do not force components and check after adjustment that all parts are correctly and securely positioned. Pay particular attention to the burner pot, air openings, combustion chamber and components that control airflow.
How do you prepare the combustion chamber for wood?
Clean the combustion chamber and remove remaining ash, pellet residues and deposits. Then fit the components required for wood operation according to the technical documentation. Make sure the air supply remains clear and the wood can be positioned securely in the combustion chamber.
Only use suitable, dry firewood. Wood that is too moist is harder to ignite, produces more smoke and may cause additional soot or tar deposits inside the boiler and flue gas path.
How do you ignite the wood after switching?
After switching to wood operation, the wood must be ignited manually. The automatic pellet ignition system is intended for pellets and does not automatically ignite the wood logs. Use a safe ignition method suitable for wood boilers and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Do not use petrol, methylated spirits or other volatile and flammable liquids. Provide sufficient air during the ignition phase and only leave the boiler door open as far and as long as the manual permits.
What should you pay attention to during wood operation?
After ignition, check whether the wood burns steadily and whether the flue gases are discharged correctly. Pay attention to the flame pattern, draught and any smoke formation. Close doors and inspection openings correctly as soon as the ignition phase allows.
- Use dry and suitable firewood.
- Do not fill the boiler beyond the permitted amount.
- Keep air openings and flue gas passages clear.
- Check doors and seals for proper sealing.
- Do not leave the boiler unattended during an abnormal start-up.
- Always follow the manufacturer’s settings and safety instructions.
When should you contact a qualified technician?
Contact a qualified technician if components cannot be removed or fitted correctly, if you are unsure about the correct arrangement or if the boiler has poor draught or burns irregularly after conversion. Work on electrical components, controls, pellet feed and safety devices must also be carried out by a professional.
Have the installation serviced periodically and inspect the flue outlet, chimney, combustion chamber and seals according to the maintenance instructions.
Watch the instruction video
In this video, we show step by step how to switch an ABC Combo boiler from pellet operation to wood operation. Remember that the wood must be ignited manually and safely after the conversion.
Frequently asked questions about switching an ABC Combo boiler from pellets to wood
Can an ABC Combo boiler burn both wood and pellets?
Yes, an ABC Combo boiler is designed for wood logs and pellets. However, the boiler must be converted and configured correctly for the selected fuel.
Is the wood ignited automatically after switching?
No, after switching to wood operation, the wood must be ignited manually. The automatic igniter is intended for pellet ignition.
Must the boiler cool down before switching?
Yes, allow pellet combustion to stop completely and wait until the boiler and burner area have cooled safely. Never work on hot components or burning fuel.
Which wood can be used in an ABC Combo boiler?
Use dry and suitable firewood that meets the manufacturer’s requirements. Wood that is too moist causes poorer combustion, more smoke and additional contamination.
Can the boiler be switched back from wood to pellets?
Wait until the wood has burned out completely and the boiler has cooled safely. Then clean the combustion chamber and perform the conversion back to pellet operation according to the manual.