How to operate an older pellet Harman 52i Accentra insert

How to Operate an Older Harman 52i Accentra Pellet Insert | Control Board & Basics
Welcome back to Byron on the Rooftop, where I provide real-world fireplace and stove reviews based on hands-on experience-not just manufacturer specs. In today’s video, I’ll walk you through how to operate an older Harman 52i Accentra Pellet Insert, focusing on how to use the control board and basic cleaning tips to keep it running efficiently.
Getting to Know the Harman 52i Accentra
The Harman 52i Accentra Pellet Insert is a well-built, reliable heating appliance that has been a favorite among pellet stove users for years. This unit is designed to fit into existing masonry or zero-clearance fireplaces, offering a high-efficiency heating solution. It features automatic temperature control, a powerful distribution blower, and an easy-to-use control panel that makes adjusting heat output simple.
If you’ve inherited or purchased a used Harman 52i, you might not have a manual or know exactly how to use it. That’s where this guide comes in!
How to Use the Control Board
The control board is the key to operating your Harman 52i Accentra, and understanding its settings can make a big difference in efficiency and performance.
Powering On and Off
Turn the OFF dial to one of two modes: Stove Temp or Room Temp to turn the unit on. The combustion blower will start, and the igniter will begin heating the pellets.
When shutting the unit down, turn the OFF dial to OFF position.. The stove will continue to run for a short time to safely burn off remaining pellets before shutting off completely.
Mode Selection
Room Temp Mode: This mode allows the unit to maintain a set room temperature using the internal thermostat or an optional external thermister wire, which dangles loosely behind or adjacent to the appliance or straps on closely to the lower air channel on the left to read the room air being drawn in.
Stove Temp Mode: In this mode, the stove will burn at a constant rate regardless of the room temperature. This is great if you want steady heat without fluctuations. It will run at this arbitrary heat setting 1-7 until it runs out of pellets.
Temperature & Heat Output
Adjust the Temperature Dial to set the desired heat level in Room Temp Mode.
In Stove Temp Mode, you’ll control the burn rate manually using the Feed Rate Dial. A setting of 3-4 is usually a good starting point for steady heat without excessive pellet consumption.
Blower Speed
The distribution blower controls how much warm air is pushed into the room.
If the fan speed is too low, heat may build up in the stove rather than being distributed properly.
Feed Rate Adjustment
The Feed Adjuster dial controls how many pellets are fed into the burn pot.
Usually just leave this on setting 3-4.
If you notice unburned pellets in the ash pan, you might be feeding too much fuel. Adjust the setting to ensure complete combustion.
Basic Cleaning Tips
To keep your Harman 52i Accentra running efficiently, routine cleaning is essential:
Empty the ash pan every few days to prevent buildup.
Brush out the burn pot and remove any clinkers (hardened ash).
Vacuum the heat exchanger area (when the stove is completely cool).
Check the combustion blower vent for blockages to ensure proper airflow.
For deeper maintenance, like cleaning the exhaust passageways and checking the distribution blower, refer to the manufacturer’s manual or schedule professional servicing annually.
Final Thoughts
The Harman 52i Accentra Pellet Insert is a fantastic heater when operated correctly. By understanding how to use the control board settings and performing basic maintenance, you’ll get the best performance out of your unit.
If this video helped you, hit like, subscribe, and drop a comment if you have any questions about operating or maintaining your Harman pellet insert.
Stay warm and burn smart!
- Byron on the Rooftop | Midtown Chimney Sweeps