A pellet stove burns compressed wood pellets automatically. You fill a hopper; an electric auger feeds pellets into a burn pot at a rate set by the controller; a combustion blower supplies air and pushes exhaust out through a vent pipe; a convection blower sends warm air into the room. Because it runs on electricity, it needs a power outlet, and it stops in a power outage unless it has a battery backup.
The main parts
| Part | What it does |
|---|---|
| Hopper | Holds the pellets, often a day or more’s worth |
| Auger | Screw that feeds pellets to the fire at a controlled rate |
| Igniter | Hot element that lights the pellets automatically (on most stoves) |
| Burn pot | Where the pellets burn; needs regular emptying of ash |
| Combustion blower | Feeds air to the fire and pushes exhaust out the vent |
| Convection blower | Moves warm air into the room |
| Controller / thermostat | Sets the heat output |
Pellet inserts fit into an existing fireplace; pellet furnaces and boilers heat a whole house through ducts or water. They work on the same principle.
Starting a pellet stove
Most stoves light themselves: fill the hopper, check that the burn pot is clean and seated, close the door, and press start. Follow your manual for the start-up sequence. If your stove is manual-light, use only the starter the maker approves.
Cleaning and maintenance
- Burn pot: scrape or empty ash and clinkers as often as your manual says, often daily or every few days with heavy use.
- Ash pan and glass: empty when needed; clean the glass when the stove is cold.
- Heat exchanger: many stoves have a rod or scraper to pull while running or cold.
- Vent pipe and blowers: inspect and clean at least once a season; many owners book a professional service before winter.
- Gaskets: check the door gasket; a leak affects combustion.
Use a dedicated ash vacuum, never a household vacuum. Cleaner-burning pellets mean less work: see how to judge a pellet.
Installation and safety
Pellet stoves vent through a dedicated pellet vent pipe, not a regular dryer duct. In Canada, solid-fuel appliances are installed to the CSA B365 installation code and the maker’s instructions; many insurers ask for a WETT inspection (or, in Quebec, an inspection by a qualified heating professional). Ask your installer and your insurer before you light the first fire.
How much fuel does it use?
It depends on the setting and your home. A 40 lb bag lasts 18.1 kg divided by the stove’s burn rate; see how long a bag lasts for the calculation and heating pellets for fuel.
Frequently asked questions
What is a pellet stove?
A heater that burns wood pellets, fed automatically from a hopper by an electric auger, with blowers for combustion air and room heat.
Does a pellet stove work without electricity?
Most do not: the auger, igniter and blowers need power. Some models accept a battery backup; check with the maker.
How often should I clean a pellet stove?
The burn pot daily or every few days in heavy use, the ash pan and glass as needed, and a full clean of the vent and blowers at least once a season. Your manual has the schedule.