Pellet Stove Safety

As temperatures drop and heating bills rise, homeowners across the country start looking for more affordable ways to beat the chill. If you’re one of them, you may have considered pellet stoves at some point. And not without good reason.

Pellet stoves, sometimes called pellet furnaces or pellet heaters, have become one of the more popular alternative heating methods, running on pellet fuel that often costs less than electricity or gas (although not always).¹ But, as with many heat sources, pellet stoves do come with their share of risks. In this article, we’ll cover some of the potential dangers pellet stoves present and share tips to help run yours safely.

What is a pellet stove?

Pellet stoves are a modern take on wood-burning stoves. Just like their log-fed cousins, they are made both as freestanding models and inserts for nooks, and usually designed to heat residential spaces. The key difference lies in the fuel.

Pellet stoves operate by burning pellets – compressed pieces of fuel made up of wood and other organic materials. These pellets are loaded into the stove’s hopper and burned slowly to generate around 24 hours of heat (in most models).² With this comparatively low labor input, it’s no surprise busy homeowners see the upside in these stoves.

Difference between wood stove and pellet stove

Pellet stoves differ from wood stoves in more ways than just the fuel source. Wood stoves operate by simply burning wood, whereas pellet stoves require electricity to function. In some ways, this makes wood stoves the more reliable option, however pellet stove battery backups are available in the event of power outage.

Wood stoves also tend to be more maintenance than pellet stoves, requiring a supply of fresh logs throughout the day, professional cleaning each year, and often the installation of their own chimney systems. Pellet stoves typically require one hopper full of pellets each day, occasional ash cleaning, and less extensive ventilation add-ons at installation.

To fit their larger fuel source, wood stoves are often built larger too, while pellet stoves tend to be smaller. Prices are similar between the two, and though both are rather long-lived, though wood stoves tend to last a bit longer.³

How does a pellet stove work?

Pellets begin their journey in the stove’s hopper, a container where they’ll be stored until the flame needs more fuel. When needed, the stove’s auger sends pellets from the hopper to the firebox where they’ll be burned to generate more heat.

As previously mentioned, pellet stoves do require some electricity to operate. Besides an electrically powered ignition, pellet stoves also have electric fans inside that feed the flame and move hot air into the room. Pellet stoves also have thermostats that allow users to control the number of pellets fed to the firebox, increasing or decreasing the room’s temperature.⁴

Installing a pellet stove

You’ll want to consult with or bring in a professional to handle it and ensure it’s safe. Pellet stove installation involves two parts: the ventilation and the stove itself. Remember that a pellet stove is a bit like a fireplace; it’s a contained space for safely maintaining flame within your home. And just like a fireplace, your pellet stove needs a chimney. Fortunately, you don’t need a bricklayer to get this part done, but you might need a carpenter. You’ll need to cut holes in your wall or roof to place an exhaust vent for smoke and an intake vent for fresh air.

The stove itself is much easier. After ventilation is installed, plug the stove in, load it with pellets and you’re good to go.⁵ You should always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installing and using your pellet stove to ensure you’re operating it safely and properly.

Are pellet stoves safe?

As with wood stoves (or any use of fire within the home), pellet stoves come with some risks. But are pellet stoves safer than wood stoves? They can be, though both require proper care and precaution. Wood stoves produce the same flammable resin that can cause chimney fires, meaning their ventilation pipes need to be cleaned out more frequently to remain safe. Pellet stoves produce less of this resin than wood stoves, however they do require ash to be cleaned out regularly.² And while they do produce less flammable resin, it’s still a good idea to have a professional inspection performed each year.¹ If properly installed, maintained and operated, pellet stoves can be a safe heating source for your home.

Pellet stove safety tips

Interested in pellet stove heating but not sure how to run it safely? Use these tips to help operate yours safely and properly.

Put up a pellet stove safety gate

It might sound obvious, but pellet stoves become very hot to the touch while they’re in use. To minimize risk of burns, consider closing off the space around your stove by putting up a pellet stove safety gate. This is especially important if you have pets or small children.

Install carbon monoxide detectors

Every home should have carbon monoxide detectors installed, but they’re particularly important if you have a pellet stove, or any combustion-based heating, for that matter. Properly installed ventilation may minimize the risk of carbon monoxide, but it’s always best to err on the side of caution.

Clean your stove and dispose of ashes regularly

Even without producing the same quantity of flammable resin wood stoves do, pellet stoves still need to be cleaned regularly to ensure minimal fire risks. Remove ashes once or twice a week and give the whole stove a thorough cleaning once per year.¹

Follow pellet stove manufacturer's instructions

Pellet stoves come in countless makes and models, and the manufacturer of yours may have some specific instructions for maintenance or safety precautions. Before turning your stove on, be sure to give the instructions a thorough read.

A little precaution can result in a lot of protection. While there’s no way to guarantee zero fire risks when using a pellet stove, the safety tips in this article are a great place to start.

While pellet stoves are typically covered within a homeowners policy, dwellings with supplemental heating systems often require additional attention from your insurance provider in order to ensure the appropriate level of protection. Talk to an independent agent to explore your coverage options.

Learn more about fire safety at home.

Sources:
[1] “Ask the Contractor: Things to Know About Pellet Stoves,” www.forbes.com/home-improvement/contractor/ask-the-contractor-pellet-stove/ (Accessed January 2024)
[2] “Pellet Stove Fact Sheet,” www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/documents/pelletstovefs08-04-11.pdf (Accessed January 2024)
[3] “Wood Heat vs. Pellet Stove Comparison Guide,” www.thespruce.com/wood-stove-vs-pellet-stove-1907994 (Accessed January 2024)
[4] “How Does a Pellet Stove Work?” www.homeserve.com/en-us/blog/home-improvement/pellet-stove/ (Accessed January 2024)
[5] “How to Install a Pellet Stove,” www.thisoldhouse.com/heating-cooling/21016861/how-to-install-a-pellet-stove (Accessed January 2024)