If you own a pellet stove for a while now, you know it can heat your home efficiently. But lately, you may have noticed that it takes a long time for your room to heat, unlike before. Is your pellet stove already broken? How long does a pellet stove last? These are probably just a few of your questions.
A pellet stove can last many years with proper care and maintenance. To be specific, it typically has a life expectancy of ten years.
However, the actual lifespan of a pellet stove will vary depending on several factors. This article will cover these circumstances to help you understand how long pellet stoves last. We’ll also share some tips on extending the lifespan of pellet heaters.
How Long Do Pellet Stoves Last?
Pellet stoves are generally designed to last a long time, assuming they are maintained correctly and used according to their specificiations. The average lifespan of pellet stoves ranges from five to ten years. Higher-quality models can last up to 20 years if you perform regular maintenance and care.
However, these appliances do not always last as long as full size traditional wood stoves. That is because traditional stoves don’t have any electronics and have minimal moving parts, meaning there is less opportunity for parts to break down or go wrong.
On the upside, a pellet stove is more energy- and cost-efficient than a wood stove. It uses wooden pellets that burn effectively while producing very little air pollution. If the fire weakens, you simply top up the hopper by adding more pellets. The stove automatically feeds off these carbon-neutral fuels without requiring hard effort. Some models even have automatic on and off settings. These allow you to heat your room at a specific time of the day during the cold season.
What Are the Factors That Affect the Lifespan of a Pellet Stove?
Pellet stoves can last longer or shorter than ten years, depending on a number of factors. Here are several circumstances that affect the life expectancy of pellet heating devices.
Duration and Rate of Use
Using the pellet stove for extended periods without rest can strain its moving parts. That can decrease the lifespan of the appliance.
Constant usage can also affect the life expectancy of the pellet stove. The more often you run the stove, the more likely something can go wrong during the operation.
However, this doesn’t mean you can’t run your pellet stove overnight. The appliance is designed to burn pellets continuously for 24 hours. It can heat your house constantly during cold winter months. A good rule to follow is to shut it down once in a while for rest and cleaning, which brings us to the next point.
Cleaning Frequency
The number of times you clean the pellet stove can affect its lifespan.
Regularly maintaining and cleaning can help a pellet stove last as long as possible. We recommend following the correct cleaning procedures to prevent voiding the warranty of the appliance.
In contrast, skipping the necessary cleaning causes some components to get damaged. These can harm the entire stove if you don’t replace them right away.
Availability of Spare Parts
This factor is related to the previous point.
If one or more parts of your pellet stove fail, you must replace them immediately to keep the appliance alive and working.
The availability of spare components can impact the life span of a pellet stove. For example, if a major part isn’t readily available when your stove breaks, it may lead to permanent damage.
But if the replacement pieces are always available, you can quickly fix the oven in case anything goes wrong. A quick solution can help extend the life of most stoves.
Build Quality
Depending on their build quality, pellet stoves can last longer or shorter than expected.
In general, higher quality stoves from a reputable manufacturer have a longer life expectancy. That is because they use premium materials and professional engineering.
In contrast, pellet stoves made with cheap or low-quality materials break down easily. You’re lucky if they can last you up to five years.
Type of Fuel
Finally, the type of fuel you feed on the pellet stove can affect its lifespan.
This appliance primarily feeds off of wood pellets. But some models can burn wood chips, paper, nutshells, soybeans, and other compost materials.
Do not feed the pellet stove with wood logs and other types of poor fuel. These can block the hopper, which is the part where you put the fuel. They also won’t burn properly, leaving you with partially burned pellets that you must remove for optimal operation.
Instead, choose smaller wood pellets because they burn more efficiently and completely. They keep your appliance working properly. When in doubt, refer to the owner’s manual to learn about the correct fuel for your pellet stove.
How Do I Make My Pellet Stove Last Longer?
By now, you understand the factors affecting the pellet stove’s efficiency and lifespan. You may also wonder if you can do anything to make the appliance last longer. Fortunately, there are several ways to increase the life expectancy of the pellet heater.
Clean the Burn Pot Frequently
Cleaning the burn pot is one of the best methods to ensure the stove operates correctly. This part is a basket or a tray where the wooden pellets burn. Failure to clean it can lead to ash build-up and inefficient performance. These can affect the life expectancy of pellet stoves.
To clean the burn pot, make sure the pellet stove is cool and turned off. Open the stove door and take the burn pot off its housing. Use a fireplace poker to break up wooden pellets that are jammed together. Then, get a wire brush to clear up the insides of the burn pot. It is best to clean every day to prevent blockage and potential damage.
Remove Ash Build-up
After cleaning the burn pot, you can vacuum the inside of the hopper. Doing so will remove ashes and other small fuel particles stuck in the burn chamber.
If you use your pellet stove frequently, you must clean the hopper regularly. Remember to take care of it when the stove is already cool.
Besides the hopper, you must also clean the door gasket and the window glass, which often have soot. Use a soft brush or a damp cloth to eliminate the smoke residue.
Regular cleaning ultimately prevents the ashes from clogging up the essential parts of the pellet stove. That means you can operate the appliance for many years to come.
Check the Pellet Stove Occasionally
Although a pellet stove can run independently without your supervision, you may want to check it every once in a while. Keeping a watchful eye on your stove helps you determine if it runs efficiently and smoothly.
White or light gray ash and bright yellow flames shouldn’t be causes of concern. But if you see dark ash or dull orange flames inside the stove, the burn is probably too low or weak. Unexplained soot and smoke also indicate a problem.
By watching the pellet stove from time to time, you can immediately detect and solve issues. Doing so helps prolong the life expectancy of your appliance.
Consider Adjusting the Air Damper
Do you notice flames that don’t move much? Or perhaps, you have an overactive fire that manifests as blue flames? Consider adjusting the air damper to improve airflow in your pellet oven. This is key to achieving efficient burning of pellets, which leads to a longer stove lifespan.
If you have “lazy” flames, gradually open the air damper to increase the air circulating to the fire. After changing the airflow, keep an eye out for any improvement. If the flames are still too high without movement, pull out the damper to let air in.
On the other hand, you may need to decrease the oxygen in an overactive flame. Close the air damper in your stove by pushing it in a little or tightening it.
Maintain the Heat Exchanger
Maintaining the heat exchanger of the pellet stove can maximize its efficiency and improve its expected lifespan. This essential part acts as a furnace in combustion to prevent the appliance from becoming too hot.
Clean the heat exchanger every other week to ensure efficient heat transfer. In most pellet stoves, you can pull a lever and twist it back and forth to remove ashes. If you encounter more stubborn carbon deposits, use a wire brush for thorough cleaning. Or hire a professional to maintain the heat exchanger.
Look Out for Failing Parts
Finally, pay close attention to the pellet stove if you have owned it for years already. Look out for any failing parts and get them replaced immediately.
By being proactive, you can prevent extra stress on other working electrical components. You can fix the issue right away, which keeps the pellet stove functioning properly. Just make sure to hire a qualified professional to replace essential parts on your appliance.
What Is the Warranty Period of Pellet Stoves?
The warranty duration for pellet stoves varies depending on the specific model, manufacturer, and component. For example, some units have a two-year warranty period, while others offer coverage for four years. Meanwhile, the electrical parts are usually under warranty for a year, whereas the metal components enjoy a longer guarantee.
Ensure the stove is installed correctly to prevent voiding the warranty. So, if your pellet stove suddenly breaks down within the covered period, you can ask the manufacturer to fix the issue.
Conclusion
A wooden pellet stove usually lasts between five and ten years with regular care and maintenance. If it is a higher-quality model, it may survive up to 20 years. However, the exact lifespan of the stove depends on several factors. These include the duration of use, cleaning frequency, and build quality, among others.
Do you have other questions about pellet stoves? Visit our blog page for more informative posts!
