If you’re looking for an efficient and eco-friendly way to heat your home, a pellet stove may be the answer. But how much does it cost to run a pellet stove? And how do you figure out if it’s the right choice for your home? In this blog post, we’ll provide answers to those questions and more! So keep reading to learn everything you need to know about running a pellet stove!

If you’re thinking about purchasing a pellet stove, it’s important to know how much money you’ll spend throughout its lifetime, as this will affect your decision on which model to purchase. There are many different types of fireplaces and stoves available, including gas, electric, and wood inserts and stoves.

By comparing the upfront cost, ongoing maintenance costs, and total lifetime costs of each, you can determine which type of heating appliance will be the most cost-effective for your home.

When To Buy A Pellet Stove?

It might be time to consider investing in a pellet stove. Here are some signs that it’s time to make the switch:

1. You continue to spend a significant amount of money on your monthly heating costs. Pellet stoves can give enough heat at a lower cost in terms of energy.
2. The current heating system that you have is antiquated and does not produce sufficient warmth. Pellet burners are highly effective and can effectively heat an entire house or just a single room.
3. The presence of cold places in your home is evidence of an uneven distribution of heat, which can be remedied by using a pellet stove, which provides focused warmth.
4. You are having an interest in utilizing renewable resources to heat your home. In which, pellet fuel is produced from recycled wood wastes.
5. Maintaining a traditional fireplace regularly might be exhausting, but pellet stoves require significantly less cleaning and maintenance.
6. You are having an interest in lowering your carbon footprint, and you have heard that pellet stoves produce fewer emissions than conventional heating systems.
7. You want more design options—pellet stoves are available in a wide number of types and shapes, making them suitable for anyone’s taste in terms of how their home should look.
8. You are looking for convenience, and the majority of pellet stoves come with either remote control or programmable settings.

How Much Does It Cost To Run A Pellet Stove? 

Although the upfront cost of a wood pellet stove is not officially considered part of the stove’s operating cost, it is vital to consider the up-front cost because it will reduce any savings you get as a result of the stove’s operation.

Pellet stoves are not cheap; the price of a typical unit ranges from $1,700 to $3,000, and the cost of installation will bring the whole price up to anywhere between $3,500 and $4,000.

Fuel Cost

Wood pellet fuel prices are commonly reported in terms of a per-ton rate, with an average price of $250 per ton. A cord of wood, the fuel used by a standard wood stove, can cost up to $200. About 6.5 cords of wood or 7.3 tons of pellet fuel are in use annually by the typical American household.

Though a cord of wood provides more energy than a ton of pellet fuel, pellet stoves are more efficient, making the difference in fuel costs smaller. Keep in mind that the majority of pellet stoves need electricity to power their fans, controllers, and fuel-feeder systems and that the average monthly energy bill for such a stove is around $9.

Installation Cost

The cost of a pellet stove installation can vary greatly depending on several factors. Are the space and chimney already set up for the stove, or will extra work be required? Is there sufficient ventilation in the room? Will additional materials or equipment be needed? These are all important considerations that can affect the overall cost.

On average, however, most homeowners can expect to pay between $1,500 and $3,500 for professional installation. It’s important to hire a certified technician to ensure proper and safe installation. Additionally, many manufacturers offer rebates and incentives for using pellet stoves, so be sure to research these options before making a decision.

Maintenance Cost

It is advised to clean and inspect the stove at least once every year, on average. This can range anywhere from $75 to $200, with the price going up for more frequent cleanings. In addition, you may also need to include in your budget money for routine maintenance associated with the hopper, the auger, and the pellet feed system. This type of maintenance might cost anywhere from $100 to $150.

It is crucial to note that the use of high-quality pellets can also have a part in the overall cost of maintenance. This is because the use of cheaper pellets may require the stove to be cleaned and maintained more frequently to keep it running effectively.

Is It Smart To Spend Money On A Pellet Stove?

As an alternative heating source, pellet stoves have a lot to offer. Here are some reasons to consider investing in one for your home: 

1. Pellets are often less expensive than other types of fuel sources, making them an economical choice.
2. Pellet stoves are simple to use and need only a small amount of maintenance.
3. They provide a source of heat that is reliable and effective.
4. Pellets can be manufactured using sustainable resources such as wood or refuse from agricultural production.
5. Because they don’t emit much smoke or other emissions, they are perfectly fine to use inside.
6. Pellet stoves are available in a wide variety of designs, meaning that they may be installed in virtually any house or room.
7. One can also use them to prepare food by cooking it.
8. In many instances, pellet stoves are eligible for tax rebates and incentives offered by the government.

Final Thoughts

Pellet stoves are more common as homeowners look for ways to reduce heating costs without sacrificing comfort. Costs to operate a pellet stove are low, but they require a substantial upfront investment.

Before deciding if a pellet stove is best for you, it’s crucial to factor in both installation and maintenance costs. But if you do your homework and keep up with the upkeep, it may be an affordable and efficient way to keep your home warm.