With the temperatures dropping and the nights getting longer, fall is the ideal time to give your pellet stove a little extra attention. Proper pellet stove maintenance ensures your system runs efficiently, safely and cleanly all winter long.

Whether you’re a new pellet stove owner or a seasoned pro, this winter prep checklist will help you get ahead of the cold and keep your home warm and cozy all season. However, if any of these steps feel too daunting or out of your comfort zone, don’t worry—calling a certified pellet stove professional is always a great way to make sure your system is cleaned, inspected and ready for winter

1. Give Your Stove a Deep Clean
After a few months of downtime, your stove deserves a reset. Begin by emptying out any leftover pellets, vacuuming the burn pot, and clearing ash from the heat exchanger and interior surfaces. Then move to the hopper and feed system—vacuum out dust and fines, clear the auger and check that the hopper lid seals tightly to keep moisture out. Finally, give the venting system some attention: remove the vent cap, brush out the pipe, and inspect for corrosion or leaks.

These three cleaning areas—the stove interior, the feed system, and the venting—work together to ensure steady airflow and consistent heat. A little time here prevents smoky starts, uneven burns and major headaches later.

2. Tighten and Test the Moving Parts

Pellet stoves have a few mechanical components that can loosen over time—things like augers, fans, hinges, and latches. Check that everything feels secure and moves freely. Make sure the door gasket forms a solid seal when closed. A leaky door can cause poor combustion and wasted pellets. This is also a great time to listen for any squeaks, rattles or vibrations so you can fix them before the stove is running full-time.

3. Do a Quick Systems Check
Before the cold really sets in, make sure your stove’s startup cycle and fans are working as they should. Turn it on for a short test burn—about 20 to 30 minutes—to confirm it’s heating evenly and running quietly. If you notice strange noises, error lights, or weak airflow, it’s a good idea to schedule a service check before winter.

4. Restock and Store Pellets the Right Way

Don’t wait until the first frost to order your pellets for winter. Fall is the ideal time to restock. Once you have your pellets, make sure to store them in a dry, covered space off the ground, away from moisture. Rotating your supply (oldest bags first) helps prevent clumping and dust buildup. If you’ve ever had pellets get damp, you already know it’s not worth the risk.

5. Gather Your Tools and Supplies When winter hits, the last thing you want is to hunt for an ash vacuum or scraper in the cold. Keep your cleaning tools, extra gaskets, and gloves nearby. If your stove uses any replaceable parts like filters or ignition rods, it’s smart to keep a spare set handy—that way, a simple part failure won’t leave you in the cold.

6. Keep Up with Light Cleanings
A deep clean now sets you up for success, but your stove will perform best if you give it regular attention through the season. Give it a quick clean once a week or so during heavy use—empty ash, wipe down the glass and check the burn pot. This will help your stove run hotter and cleaner and last longer. Plus, you’ll enjoy that steady, glowing fire without interruption.

A little time spent in October or early November can make your entire winter easier. Clean now, stock up early and test your stove while the weather’s still mild—so when the first snowflakes fall, all you have to do is sit back, sip something warm, and enjoy the fire. And if you’d rather leave the maintenance to an expert, scheduling a professional cleaning or inspection is a simple way to ensure your stove runs safely and smoothly all season long.

The Farmers’ Almanac just dropped its 2025/2026 winter outlook, and let’s just say: Your pellet stove is about to become your best friend!

This year’s forecast paints a picture of a true Northeast winter—plenty of cold snaps, a steady run of storms and precipitation in just about every form Mother Nature can throw at us. From fluffy snow to icy mix, it looks like the season will keep us busy from start to finish.

The theme this year? Chill, Snow, Repeat.

Here’s what to expect:

❄️ Frequent snowstorms across New England—perfect for snow-day cocoa, not so perfect for your driveway.

❄️ Mid-January deep freeze—a serious cold snap that’ll have you cranking the stove to high.

❄️ Another round of arctic chills in mid-February, just when you thought spring was peeking around the corner.

❄️ Along the coast, expect a messy mix of rain, snow, sleet and ice, depending on the storm track (Mother Nature can’t make up her mind).

Pellet Prep Tip: Stock up early! Mid-winter is looking like prime “burn through the hopper” territory. Ordering ahead means no scrambling when the forecast turns frosty.

Dust off those snow shovels, check your stove and get ready—the Farmers’ Almanac says this winter’s going to keep us on our toes. Luckily, nothing beats the steady, cozy heat of wood pellets when the temperature takes a dive.

Summer might be the last time you want to think about heating your home—but that’s exactly why it’s the best time to prepare. When the temperatures are high, you’ve got the time, flexibility and peace of mind to take care of your pellet stove without the pressure of freezing temps or fuel demand spikes. A little off-season maintenance now can save you time, money and hassle when winter returns. Here are a few tasks to take care of now before the cold sets in.

Deep clean your stove: Vacuum out ash, clean the burn pot, glass, heat exchanger and exhaust vent. A clean stove burns more efficiently and safely.

Schedule a professional inspection: Book a certified technician to inspect and service your stove. Summer availability is better and prices may be lower than during peak season.

Check and replace gaskets: Inspect door and hopper gaskets for wear. Replace them if they’re brittle or cracked to maintain a tight seal.

Stock up on pellets: Buy your pellets early! You’ll avoid price hikes and potential shortages. Plus, you’ll ensure your fuel is stored in a dry place, and it’s ready to go when you need it.

Clean and inspect vents: Check your vent pipe for blockages or buildup. Clean thoroughly to prevent fire hazards.

A little effort now means cozy, carefree warmth later on. Your future self will thank you!!

If you’ve got small children in the house, pellet stoves can raise some safety concerns—but the good news is, most of those risks can be easily managed with a little planning, the right setup and consistent maintenance.

Pellet Stoves Get Hot

Pellet stoves may look sleek and safe, but they’re still stoves—and they get hot to the touch, especially on the glass front, sides, and exhaust pipe. Curious hands (and fast little feet) can quickly lead to burns if precautions aren’t in place.

If possible, install your stove in a low-traffic area or somewhere already off-limits to kids. An out-of-the-way placement can act as a natural barrier, reducing temptation and chance encounters.

If that’s not an option, a safety guard or heat-resistant gate is your next best bet. Look for one that’s: stationary (not free-standing or easily tipped), fastened to the floor or wall, and tall enough to discourage climbing. A gate will create a physical buffer between your child and the stove, helping to prevent burns and accidents.

Proper Ventilation

Pellet stoves must be properly installed and vented to prevent the risk of carbon monoxide—a dangerous, odorless gas that can be fatal if it builds up indoors. Always have your stove installed by a professional, and be sure you have a working carbon monoxide detector (or combo CO/smoke detector) in the same room as the stove—and ideally in every sleeping area of the home.

Keep the Stove Clean

Pellet stoves do pose a fire risk if not regularly maintained. To stay safe:

• -Remove ashes weekly (or more often with heavy use)
• -Clean the stove thoroughly once a year
• -Keep combustibles—like clothes, toys and furniture—at a safe distance

Think of it like baby-proofing your heat source: the cleaner and clearer the area, the safer it is for everyone.

Teach the Basics Early

Even toddlers can learn a few key safety cues when it comes to the pellet stove. Reinforce simple commands like “HOT” and “NO” around the stove. With older kids, take time to explain why the stove is dangerous and what rules they should follow. You can even make it a routine part of winter safety conversations—like learning to look both ways before crossing the street.

In a perfect world, kids would never be left unsupervised near a pellet stove. In the real world, layered safety strategies—like gates, education, cleaning, and carbon monoxide alarms—are your best defense.

Pellet stoves are an efficient, cozy way to heat your home—but like any appliance, they require care and attention, especially with little ones around. A few smart precautions now can help ensure your home stays warm, safe, and worry-free all winter long.

Right-Sizing Your Pellet Stove

So you decided to buy a pellet stove. Congratulations! You might think the next step is picking a good-looking model and scheduling an install. But hold up—size matters, and choosing the right stove size is crucial before you make an investment.

Why?

If it’s too big, your living room turns into a sauna. Too small, and your family’s layering up like it’s an expedition to the Arctic.

Choosing the right size stove ensures better comfort, efficiency, and safety—so let’s break down how to get it just right.

Efficiency + Fuel Use

Getting the right-sized stove isn’t just about comfort—it’s about performance. If your stove is too small for the space, it won’t burn efficiently. That leads to incomplete combustion, excess buildup inside the stove and wasted fuel. And when a small stove is constantly working overtime to heat a large area, you’ll burn through pellets faster and wear out the stove much sooner.

Safety

An oversized stove might seem like a power move, but too much heat in a small space isn’t just uncomfortable—it can be dangerous. Excess heat can radiate to nearby objects, increasing the risk of fire, especially if anything flammable is close by. On top of that, poor combustion from a mismatched stove can lead to creosote buildup in your stove or venting system. And creosote is highly flammable—not something you want hanging around your home.

Sizing your Stove

So how do you figure out the right stove size for your space? It all comes down to BTUs—or British Thermal Units—which measure how much heat your stove can put out. The higher the BTU rating, the more space the stove can heat efficiently and consistently.

To determine your BTU needs, start with the square footage of the area you want to heat. Then factor in your climate zone, since colder climates require more heating power. Multiply your square footage by the BTU range for your climate zone. If your home is well-insulated and energy-efficient, stick to the lower end of the range. If it’s drafty or has high ceilings, lean toward the higher end.

Here’s a quick guide:

• Calculate your square footage – Length × Width of the space
• Identify your climate zone:
  • Warm (regions that have mild winters): multiply square footage by 10–15
  • Moderate (regions with reasonably cold winters): multiply by 20–30
  • Cold (regions with harsh winters): multiply by 30–40

This will give you a BTU range to look for when choosing your stove—ensuring it’s powerful enough to keep you warm without wasting fuel or overworking the unit.

When it comes to pellet stoves, size really does matter. Choosing the right BTU range for your space and climate ensures you get the most out of your stove—comfort, efficiency, and safety included. A little planning now means fewer headaches (and cold feet) later. Do the math, choose wisely, and enjoy the warm, cozy payoff all winter long.

Tax season is here. This is when the rubber meets the road (or when the flame meets the pellet). If you installed a pellet stove in 2024, now’s your time to shine!

Wondering why you get a tax credit for your wood pellet stove or how this credit first came about? You can find more details here.

Now that you’re all caught up, here’s how to file:

• Ensure your unit has a thermal efficiency of at least 75% per the higher heating value (HHV) of the stove. 
• Fill out IRS Form 5695, the, Residential Energy Credits Part II, with your tax return. 
• Claim the credit on line 29c, “Qualified biomass fuel property costs.” 
• Include the cost of the stove and the cost of the professional installation. 
• Remember, the 30% tax credit is capped at $2,000 annually, based on the full cost of the unit, including installation.

Keep in mind that the credit is non-refundable, so you won’t be owed money if your tax bill is less than the credit. This credit can be claimed annually on qualified home improvements through the end of 2032.

The credit for installation of a wood pellet stove falls under the Inflation Reduction Act, giving homeowners who make such improvements increased tax credit eligibility. This credit is in addition to the savings in monthly energy bills seen by wood stove users.

When filling out the applicable IRS Form 5695, consider whether you’ve made other eligible upgrades, including: 

• Solar electric property
• Solar water property
• Small wind property
• Geothermal property
• Battery storage property
• Fuel cell property

Wishing you’d installed a pellet stove before winter set in this year?

It’s not too late!

That’s right, now is actually a great time to switch to a pellet stove. Future you will be glad you upgraded to a heating option that will offer tax rebates! Use our calculator to determine the cost savings you could achieve with a pellet stove!

Where to start?

First, find the right size stove for your home. Determine the square footage of your room or home, depending on where you’ll use the stove and how much you want it to heat. For every square foot of space you want to heat, you’ll need the stove to account for 20 BTUs (British Thermal Units).

Make sure the stove you pick has a thermal efficiency of at least 75% per the Higher Heating Value (HHV) of the stove to ensure you qualify for the rebate.

If you’re still not sure which stove is right for you, call us at 1-800-735-5387 or use our pellet stove finder online.

Next, find the right place to install the stove in your home. Keep in mind a pellet stove requires both electricity and venting.

Pellet stoves need to be properly vented to the outside, typically through a wall or chimney. If you don’t already have an existing venting system, you may need to install one, which can impact your placement options.

Unlike traditional wood stoves, pellet stoves require a power source to run the auger and fan system. Make sure there’s an accessible electrical outlet nearby.

And make sure to consider heat circulation as well. You want to place your stove in a central area where the warm air can circulate efficiently. If you’re heating multiple rooms, consider placing it near open spaces or using fans to help distribute the warmth.

Consider calling a professional. Once you’ve decided on the stove you want, we recommend leaving the installation to the experts.

Switching to a pellet stove isn’t necessarily the time for a DIY project because an improperly installed stove can be a health and safety hazard. A professional installer will ensure your stove meets local building codes, operates efficiently, and keeps your home safe.

Determine which type of fuel you want to use. You’re going to want a quality heating pellet that is low moisture, high BTU, and low ash, which means they offer a cleaner, more efficient and more consistent burn. Luckily, WoodPellets.com offers a variety of pellets that check all those boxes. Making quality pellets is what we do, so you can rest assured you’re getting the best heat with woodpellets.com. To learn more about the options we provide, click here and enter your zip code.

Now you’re ready to make the switch and be toasty warm the next time a snowpocalypse hits!

Winter is here, and it’s in full swing. If your wood pellet stove hasn’t been working overtime yet, it’s about to. With frigid days and long, cold nights ahead, ensuring your stove is running safely and efficiently is key to staying warm all season.

Here’s your essential guide to pellet stove best practices and troubleshooting, so you can enjoy maximum heat and minimal hassle this winter.

Read your pellet stove owner’s manual. Every stove is different, so the manual will offer the best advice for your specific model, including proper maintenance to warranty information, many manuals are now available online, so don’t spend too much time searching your drawers for the paper copy. 

Consider scheduling a professional appointment, especially if your stove hasn’t been extensively cleaned recently. A technician can check all stove components to determine whether replacement or adjustment is needed, something a stove owner cannot always determine on their own. Also consider that an improperly kept stove can impact your burn quality and efficiency, which can snowball—pun intended—into other issues down the road.

Clean your stove regularly. While we recommend a professional cleaning once or twice a year, monthly cleanings are also suggested to keep your stove burning at tip-top efficiency. If you have the right tools (a scraper, stiff brush and an ash vacuum with special dust bags), a complete cleaning takes 20-30 minutes. Here are some tips on cleaning your stove quickly and correctly.

Use high-quality wood pellets. This will significantly improve your burn experience.

Check out the specifications on the pellets you’re considering, including ash percentage. Higher quality pellets will have a lower ash percentage and require less maintenance. The higher the ash percentage, the more maintenance is needed.

Check your stove settings. Even when using premium wood pellets, if your stove settings aren’t synced for feed rate, air flow, and heat settings, you’ll sacrifice efficiency and have other potential issues.

If you’re a Woodpellets.com customer experiencing burn issues, fear not! Our quality-certified fuels are backed by a quality guarantee valid for 30 days after your delivery date. 

Learn more here or call 1-800-PELLETS to speak to an expert!