Big Heat Fuel Pellets

Pellet stoves range from $1000 to $4000 on average.  Cost per month to run your stove is between $35 and $50 typically.   

A pellet stove is generally used on top of the whole house heating system.  Many systems, however,  are whole house and act as the fuel supply to your furnace.  

Typically annually servicing is recommended but, the cost to maintain a fuel pellet stove primarily involves keeping the unit clean.  The pellet stove manufacturer will recommend maintenance protocols.

How long will a 40-lb bag of wood pellets burn?

A 40-lb bag of pellet fuel lasts about 24 hours, depending on temperature. The higher you set your stove’s thermostat, the faster the pellets will burn.

In the U.S. pellets typically come 40lbs to a poly bag and 50 bags per pallet.

One ton totes are available as well.

The number of bags you need depends on outdoor temperature, your target indoor temperature and how often you use your wood pellet stove.

One 40lb bag of pellet fuel lasts approximately 24 hours when seeking about 68 degrees indoor.   

Wood pellet stoves are cost effective for several reasons:

Wood pellet stove are inexpensive to run:  On average, heating your home with a pellet stove vs. fuel oil or natural gas, you can expect your costs to be cut by 25 - 50%. 

Pellet stoves are definitely more effective than standard wood stoves or fireplaces as supplemental heat.  Pellet fuel burns cleaner and requires less labor than a standard fire wood burning appliance.

Which is better: hardwood or softwood fuel pellets?

Don't be confused by the debate when it involves logs.  Once pelletized the issues of spitting, and creosote are eliminated.   Geographically, softwoods have been the preferred fuel in the Northern part of the United States and Canada as well as European countries.  Hardwood fuel pellets have traditionally been the preference in the southern U.S.  With the proper stove settings, softwood pellets will  typically burn better than hardwood and reach higher temperatures faster.   Softwood pellets or a hardwood - softwood blend often burn cleaner in general.    Availability and personal preference are typically the driver here.