Pellet Stove Won't Ignite? (Possible Causes & Fixes)

A very wise person once said that technology is only good if it works. Such is the case with pellet stoves. When they’re working, they are a great way to provide heat to your surroundings. When they won’t even ignite, they’re totally useless. A pellet stove that can’t ignite needs to be fixed if you want it to be even remotely useful. The question today is, how can you fix that stubborn stove?

There are three common causes for a pellet stove that just won’t ignite: bad pellets, poor airflow, and a faulty igniter. If your pellets are overly moist, then changing them should fix the issue. Cleaning out your pellet stove and ensuring that it’s leak-free will help improve airflow. If all else fails, it is probably time to get a new ignition piece for your setup.

Getting your pellet stove working again doesn’t always have to be a major endeavor. To help you make sure that you get the help you need, we have a guide that will make troubleshooting easy.

When you’re dealing with any kind of malfunctioning stove or fireplace, you should ask whether or not this is a fire hazard. This is actually one of the very rare times where a fire hazard is not something you should worry about. Almost all of the causes of a non-igniting pellet stove can be easily fixed without running the risk of a fire later on.

I mean, come on. At this point, you can’t actually seem to get a fire started inside your stove. How is the fire going to spread if it’s not even able to stay lit in the first place? Pellet stoves do not really have issues with gas leaks. Rather, the fuel stays put and is pretty easy to trace since it’s a solid mass. With all this said, it’s still a good idea to have a fire extinguisher nearby.

If you recently got a new bag of pellets, then this is the most common issue you should look into. Pellets need to be dry to the touch in order for them to be flammable. Once they have been dampened, you won’t be able to ignite them. So, if you know they were sitting in high humidity, it’s time to throw them out.

If you aren’t sure whether your pellets have passed the point of no return, start a fire by manually lighting them. You can use hand sanitizer or vodka to help them light. If they still won’t light, then your pellets are going to have to be replaced.

If you’ve ruled out ventilation and moistened pellets, then a bad igniter is probably the cause. To test this, grab an ohm meter. Most pellet stove igniters are electric and should have a 50 ohm reading. If you are using an amp meter, then you should expect a reading between 2 to 3 amps. A higher reading suggests that you have electrical issues that are impeding its use.

In some cases, you might also notice visible damage to the igniter, such as burn marks or corroded wires. An igniter that has visible damage on it probably should be replaced ASAP. It could be a fire hazard.

It depends on why the pellet stove isn’t igniting. If you just need to do a thorough cleaning, then you can do it on your own. Most repairs will cost between $300 to $500, including parts and labor. Blowers cost between $275 to $450 to replace, while ignitors will only cost around $130 to replace.

The most expensive possibility that you could have to fix is the control panel. Control panels can cost as much as $600 to $800 to replace. This is because it happens to be one of the most digitally intricate parts of the stove, and also because replacement requires you to do a thorough cleaning of the entire pellet stove.

You should also be aware that some repairmen will also charge a diagnostic fee that’s occasionally incorporated into the fee for repairs. Most diagnostic fees are going to be between $40 to $70. It’s a minimum price for the actual act of coming out.

This is actually the hardest part of trying to fix a pellet stove repairman. The best way to find one is to go to your local fireplace dealership or fireplace installer, then ask them if they do repairs. Most do, and some might be well-versed in pellet stove repair. Since this is a niche repair specialty, it may take a while to find someone near you.

If you do not have any fireplace specialists in your area, a close second choice would be to look at local handymen. They usually have enough general knowledge of repairs to be able to fix most devices.

Related Questions

How long does a wood pellet stove’s warranty last?

Pellet stove warranties vary greatly from company to company. Some companies do not offer any warranty whatsoever. The longest warranties will usually be a limited 5-year warranty, though there are a handful of models that have gotten 10-year warranties in recent years.Generally speaking, a good warranty for a pellet stove is considered to be three to five years. While having a smaller warranty is kind of risky, it’s still refreshing to see some companies stand by their stuff.

Can wood pellets go bad?

While it’s not common for wood pellets to go bad, it is possible. Most of the time, pellets will go bad if they are exposed to excessively moist areas. For example, if your pellets get dropped in a puddle, you might have them go bad. However, there are other issues that could harm pellets to the point of no return.Badly produced pellets can also be more prone to rot and decay than others. In some cases, wood pellets can also go bad as a result of being exposed to certain chemicals. Despite all this, wood pellets do not have an expiration date.

How long does a pellet stove last?

Pellet stoves are generally made to last as long as possible. With regular cleaning and careful maintenance, you should expect your pellet stove to last a bare minimum of 15 years. Many can last far longer, with a typical stove lasting as much as 20 years without needing serious overhauls. If you are concerned about the lifespan of a pellet stove, then you should choose a stove that has a very long warranty. Longer warranties signal better workmanship.