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!

Need yet another reason to love wood pellet heat? Wood pellet stoves are covered under the federal biomass tax credit. This means certain ones are eligible for a 30% tax credit of up to $2,000 annually. The credit is based on the total cost of the stove, including purchase and installation. The unit must have a thermal efficiency of at least 75% per the higher heating value (HHV) of the stove.

Not only are you eligible for the tax credit, your wood pellet stove saves you money on home heating costs. That’s a one-two punch any homeowner can get excited about.

This tax credit went live in 2023 and runs through 2032. It applies to the year your stove was installed, not when it was purchased. Save your receipt and the Manufacturer’s Tax Credit Certificate, which proves your unit qualifies when you’re filing your taxes. If you’re buying multiple stoves for your home, the best way to maximize the credit is purchasing and installing the stoves in different years.

Why are wood pellet stoves receiving these types of incentives?

Wood pellets and the stoves that burn them do not require extensive transportation to reach consumers like other non-renewable energy such as gas and oil. Wood pellets are also more sustainable to harvest, requiring little to no extraction, and they burn more cleanly than non-renewables, too.

This latest tax credit, which is part of the Inflation Reduction Act, is “a game changer,” according to Charlie Niebling, a consultant for wood pellet producer Lignetics. Niebling worked for more than a decade to enact the original BTU (Biomass Thermal Utilization) Act. “Our message to Congress for years has been … don’t pick winners and losers,” explained Niebling. “[Wood heat] deserves the same recognition in the federal tax code that solar and wind do.”

With the current tax credits available through 2032, there’s never been a better time to switch to wood pellet heat.

To learn more about this tax credit, and to see what stove is right for you, check out this additional information from our friends at Forge & Flame.

Have you considered making the switch to wood pellet heat, but you’re not sure where to start?

Or perhaps you think about it each fall when the temps start to dip, but it seems too late to make the change?

Now is actually the perfect time to start the process, and there are a ton of associated benefits. Wood pellet heat is an example of “biomass energy,” which is energy produced from organic matter.

Plus, good pellet stoves and inserts add more than just heat to your home. From pellet stove efficiency to available tax credits and heating bill savings, there are numerous reasons homeowners switch to pellet stoves.

Energy Efficiency
A properly maintained and functioning pellet stove is an incredibly efficient heating method compared to oil or other pellet options. A highly rated pellet stove can offer a full day’s worth of consistent heat with one hopper of pellet fuel, lowering your heating costs compared to traditional methods.

The EPA measures pellet stove efficiency and has a list of 100+ pellet stoves that are EPA-certified. Federal tax credits are available for stoves that are at least 75% efficient, per the higher heating value (HHV) of the stove. The credit applies to the tax year in which the stove was installed.

Sustainability
Pellet stoves are a friend of the environment, using biomass fuels for energy, which have extremely low particulate emissions. Pellet stoves, such as Forge & Flame stoves, are designed to extract the most heat from fuel, and produce lower particulate emissions compared to alternative heating methods such as oil or gas.

Cost Savings
As we mentioned above, pellet stove users also enjoy reduced heating costs. The overall savings depend on your home’s square footage, local climate considerations and stove size. However, studies have shown a pellet stove could heat up to 2,500 square feet for as little as $4 per day. To calculate how much you can save by switching to pellets, visit our pellet fuel savings calculator. What’s more, there’s a federal incentive that permits pellet stove owners to claim a 30% tax credit with a maximum cap of $2,000 per year through December 31, 2032 for stoves installed after January 1, 2023.

Functionality
Pellet stoves are easy to use, and they are automated. They can control temperature with automated pellet feeding systems designed to maintain consistent heat at your set temperature, all without human intervention. Certain models also have automated alerts to remind owners about cleaning and fuel, which increases efficiency and ease of use.

Dependability, Consistency and Longevity
Pellet stoves are incredibly reliable, producing steady, controllable heat over time and providing comfort during cold months. Pellet stoves can last 10-15 years on average. However, proper maintenance and care can extend a stove’s lifetime far beyond this timeframe.

Switching to wood pellet heat offers numerous advantages, from energy efficiency and cost savings to environmental sustainability and ease of use. By investing in a pellet stove, you can enjoy a reliable, consistent, and eco-friendly heating solution that can significantly reduce your heating bills and energy footprint. Now is the perfect time to make the switch and start reaping the benefits of wood pellet heat.

You’re a satisfied customer of Woodpellets.com, so we know you do your homework, appreciate a good deal, and make awesome choices. We suspect you also like to have fun in your downtime.

Why not combine creativity and craftiness when it comes to the pellets that will keep you warm all winter? Follow in the footsteps of happy client Steve of Massachusetts, who found an inventive way to get his pellets from the driveway to his basement storage area.

“I store my pellets in my basement and for a couple years, my family and I would carry 2-3 tons of pellets from the driveway, through the kitchen and down the cellar stairs, where we piled them on pallets. Then I had an idea. I built a slide on the stairs made of 2x4s and aluminum flashing. We now do 3 tons in under an hour. Two people carry and slide the pellets down the stairs, and one person stays in the basement stacking.”

What a great idea! Here’s a different solution using a slide, shared by another smart pellet burner:

Do you have hot tips for moving, stacking, or storing your wood pellet bags? Share your techniques with us on our Facebook page!

When it comes to 100% Douglas fir wood pellets, the popularity is—pardon the pun—catching like wildfire.

Now you may ask, “Aren’t all pellets the same?”

Nope.

Then, you may ask, “What’s the big deal with Douglas fir pellets?”

We’re so glad you asked.

Douglas fir wood fibers are one of the hottest burning wood species in North America, as evidenced in the chart below. BTUs are British Thermal Units, and they measure energy output. A higher BTU rating equates to more heat output, and Douglas fir tops the list.

There are fewer minerals in this kind of wood, especially for the old growth Douglas fir trees. Fewer minerals equates to low ash levels and can mean up to two to three times less ash than the average premium-grade pellet. Enjoy less time spent cleaning your stove and more time curled up inside a warm house doing what you love.

So why doesn’t everyone use Douglas fir pellets? Douglas fir trees grow in the Pacific Northwest, so transportation costs are high to deliver pellets to the Northeast, making it more difficult for retailers to offer them in the eastern portion of the U.S. When they are offered, the price tag is often higher than other options due to this transportation cost. But remember that these high-quality softwood pellets last much longer than the average hardwood pellet. This makes the purchase more economical—and preferable—for many of our customers.

If you decide you want to go the Douglas fir route, consider pairing the premium pellets with a high-quality stove. Such stoves can adjust their feed rate based on room temperature, maintaining a constant temperature and reducing pellet usage accordingly.

Also, beware of pellets that are Douglas fir “blends,” as such pellets often contain a minimal amount of Douglas fir. There is a huge difference between a 100% Douglas fir pellet and a blend. Our Douglas fir pellets are made with 100% Douglas fir, so you don’t have to worry about getting other wood species in your fuel.

Interested in trying Douglas fir? Enter your zip code at Woodpellets.com to see what pellets are available in your area. If you have questions, we’d love to chat. Call us at 1-800-735-5387 to speak to an expert!

Fall is approaching, and now is the perfect time to get your wood pellet stove ready to heat your home for the winter!

Fall maintenance for your wood pellet stove is much easier if you were properly prepared in the spring. When the temps start to warm up outside, it’s a great time to clean out residue, leftover pellets and moisture. If you’re sheepishly considering what you didn’t do to get your stove ready, fear not. There’s still time.

To prepare your stove, you can plan a cleaning session by a certified technician before the heating season begins. A tech can check all stove parts and adjust or replace those that are worn or not working properly, maximizing your stove’s efficiency.

Aside from the standard ash removal and general maintenance, your wood pellet stove needs additional care for safety, preparedness and efficiency. Pellet stoves use pressurized air drawn from an exhaust, so your exhaust naturally sucks in pet hair, dander, dust, lint and other particles in your home. Ensure proper air circulation by cleaning out all passages, along with clearing out the exhaust.

Below is a checklist of what you should include for a thorough cleaning. And make sure to check out this article for more about the tools needed to clean your stove properly.

• Check unit for visible defects, ash and discoloration
• Vacuum inside the unit
• Remove baffles, clean and reinstall 
• Clean and inspect heat exchanger
• Remove access doors and panels, vacuum and reinstall
• Clean and inspect:
  • Heat exchanger
  • Burn pot
  • Ignitor
  • Ash pan
  • Convection fan
  • Glass
  • Combustion fan
  • Pressure switch/hose
  • Venting pipe
• Also inspect the following:
  • Gaskets
  • Electrical wiring
  • Auger motor*
  • Venting seals
• Inspect hopper for pellet quality and excess fines
• Vacuum back of stove
• Check and lubricate shaker grate cam*

*These parts are not applicable on all stove models.

By following these steps, you can ensure your wood pellet stove is ready to keep your home warm and cozy throughout the winter season. Regular maintenance not only improves efficiency but also extends the life of your stove. Take the time to prepare now, and you’ll enjoy reliable and efficient heating all season long.

At Woodpellets.com, what sets us apart from other pellet providers is our commitment to product quality assurance and our convenient delivery system. Our support team understands best how Woodpellets.com makes this happen, so we asked our Fuel Quality Assurance Manager, Joy, and Customer Support Specialist, Laurie, to share their insight.

Joy, Fuel Quality Assurance Manager

“I work for our customers. It’s the main purpose of my job! I am the point of contact from the beginning to end of the process—from the time a customer places an order to that relaxing moment when they’re burning pellets in their stove. Service doesn’t stop with delivery. I ensure the user expectations are met and (hopefully) exceeded.

You might think my job sounds like no fun, but you’d be wrong!  I love my job. Sure, I hear about where we can improve, but I also get to hear the praise. In the rare event that something goes wrong, our quality guarantee ensures we make things right, and fast. Although we strive for perfection with every order and delivery, if something goes wrong, the quality guarantee gives me a step-by-step process to fix the issue.

Using pictures is often the most effective way to solve the problem. I then work with the mill to get your claim resolved quickly and to your satisfaction.  If the issue is non-fuel related, and I’m unable to assist with troubleshooting, we have a trusted network of wood pellet professionals we can connect you with for resolution.”

Laurie, Customer Support Specialist

“We understand making a fuel purchase annually can be a bit overwhelming as it is a significant investment to keep you warm. I’m here to support you through every step, help minimize stress and make the process as easy as possible! I oversee all customer support aspects from the time you place your fuel order until it’s delivered and you’re enjoying the warmth it brings.

Our streamlined ordering process ensures ease and efficiency, whether you order online or call in. We frequently receive praise for how simple and hassle-free our ordering system is, and we strive to make every step this smooth and straightforward.

During our normal business hours, we are always reachable via email or phone, and we are committed to providing prompt and attentive responses to any questions or concerns you have.

If you have any constraints on your delivery timing, we try to accommodate you as best as possible. Should you encounter any issues with your product or delivery, I am here to help with that as well. Our quality guarantee is among the best in the industry, and we stand by it to ensure your complete satisfaction with your purchase.

What truly sets Woodpellets.com apart from other pellet fuel suppliers is our unwavering commitment to exceptional service and quality. We pride ourselves in providing you with the best quality pellets in the industry. We don’t just deliver fuel, we deliver peace of mind and a superior customer experience that distinguishes us in the market. Our whole team is committed to ensuring a hassle-free process from order to delivery. 

Have questions? Comments? Joy, Laurie and the Woodpellets.com support team are ready to chat! Give us a call at 1-800-PELLETS. We’d love to hear from you!

Thinking about a garage delivery this year for your fuel?

Woodpellets.com has a premier service that includes garage delivery of your order by one of our professional drivers using a special pallet jack. A pallet jack is a hand-operated machine that lifts heavy pallets. Because of their maneuverability and small size, pallet jacks offer greater flexibility than forklifts to place pallets in the best location for you. For this type of delivery, we still bring the forklift to get the pallets off our truck and then the pallet jack finishes the job by putting your fuel in the garage.

Garage delivery costs an additional $65 due to the extra time and special equipment it requires. A delivery coordinator will contact you at least one day in advance to find a mutually convenient delivery time.

If you’re interested in this option, keep in mind that your garage floor must be flat and smooth concrete to accommodate the pallet jack as it has very small hard wheels and cannot drive over any cracks, holes or unpaved areas.  If there are any lips or slopes from your driveway into your garage, the pallet jack will not work as it can only drive on flat, paved surfaces.  Also, the delivery driver must have a clean and clear, unobstructed access to the garage space where the pellets will be stored.

To see if a pallet jack delivery is an option in your area, call 1-800-PELLETS or visit Woodpellets.com for a free quote!