How much does it cost to repair a pellet stove?

Reviewed by Adam Graham remodeling expert. Written by Fixr.com.

Pellet stoves rely on electricity to operate. They use compressed pellets made from wood or some other environmentally-friendly material as a fuel source in place of traditional wood logs. The pellets are loaded into the stove’s hopper. They are transported from the hopper into the heat box. Typically, it requires repair when the burn quality of the pellets is poor or there is some operational problem with the hopper or heat box. Since it relies on electricity and combustion to function properly, you should always have a skilled technician safely handle all repairs instead of tackling the task yourself. The most common cause of malfunction is ash buildup, which leads to poor burn quality, ignition failure, and excessive clicking in the hopper/auger.

The national average cost to repair a pellet stove is between $300 and $500. Most people pay around $400 for a complete cleaning and replacement of the exhaust fan. You pay around $130 to have the unit thoroughly cleaned at the low end of the spectrum, so all mechanisms function within the stove. At the high end of the spectrum, you pay up to $800 to have a circuit board replaced.

Cost to Repair a Pellet Stove

Pellet Stove Repair Cost by Problem

It costs between $115 and $800 to repair a pellet stove, depending on the problem. Everything eventually requires repairs due to aging, even with the best maintenance. Repairs can arise for a variety of reasons. Many factors impact repair costs, such as the brand, part availability, and location. The three most common problems encountered are noisy operation, ash buildup, and no power. Below are frequent problems that require repair.

Pellet Stove Not Feeding

Failure of the stove to feed the pellets for combustion can be repaired in three different ways. Replacing the pressure switch costs $115 to $175. Repairing the feed motor runs from $370 to $550 depending on size, make, and model. Fixing the circuit board varies in cost from $500 to $800. Most commonly, the pressure switch malfunctions and needs to be replaced. Also, the unit will not feed the pellets if the feed motor stops working or operates slowly or the circuit board stops sending the required signals.

Pellet Stove Won’t Turn On

One of the most frustrating problems is when the pellet stove will not turn on. To fix it, the cost ranges between $120 and $190, depending on the cause. This is one of the most common problems to occur. Typically, the two leading causes of the unit not effectively igniting are a broken igniter or malfunctioning temperature switch, which are relatively inexpensive to replace.

Pellet Stove Keeps Shutting Off

There are two possible options to repair a pellet stove: repair the temperature switch for $120 to $170 or repair the blower for $275 to $440, depending on the make and model. Bigger blowers tend to cost more than less powerful models. A bad blower motor can cause it to shut off because it starts to overheat, which causes the safety precautions in the unit to trigger and shut off to prevent further damage. A temperature switch malfunction easily leads to the unit shutting off.

Pellet Stove Igniter Not Working

When the pellet stove igniter fails, it will not ignite. The cost to fix this ranges between $130 and $575, depending on the problem. The igniter can malfunction and need to be replaced. In some situations, the igniter might be fine. The malfunctioning part could be the combustion fan that requires replacement.

Pellet Stove Low Heat Output

To fix a low heat output, the blower may have to be replaced for $275 to $440, or maybe the damper has to be replaced for $250 to $400. If the blower is not operating correctly or runs at a subpar level of speed, it only softly blows the air. Then the pellet stove fails to put out heat. The damper unit controls the oxygen that reaches the flame. If the damper fails, it will not allow sufficient oxygen to reach the flame, so the unit will not function properly.

Pellet Stove Fan Noise

If the blower fails and results in excess noise, it costs $275 to $440 to replace it. However, if the part failing is the auger, the repair price would be $380 to $600. Noise is one of the first indications that there is a problem with your unit. The blower becomes very loud or rattles if it is not functioning correctly. Augers start clicking or popping when there is a problem. This mechanism often breaks or stops working in a pellet stove.

Pellet Stove Repair Cost by Part

Different parts can cause a pellet stove to malfunction. Depending on the part that has to be fixed or replaced, the repair can cost $130 to $800. To effectively have your unit repaired, you need to have a technician diagnose and repair it by replacing or repairing one of the operational mechanisms. Parts break for various reasons such as age, excessive use, or manufacturer defects. Repair technicians charge for the part and the labor involved in replacing the part. Below is a table outlining the most common parts that require replacement or repair and their cost.

Pellet Stove Igniter Replacement

The total cost to replace the igniter averages $130 to $190. The pellet stove igniter is one of the easiest and cheapest parts to replace. The part typically costs between $30 and $40 depending on the brand and type your unit requires. A technician can switch out the old igniter and replace it with a new one in about 15 minutes. However, most service companies charge at least an hour of labor as their base fee.

Stove Pipe Repair

The stovepipe can start to crack or break away, and repair costs usually run $170 to $230 for the part and labor. Accidents can occur, which can knock the pipe loose. You will need to have a section of the pipe replaced. The pipe is sold in sections. A single section of pipe costs $70 to $80 per section. A repair technician will spend about one hour replacing the section of the pipe.

Pellet Stove Blower Replacement

With labor, the cost of blower replacement averages $275 to $440. The price of the motor itself averages $75 to $140, depending on brand and size. A blower motor will usually last about ten years in a pellet stove with normal operation during the winter months. A skilled technician can replace the blower in about two hours. The blower must be removed, and the new one rewired to replace the existing blower after installation.

Pellet Stove Motor Replacement

The cost of the pellet stove motor averages $70 to $100, depending on the brand. A skilled repair technician will take three hours to replace the motor, which costs $370 to $550 for the labor and the motor. The motor is held in place with various screws. An older unit can take a little muscle to pull the motor free because it becomes stuck as the stove ages. The technician will rewire the motor to make sure it functions correctly and safely.

Pellet Stove Auger Motor Replacement

To replace the auger motor, total costs run from $380 to $600, while the price of the auger motor averages $80 to $150. The pellet stove auger can jam or completely malfunction. The auger is the most common part requiring replacement. The motor typically lasts from five to ten years. Keeping your wood stove clean ensures that the auger lasts longer. A skilled technician can replace the auger in about three hours.

Pellet Stove Circuit Board Repair

The pellet stove circuit board repair is the most costly part. It averages $300 to $500 for the part, depending on the brand, and takes about two hours to replace, making the total cost $500 to $800. The circuit board is complicated. A knowledgeable, experienced repair technician is needed to remove the old board and repair it to operate your unit effectively. Luckily, the circuit boards rarely require replacement.

Pellet Stove Repair Cost by Brand

The cost to repair pellet stoves varies by brand, ranging from $120 to $800 for high-end models. You will encounter four leading brands: Harman, Breckwell, Vogelzang, and Whitfield. Each one has its perks and drawbacks. Some might malfunction more than others or have certain parts that fail more frequently. Each one varies in repair costs due to the price of the parts. Usually, when you call a repair technician, their hourly rate for labor is the same regardless of the brand they are servicing. However, the price of parts varies between brands. Depending on what is wrong, the part might cost as little as $20 or run into the hundreds, and you will also have to factor in labor costs.

Harman Pellet Stove Repair

The average Harman pellet stove repair costs between $120 and $800, including parts and labor. Harman models are a popular brand because they are affordable. When troubleshooting Harman unit problems, most people consider the most common parts to go out. Harman units igniter problems are common. The price of an igniter for a Harman unit costs from $30 to $40 plus labor.

Breckwell Pellet Stove Repair

You can expect to spend $130 to $800 on repairs for a Breckwell Pellet Stove. Breckwell is a popular brand. You will be happy to learn that Breckwell repair costs are usually affordable. However, repairs are often needed for the Breckwell control board. The circuit boards are costly and go out occasionally. The circuit board typically costs from $300 to $400. You will also need to pay the necessary labor to have the unit installed by a skilled technician.

Whitfield Pellet Stove Repair

Whitfield unit repairs cost $150 to $800, depending on the issue. Whitfield pellets stove troubleshooting is no different than any other brand. You will need to determine the reason the unit is malfunctioning. Ideally, you should call a skilled repair technician to assess the problem. If the unit is not feeding properly, explore Whitfield unit control board troubleshooting because it might have ceased to function correctly. A circuit board runs from $300 to $400, not including labor.

Vogelzang Pellet Stove

This brand has premium parts, making them the most expensive, ranging from $160 to $800 to repair. The Vogelzang pellet stove has a high heating capacity, making it ideal in locations with severe weather. The unit holds up to three bags of pellets at a time. The parts are usually higher priced than other brands. One of the biggest problems with the Vogelzang units is simply keeping the unit clean. The larger capacity means that its higher burning capacity causes the mechanisms to become dirty, requiring frequent cleaning. Without sufficient cleaning, ash buildup leads to exhaust fan problems. An exhaust fan can cost from $200 to $300 to repair.

Labor Cost to Repair Pellet Stove

For repairs, cleaning, and replacing the exhaust fan, labor costs per hour fall in the range of $100 to $150 per hour when carried out by a repair service. A surcharge of $25 per hour may be added if the pellet stove repair technician performs any welding, cutting, and/or fabricating to complete the repair job. Parts cost between $200 and $350 for the cleaning and exhaust fan. Working with any type of stove should only be entrusted to professional fireplace technicians. Repair agencies, chimney sweeps, furnace cleaning companies, and dealerships offer repair options to clients. The labor cost for your area may reflect that fact. For instance, if a service professional needs to travel a long distance to a rural location for repairs, mileage fees may be added to the final bill with an average of $2 per mile outside a designated service area.

Typically, an initial fee of $100 will be charged to diagnose the issue with the unit. Once the client accepts the quote, repairs can begin. Some companies apply the initial service fee toward the final repair costs. In most cases, the unit needs to be professionally cleaned first. A thorough cleaning costs in the range of $200 to $270. The company may charge you a flat rate for both inspection and cleaning. You will pay a flat service charge (typically the price of one hour) for pellet stove troubleshooting. Depending on the repair type, a follow-up appointment may be needed. The service agency may offer you a maintenance contract that includes prices for follow-up cleanings and inspections. A maintenance contract costs on the lower end of the $90 to $300 range since the company is not charging you extra for heavy buildup.

The type of fix needed will be the biggest factor when pricing repairs. Temperature switch repairs are simple fixes, while motor replacements will be priced significantly higher because they will take longer. The brand, style, and age of the pellet stove impact the repair cost. Freestanding units often cost more to repair than the insert type because they have more working parts. Older models may be very expensive to fix, depending on the problem. Finding original parts for units built before 2000 will be challenging unless you buy used or aftermarket parts.

Pellet Stove Maintenance

Regular cleaning makes a major difference in preventing pellet stove issues. Manufacturers provide a maintenance schedule to ensure the unit does not have operational issues. Manufacturers also recommend pellet types for use with the unit. Follow all manufacturer recommendations to avoid voiding any warranty coverage. These units require once-a-week cleaning. If you use it frequently, such as during the winter, you might need to clean it every three days. You need to empty the ash drawer and clean out the burning post. You can use an ash vacuum to carry out the task. Wire brushes help scrape the deposits from the burn pot, as well.

Remove any grime and ash from the glass door. Clean the surface of the glass using a simple soap and water mixture. Do not use a brush on the glass, or you could scratch the surface. While cleaning, be sure to check the hopper and auger tubes for any dust buildup. If you see dust, then use a vacuum to remove it. Take the time to check the joints, seals, and gaskets for leaks. If you suspect a leak, call repair service to schedule an appointment to have a qualified technician look over the stove to ensure it is functioning correctly. You should never try to undertake repairs yourself. Instead, always seek the help of a qualified repairman.

If your wood stove is not functioning right, you might want to discard any unused pellets. If you leave them in the stove for an extended period, they attract moisture and become wet, making them difficult to ignite and leading to potential rust on the unit itself. Always use fresh pellets for optimum function and to reduce ash output. Changing the way you operate the stove could resolve performance issues.

Changing how you feed the pellets to the unit can remedy some of the issues. Increasing the feed rate will usually stop problems such as low heat output and a reduced flame. Decreasing the feed rate often resolves problems that include excessive sparks, ash in the embers, and charred embers in the burn pot. Keep in mind a large flame upon lighting is normal for operation. Once the fire stabilizes, the flame will lower.

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Pellet Stove Replacement

If you decide to replace your pellet stove, you will pay $3,000 to $6,000, depending on the type being replaced. You may also be charged a haul-away fee of $100 or more for the old unit. Estimating the cost of repairs helps you decide if you should keep your original unit or purchase a new one. If the total for labor and parts is more than half the stove’s retail cost, you should consider a replacement. If your unit has broken down repeatedly in the last year, this may indicate you need a new one. An older model, before the year 2000, should be replaced. Units from this era lack modern safety features, and replacement parts are difficult to locate.

Enhancement and Improvement Costs

Pellet Stove Cleaning

The cost of pellet stove cleaning averages $200 to $270. Keeping your unit clean reduces future costs. The buildup of dirt and grime causes parts to malfunction. You should have a professional cleaning company clean the stove annually at the start of the heating season. Between professional cleanings, you can keep the glass clean by regularly wiping down the surface and removing any ash buildup from the hopper.

Pellet Stove Paint

A pellet stove technician takes a couple of hours to paint it and charges $100 to $150 per hour. The price of a gallon of 1200-degree high-heat paint averages about $23. Painting your unit renews your stove’s appearance and extends its lifespan by removing rust that compromises its structural integrity. A wire brush removes any rust spots before painting. Use high-heat paint that withstands the temperature produced by the unit.

Additional Considerations and Costs

• Certified technicians. Choose a technician certified by the National Fireplace Institute. The NFI offers certifications for pellet specialists and ensures professionals have the technical prowess to work on stoves safely. Ask technicians about any warranties or guarantees included with service calls. Companies may offer a customer satisfaction guarantee.
• Used parts. Check for used parts that could be purchased for the repair. Some companies allow customers to purchase the parts independently and just charge for labor. Customers must speak to repair technicians before choosing to go this route. Not selecting the correct part can delay repair jobs.
• DIY. Professional assistance is always preferred over DIY options for pellet stove repairs. Laymen do not easily identify issues. Safety is also a concern since any work must occur after the stove has been powered off for at least 20 minutes.
• Estimates. You should always get at least three estimates from various professionals before having repairs or replacements performed on your pellet stove. This ensures that you pay a fair price and are not overcharged. If you are under a warranty or maintenance contract, this may not be a concern, but for anyone else, estimates are a must to ensure a fair price and quality repair.