Updated: November 17, 2025
Written by Dan Simms
Laura Madrigal is the Home Design Specialist at Fixr.com, dedicated to identifying and analyzing significant changes within residential design. She is the author of leading trends reports on interior design, kitchen, and bathroom, and her insights have been featured in publications like Realtor and the New York Post.
Learn moreReviewed by Laura Madrigal
Pellet stoves are an efficient and economical way to heat your home, and for homeowners who want a heating alternative that consumes renewable resources, they’re more eco-friendly than wood-burning stoves. Pellet stoves are also more affordable to run and significantly easier to use, so while they can be more expensive, they’re often a better option.
Pellet stove installation costs an average of $3,000, and most homeowners pay a total of between $1,000 and $4,500. Prices can fall outside of that range based on the type of pellet stove you choose, the size you need to heat your home, the local labor cost in your area, and more.
Pellet Stove Prices
Pellet Stove Installation Cost by Type
There are three main types of pellet stoves, which vary mostly on how they’re installed and what they look like in your home after the installation. Freestanding and wall-mounted pellet stoves are the most affordable options, while pellet stove inserts for existing fireplaces are more expensive but the most convenient.
Type of Pellet Stove | Cost Range |
Freestanding | $1,000 – $5,000 |
Wall-mounted | $1,000 – $5,000 |
Insert | $2,000 – $7,000 |
Freestanding
A freestanding pellet stove costs between $1,000 and $5,000, depending on the size and output. This type looks similar to a traditional wood-burning stove, and it takes up floor space in your home. Placement is limited by the need for venting, but you have the most flexibility with this type. You’ll also need a heat-resistant floor or hearth pad to protect your flooring from heat.
Wall-Mounted
A wall-mounted pellet stove sits in your wall, freeing up floor space. You won’t need heat-resistant flooring like you would with a freestanding unit, but you’ll still need a chimney or a vent outside. Installation involves wall buildback, but the overall cost of installation is similar to a freestanding unit, ranging between $1,000 and $5,000.
Pellet Stove Insert Prices
Pellet stove inserts convert an existing fireplace to a pellet stove. These are the most convenient because they won’t take up any additional space, and you have a built-in chimney for venting. However, you’ll have to run electricity to the area, and the high material cost for the stove itself pushes pricing higher. The cost of a pellet stove insert averages between $2,000 and $7,000.
Pellet Stove Price by Size (BTUs)
Another important cost factor to consider is the heat output of your pellet stove, which is measured in British thermal units or BTUs. Pellet stoves with a higher BTU rating will cost more in materials, and labor costs can also be higher due to the larger stove size.
Deciding what size pellet stove you need is important not only for staying within budget for the installation but also because it determines how efficiently your stove heats your home, so you need to consider your specific heating needs. For a standard 1,800-square-foot home, you’ll usually need a 50,000-BTU pellet stove if you’re using it as an auxiliary heat source. You can go smaller to save upfront, but note that it may not provide the heat necessary to keep your entire home warm in the winter.
Home/Room Size (Square Feet) | Recommended BTUs | Cost Range |
250 | 9,000 | $800 – $3,000 |
500 | 15,000 | $1,000 – $3,500 |
1,000 | 35,000 | $2,000 – $5,500 |
1,500 | 50,000 | $3,000 – $7,000 |
1,800 | 50,000+ | $4,500 – $8,500 |
Labor Cost to Install a Pellet Stove
On average, labor will account for between 10% and 20% of your total, with typical labor costs ranging from $200 to $1,000. These prices will vary based on the type of stove you’re installing, whether or not you need a new venting system and heat-resistant flooring installed, the location of your new unit, and the size of the pellet stove you need.
These labor costs include installing basic heat shielding around the installation area, mounting the stove, connecting to a vent or installing one from scratch, and testing the system. Expect to pay significantly more for labor if you want custom tilework underneath your pellet stove, if you want add-ons for convenience and more functionality, or if you live in an area with a high cost of living, which can drive per-hour labor costs higher.
Cost Factors
The type and size of the pellet stove you choose to install and the local cost of labor will affect your total the most, but there are several other factors to keep in mind to ensure you get an accurate estimate for your project costs.
Brand: The brand of pellet stove you choose will affect your material costs. You’re more likely to pay closer to the lower end of the typical price range if you choose a budget-friendly brand, like King Pellet or St. Croix. Premium brands like Enviro, Harmon, and Lopi cost more, and mid-range options include Ravelli, ComfortBilt, and MCZ.
Permits and inspections: Most areas require a permit ($50–$250) for installation. Installers usually handle the paperwork, but you pay the fee. A post-installation inspection, often around $100, is recommended for safety and air quality.
Top-fed vs. bottom-fed: Top-fed stoves are simpler, cheaper, and safer from hopper fires, but clog more easily and need frequent cleaning. Bottom-fed models cost more but handle lower-quality pellets better, clog less, and offer longer burn times.
Additional Costs and Considerations
There are some other minor cost factors to consider before moving forward with your installation.
Optional Add-Ons
There are lots of add-ons you can couple with your installation to get more value from your stove and make operation safer.
Backup power supply: Pellet stoves cannot run without electricity. If you plan on using your pellet stove as a main source of heat, consider buying a portable generator for between $600 and $2,500 to maintain heating capability through a power outage.
Metal ash vacuum: You can invest in a metal scoop and ash bucket for manual cleaning, but an ash vacuum makes cleaning your pellet stove much easier. These will cost between $80 and $200 in most cases.
Smart thermostat: Some pellet stoves can link to a smart thermostat to allow for remote control, which can improve comfort, convenience, and home efficiency. You’ll pay between $185 and $600 to install a smart thermostat.
Pellet stove hearth pad: A hearth pad under your pellet stove is an affordable alternative to custom tiling and heat-resistant flooring. You can buy a simple pellet stove hearth pad and install it yourself for between $100 and $300. Prices can climb much higher for custom options.
Outlet installation: Pellet stoves rely on electricity to control the fan and the flow of pellets into the stove. Most will just need a standard 110-volt outlet, but if you don’t have one nearby, expect to pay between $120 and $300 to have an electrician install one.
Maintenance
Regular annual maintenance and a deep clean will cost you between $150 and $300. Keep in mind that you’ll still need to carry out regular cleanings yourself. If you run into issues with your pellet stove, you could pay between $75 and $800 for diagnostics and repairs, depending on the problem.
Venting and Chimney System
Because pellet stoves burn natural materials, proper venting is essential for safety and indoor air quality. You can either connect the stove to an existing chimney or install a new venting system. Using a chimney in good condition is usually the most cost-effective option, though you may need $100 to $500 in cleaning or additional repairs. Installing a new vent typically costs $200 to $800, with prices increasing if the stove isn’t located near an exterior wall.
Carbon Monoxide Detector
Like all heating equipment that uses combustion, pellet stoves can generate potentially dangerous gases, including carbon monoxide (CO). Having a CO detector is essential whenever combustion is occurring indoors. You can get a basic, plug-in model for between $20 and $60.
Stove Efficiency
Pellet stoves vary in their level of efficiency. While boilers and furnaces are measured using annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE), pellet stoves usually just get a certification from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) if they reach a specific level of efficiency during EPA testing.
Choosing an EPA-certified pellet stove will cost more upfront, but high-efficiency models use less fuel to provide a similar level of heat, so ongoing pellet stove fuel prices will be lower.
Material
Most pellet stoves are made out of steel or cast iron, and your choice can affect cost and performance. Stainless steel is easier to maintain since it won’t rust, but it doesn’t hold onto heat for as long, so your house temperature will begin dropping as soon as the pellets stop burning. Cast iron holds onto heat for longer, but the material needs more ongoing maintenance.
Most homeowners in modern homes choose stainless steel for its lower maintenance requirements and lower upfront cost.
Rebates and Tax Credits
Alternative heating equipment, like pellet stoves, is often eligible for rebates and other incentives that apply to energy-efficient heating appliances. For example, the Biomass Stoves and Boilers Tax Credit available through ENERGY STAR could provide up to a $3,200 tax credit when you install a pellet stove before December 31st, 2025.
You should also check the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE) for additional rebates, tax credits, and other incentives from your state, city, and even your utility company.
DIY vs. Hiring a Professional
While a DIY installation of a pellet stove might save you money on labor, it is not a recommended project for most homeowners. This type of installation involves complex electrical work and venting, and mistakes can lead to fire hazards, safety risks, and voided manufacturer warranties.
A professional installer will have the expertise to properly vent the stove, ensuring it operates safely and efficiently. They can also inspect the existing chimney if you are installing an insert and determine if a new liner is needed. Hiring a professional guarantees that the work is done correctly and protects your home and family from potential dangers.
Cost to Run a Pellet Stove
One of the primary reasons homeowners consider installing a pellet stove is the potential savings as opposed to using systems that burn fossil fuels. There are three areas in which you’ll incur pellet stove costs per month: fuel costs, electricity costs, and ongoing maintenance.
Fuel costs: Pellets for your pellet stove cost between $4 and $9 per 40-pound bag or between $200 and $350 per ton (50 bags). Most homeowners use between 30 and 60 pounds of pellets per day during the winter. That comes out to an average total cost of between $3 and $13.50 per day or between $90 and $405 per month.
Electricity costs: Pellet stoves also use a small amount of electricity to operate the hopper feed and to ignite the pellets. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, pellet stoves consume around 100 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity per month. At the average cost per kWh in the U.S. of 17.47 cents, that comes out to an average monthly total of $17.47.
It’s important to note that these numbers are just averages. Your operating costs will depend on your pellet stove efficiency, the size and heating capacity of your unit, the square footage and ceiling height in your home, the climate, local electricity rates, and more.
Pellet Stove vs. Wood Stove
Choosing between a pellet stove and a wood stove comes down to cost, convenience, and performance. Both provide cozy warmth and can serve as a primary or backup heating source, but they operate in very different ways.
Pellet stoves burn compressed pellets and offer steady, easy-to-control heat, making them low-maintenance and efficient, though they require electricity.
Wood stoves deliver a traditional crackling fire and can heat larger spaces without power, but they’re less efficient and require more work to chop, store, and load wood. Your choice will depend on whether you prioritize convenience and consistent heat or a more traditional, hands-on experience.
The table below highlights the key differences to help you decide which is right for your home:
Feature | Pellet Stove | Wood Stove |
Initial Cost | $1,000 to $4,500 | $1,200 to $4,500 |
Fuel Cost | $4 to $90 per 40 lb bag | $150 to $500 per cord of wood |
Efficiency | 70% to 83% | 70% to 80% |
Ease of Use | Automatic, thermostatically controlled, and easy to refuel with a scoop. | Manual operation; requires constant stoking and refueling. |
Maintenance | Low-maintenance due to a clean burn and minimal ash. | Requires more frequent cleaning and maintenance. |
Environmental Impact | Burns cleaner with lower emissions; pellets are often made from recycled waste wood. | Produces more smoke and particulates. |
Power Source | Requires an electrical outlet to operate. | No electricity required. |
FAQs
Pellet stoves are highly efficient, with EPA-certified models having an efficiency rating between 70% and 83%. Pellet stoves also burn wood, which is a renewable resource, as opposed to fossil fuels.
Pellet stoves are usually a good investment, especially if you live in a colder climate. Heating your home with a pellet stove is very often more affordable than using a more traditional heating system that burns fossil fuels or uses solely electricity, so even though pellet stoves are costly upfront, they can pay for themselves in utility bill savings.
A properly maintained pellet stove can last for 10 to 15 years on average, with some lasting up to 20 years. You can extend the lifespan of your unit by carrying out regular cleaning, scheduling annual maintenance from a professional, and using high-quality pellets that produce less ash and lower the risk of components clogging.
The average cost for a 40 lb bag of wood pellets is between $4 and $9, though prices can vary based on the type, brand, and supplier. Most homeowners who plan to use their pellet stoves as a primary source of heat purchase pellets by the pallet at the beginning of the cold season. A pallet costs $200 to $350, contains 50 40-lb bags, and can provide heat for one to two months.
Yes, pellet stoves are almost always more efficient than traditional wood stoves. Pellet stoves have an efficiency rating of up to 83%, whereas the efficiency of wood stoves varies much more widely due to the quality of the wood you burn, the moisture content, the size of the logs you split, and more.
Most homeowners use between 30 and 60 pounds of pellets per day, so a 40-lb bag of wood pellets will usually last for between 16 and 38 hours, or around one day, on average. However, this can vary depending on the temperature outside, the temperature you set in your home, the quality of the pellets you buy, the age of your home, the quality of your insulation, and more.