Pellet Stove Repair: Common Issues and How to Fix Them

Pellet stoves are a reliable and energy-efficient way to heat your home—especially during Rhode Island’s colder months. But even the best systems can run into problems over time. If your pellet stove is noisy, won’t light, or just isn’t putting out enough heat, you’re not alone. Many of these issues have simple explanations and can be fixed quickly with the right tools and knowledge.

At Local Chimney Services, we help Rhode Island homeowners troubleshoot and repair pellet stoves to restore warmth, comfort, and safety. In this guide, we’ll cover the most common pellet stove problems, what causes them, and when to call in a professional.

How Pellet Stoves Work (And Why They Break Down)

Pellet stoves burn small, compressed wood or biomass pellets using a mechanical feed system. The stove includes several moving parts—such as an auger, fans, sensors, and a control board—that work together to regulate pellet delivery, ignition, and air circulation.

When any of these components fail or become blocked with ash or debris, performance issues begin. That’s why regular maintenance and timely repairs are essential to keeping your stove efficient and safe.

Common Pellet Stove Problems and Their Causes

1. Pellet Stove Won’t Start

This is one of the most frustrating issues. If your stove doesn’t turn on at all, it could be due to:

• A tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse

• Faulty thermostat or control board

• Unplugged power cord or loose connection

• Bad igniter or safety switch

What to do: Check for power first. If the stove has electricity but still won’t start, the problem likely lies with the igniter or control board. These components often need to be tested and replaced by a professional technician.

2. Pellets Aren’t Feeding Into the Burn Pot

If your hopper is full but no pellets are being delivered, it may be due to:

• A jammed or broken auger

• A faulty auger motor

• A problem with the control board or wiring

What to do: Turn off the stove, unplug it, and empty the hopper. Carefully inspect the auger for blockages like pellet dust or foreign objects. If the auger still doesn’t turn after clearing it, the motor may need to be replaced.

3. Poor or No Ignition

Sometimes the stove feeds pellets but fails to ignite them. This can be caused by:

• A worn-out igniter

• Damp or poor-quality pellets

• Too much ash buildup in the burn pot

• Low air pressure from a dirty intake or exhaust system

What to do: First, clean the burn pot and check for clogs in the air intake. If the issue persists with dry, high-quality pellets, your igniter may need to be replaced.

4. Excessive Smoke or Soot

Pellet stoves are designed to burn clean, so if you notice dark smoke or heavy soot buildup, something’s wrong. This may result from:

• Poor-quality pellets

• Incorrect air-fuel mixture

• Clogged air intake or exhaust

• A failing combustion fan

What to do: Make sure you’re using premium-grade pellets. Then check for ash buildup in the air pathways. If the stove is clean and still producing smoke, the problem may be mechanical—such as a slow fan or sensor issue.

5. Stove Shuts Off Randomly

If your pellet stove turns off unexpectedly, the issue could be related to:

• Overheating due to poor ventilation

• Faulty temperature sensors or switches

• Dirty or blocked exhaust or air intake

• Control board glitches

What to do: Clean all venting components and make sure there’s proper airflow around the stove. If it continues to shut down, professional diagnostics may be needed to identify the failing sensor or electronic control.

6. Unusual Noises

Grinding, squealing, or rattling sounds aren’t normal. These noises often indicate:

• A failing auger or motor bearing

• Loose screws or fan blades

• Debris stuck in moving parts

What to do: Power down the stove and inspect all moving components. If you hear metal-on-metal contact or continuous grinding, turn it off immediately and call a technician to prevent further damage.

When to Call a Professional

While basic cleaning and troubleshooting can resolve some issues, pellet stoves have complex electrical and mechanical parts that require specialized tools and knowledge. You should call a certified technician if:

• You’ve already tried cleaning and the issue persists

• You suspect electrical or control board failure

• You smell gas or burning odors

• The stove repeatedly shuts off or fails to ignite

• You’re unsure of how to take the unit apart safely

At Local Chimney Services, we’re trained to work on all major brands and models. Our technicians can inspect, repair, and test your pellet stove to get it running safely again—fast.

Tips to Prevent Pellet Stove Problems

To reduce the chances of breakdowns, follow these tips year-round:

• Use high-quality pellets with low moisture content

• Clean the burn pot and ash pan weekly during heavy use

• Vacuum the heat exchanger and exhaust path at least once a month

• Schedule a professional inspection once a year to check internal components and sensors

• Keep the hopper clean and dry to avoid clogs or jams

These simple steps help keep your system running efficiently, reduce repair costs, and extend the lifespan of your stove.

Local Pellet Stove Repair in Rhode Island

Whether you’re in Providence, Warwick, or a coastal town like Narragansett, Local Chimney Services is your trusted partner for pellet stove repair. We’ve seen it all—jammed augers, worn igniters, control board errors—and we know how to fix it quickly and affordably.

We don’t just patch the problem. We provide a full-system inspection, explain what caused the issue, and offer guidance on how to avoid future trouble. Our goal is to restore comfort and safety to your home without delay.

Don’t Let the Cold Catch You Off Guard—Schedule Your Pellet Stove Repair Today

When your pellet stove stops working, your home loses more than heat—it loses comfort and peace of mind. Whether it’s not lighting, making noise, or just not heating like it used to, we’re here to help.

Contact us today to schedule your pellet stove repair. We’ll diagnose the issue, provide honest repair options, and get your stove back to peak performance—so you can enjoy a warm, worry-free winter.