How a Pellet Stove Ignitor Works


Burning pellets

A pellet stove ignitor is a small, electrically powered device that sits inside the fire chamber of your stove. Its purpose is to create a small spark that will ignite the pellets inside the stove, providing you with warmth on chilly nights. Here’s a closer look at how these amazing little devices work. 

How the Pellet Stove Ignitor Works

Pellet stoves work by using an auger to feed pellets into a combustion chamber. The igniter is responsible for igniting the pellets so that they can start burning. Without an igniter, a pellet stove would not be able to function. 

Most pellet stoves have what is called a “glow bar” igniter. This type of igniter uses electricity to heat up a rod until it is red hot. When the pellets are fed into the combustion chamber, the glow bar ignites them. 

The other type of pellet stove igniter is called an “automatic ignition.” This type of igniter uses a small flame to ignite the pellets. Automatic ignition is more expensive than glow-bar ignition, but it is also more reliable. 

How Do I Know If My Igniter Is bad?

If you have a pellet stove, igniters are an important part of the equation. The igniter is responsible for starting the flame in your pellet stove, and when it goes bad, it can make it difficult or even impossible to use your stove. So, how can you tell if your pellet stove igniter is bad?

There are a few different ways that you can tell if your pellet stove igniter is bad. One way is to simply look at it. If the igniter is cracked or broken, then it definitely needs to be replaced. Another way to tell if the igniter is bad is by trying to start the stove. If you turn on the stove and the igniter doesn’t glow, or if it glows but doesn’t start a fire, then the igniter is probably bad and needs to be replaced.

If you’re not sure whether or not your pellet stove igniter is bad, one of the best things that you can do is take it to a professional for help. A professional will be able to test the igniter and let you know for sure whether or not it needs to be replaced. They may also be able to give you some advice on what kind of replacement igniter you should get for your particular pellet stove.

The lifespan of Pellet Stove Igniters

Your pellet stove igniter is the part of your stove that makes sure the pellets get hot enough to actually start burning. Standard pellet stove igniters have a lifespan of 3-5 years, but some may last longer and some may fail after only a year. In this blog post, we’ll discuss some of the factors that affect how long your pellet stove igniter will last.

Factors That Affect the Lifespan of Your Pellet Stove Igniter

There are a few factors that affect how long your pellet stove igniter will last. One is how often you use your pellet stove. If you only use it occasionally, your igniter will last longer than if you use it every day.

Another factor is the quality of the pellets you’re burning. Higher quality pellets produce less ash, which can clog up your igniter and shorten its lifespan. Finally, the type of igniter you have also affects its longevity. Some igniters are made with better materials and are more durable than others.

How much does it cost to replace a pellet stove igniter?

If your pellet stove isn’t turning on, chances are it’s because of a faulty igniter. Replacing an igniter is a relatively simple repair that most people can do themselves, but it does require some basic knowledge of how pellet stoves work. The cost of replacing an igniter ranges from $130 to $190.

Replacing an igniter is a pretty straightforward repair that most people can do themselves, but it does require some basic knowledge of how pellet stoves work. If you’re not comfortable working with electricity or gas, then you should definitely call a qualified technician to do the job for you. 

The first thing you’ll need to do is turn off the power to the stove and disconnect the gas line. Once that’s done, you can remove the old igniter and install the new one in its place. Make sure to reconnect the gas line and turn on the power before you test out your new igniter! 

Can you clean a pellet stove igniter?

A clean pellet stove igniter is crucial for optimal stove performance. Over time, the igniter will become covered in ash and soot, which can impede its ability to function properly.

To clean your pellet stove igniter, simply pen the firebox door to the stove and brush the ash and soot from the igniter. Dampen the cloth and wipe the igniter with it to remove any stuck pieces of soot. Once the igniter is clean, dry it off with a paper towel and close the firebox door.

If your pellet stove has an automatic igniter, you may need to consult your owner’s manual for specific instructions on how to clean it. Some models require that you remove the entire igniter assembly from the stove in order to clean it properly. Others have a self-cleaning feature that allows you to simply brush away the debris.

Cleaning your pellet stove igniter is a simple but important task that should be done on a regular basis. By taking a few minutes to clean your igniter, you can ensure that your pellet stove is functioning at its best and producing optimal heat for your home.

In Conclusion

Pellet Stoves use ceramic ignitors to produce an intense amount of heat that is then used to ignite the wood pellets in your stove. Plus, the pellet stove ignitor is very safe to use because it doesn’t produce any flames or sparks.

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