A pellet stove is a great heat source to warm up your home or individual rooms. And if you're purchasing one for the first time, it helps to know a bit more about how they operate in terms of temperature regulation. So, what type of thermostats do pellet stoves use? Do you need to have a special one for a pellet stove? We did the research to bring you the answer.
You don't need a "special" thermostat for your pellet stove. That being said, the most commonly used ones are digital. However, you will need to ensure that the thermostat is compatible with your particular pellet stove. It's best to first look at your stove's instruction manual to see what it recommends. From there you can determine if the thermostat will work for your stove, and if so, how to connect it.
There are a ton of thermostats available for pellet stoves, and each one has its advantages and disadvantages. While many thermostats are fairly inexpensive, some can get as high as $100 or more. Continue reading to learn more about thermostats for pellet stoves and our recommendations. Without further ado, let's get into it!
Best Thermostats For Pellet Stoves
Connecting a thermostat to your pellet stove may be a simple process. However, you will need to read the instruction manual for your stove and the thermostat to determine how to connect them for seamless operation. Let's take a look at a few thermostats that will work well for your pellet stove.
Honeywell Home RTH9585WF1004
Honeywell is one of the most well-known brands when it comes to thermostats. And not only does this particular thermostat have excellent reviews but it includes an array of additional features that make it well worth the money.
There are several programming options available with this thermostat, and it includes wireless connectivity for convenient use. It comes equipped with a brightly illuminated display that features weather forecasts and humidity levels.
It also comes with a phone app for 24-hour access. If you're looking for a thermostat that has lots of cool features, this is one to consider.
Click here to see more on Amazon.
Emerson Sensi Wi-Fi Smart Thermostat
This wifi-enabled thermostat is easy to operate remotely and is compatible with many heating appliances. It comes equipped with a very intuitive app that walks you through the entire installation process, and it can be configured for various settings.
The unit also includes a convenient 7-day scheduling feature and other energy-saving options that allow you to cut down on your gas and electric bills.
This thermostat easily integrates with various platforms including Google Home, Amazon Alexa, Apple Home Kit, and Google Assistant. You can also quickly raise or lower your room temperature with a simple voice command to Google's Siri.
Click here to see more on Amazon.
Lux TX9000TS
This thermostat has an easy-to-use interface and design and is worth every penny. It stands out as one of the most popular in its class and has excellent reviews from buyers.
It also features a Simple Touch Screen interface and has a 7-day program setting that allows you to customize it for even more convenience.
The TX9000TS model comes pre-programmed to save you time, and it's one of the most energy-efficient options available. This thermostat has a manufacturer warranty and an overall solid design.
Click here to see more on Amazon.
Honeywell Home 5-2 Day Programmable Thermostat
If you're looking for something dependable and inexpensive, here is a thermostat to consider. This Honeywell thermostat comes with a multi-day program setting and other noteworthy features. It's also compatible with various types of low voltage HVAC systems, and setting it up is fairly straightforward.
The unit features weekend and weekday programming and has an overall easy-to-use design. You can install this unit in 30 minutes or less and set it up on an energy-saving program to keep your home comfortable 24/7.
Click here to see more on Amazon.
Skytech 3301 P2
This easy-to-use thermostat-remote duo is completely programmable. And it can also be used for gas fireplaces in addition to your pellet stove.
It has a well-light LCD screen for fast operation and customizable weekend and weekday program functions. This thermostat also comes with a snap-on wall plate and has room for up to two additional remotes.
The unit also features a child-proof lockout and auto shut-off features. You can also create a security code for the thermostat to allow each home user to create individual temperature programs for maximum comfort.
It features both Fahrenheit and Celsius settings and is backed by a solid warranty. If you're looking for a thermostat with a solid build and a bunch of bells and whistles, this Skytech model is worth taking a good look at.
Click here to see more on Amazon.
How does the thermostat work on a pellet stove?
A pellet stove thermostat will use a temperature sensor to determine the current room temperature and will adjust the stove's heat output accordingly. To do this, the stove will automatically adjust its flame and airflow to reach the temperature that's been programmed on the thermostat.
Simply put, the thermostat will affect the combustion rate of the pellet stove which will affect its temperature. It will also change the amount of pellet fuel and its delivery time from the hopper to the stove's combustion chamber.
Can you run a pellet stove without a thermostat?
Yes, you can run a pellet stove without a thermostat. Old-fashioned pellet stoves do not require a thermostat to function.
However, modern pellet stoves will require a thermostat, and many of them are equipped with their own internal thermostat. These thermostats allow the stoves to regulate their internal temperature.
What temperature should a pellet stove be?
Pellet stoves typically have a limit for their pellet pipe temperature, which hovers around 500 degrees Fahrenheit. You may find stoves that can get a bit hotter than this, but they generally won't reach over 550 degrees Fahrenheit.
The lowest a pellet stove will operate is at about 250 degrees Fahrenheit, which is similar to a gas or electric stove.
Do pellet stoves use a lot of electricity
The total amount of energy used by a pellet stove depends on various factors. However, they tend to use less energy than other HVAC heaters, including wall heaters and central air conditioning (furnaces).
For example, the size and voltage used by your stove can make a huge difference in how much electricity you use. On average, most pellet stoves will use anywhere from 350 to 800 watts of power.
The fan uses most of the power, as it needs electricity to rotate. So, how much energy will a pellet stove use in a month? Well, it depends on how much you pay locally for electricity. Currently, in the United States, electricity costs about 13.4 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh).
Depending on how long you run your pellet stove daily, you can expect to pay anywhere from about $50 a month to $100 a month for electricity.
Wrapping Things Up
Pellet stoves don't require a special thermostat to operate. However, modern stoves will need some type of thermostat to regulate temperatures. The amount of electricity used by the pellet stove will depend on its size and frequency of usage.
However, these stoves are known for being very energy-efficient, and you can calculate your potential energy usage by its wattage and voltage.
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Where in my 107 year old house is it best to put my thermostat ? I ask bc if its on an INNER wall it WON’T go on very frequently cause the warm air won’t turn on or move to it for it won’t work its way there to heat the outer walls or rooms. With my old house we lose heat to windows and a cold floor from basement as well its set up as a “railroad” house and it doesn’t flow to the next room too smoothly. I currently have it on outer wall about 12 feet from the pellet stove. Buy my genius ((only in his mind)) brother in law thinks it should be further in the house. But realistically it works. The house is small and ALL the rooms are outer rooms. There are no hallways and an unfinished basement (cellar). Just curious of your thoughts…Thanks, Pat