There’s nothing worse than your pellet heater stopping in the middle of a cold winter night. You might be seeing a strange error code on the screen, or maybe it’s just not working the way it should. Don’t panic. The good news is that most pellet heater problems are easy to fix yourself. This guide is your central hub for diagnosing and solving the most common issues. We’ll cover everything from mysterious error codes to preventative maintenance that will keep your heater running smoothly for years to come.
Understanding Pellet Heater Error Codes
When something goes wrong, your heater’s control panel will often display an error code. This is its way of telling you exactly what the problem is. Below is a list of the most common error codes and what they mean.
- E1 Error Code: Fire Has Gone Out
This is the most common error. It usually means your heater has run out of pellets or the pellets aren’t feeding into the burn pot correctly.
See the full fix here: How to Fix E1 Error Code on a Pellet Heater - E2 Error Code: Failure to Ignite
Your heater tried to start, but a fire never got going. This is almost always an issue with a blocked burn pot or a faulty igniter.
See the full fix here: How to Fix E2 Error Code on a Pellet Heater - E4 Error Code: Temperature Sensor Fault
This error points to a problem with one of the temperature sensors that monitor the fire and ensure the heater is operating safely.
See the full fix here: How to Fix E4 Error Code on a Pellet Heater - E5 Error Code: Vacuum Switch / Airflow Problem
The heater has detected an airflow issue, often due to a blocked flue, ash buildup, or a door that isn’t sealed correctly.
See the full fix here: How to Fix E5 Error Code on a Pellet Heater - E6 Error Code: Overheating Detected
The temperature sensor in the hopper has been triggered for safety. This is usually caused by the feed rate being too high or an issue with the room fan.
See the full fix here: How to Fix E6 Error Code on a Pellet Heater - E7 Error Code: Power Failure
This simply means the power went out while the heater was running. You just need to clear the code and restart the heater correctly.
See the full fix here: How to Fix E7 Error Code on a Pellet Heater - E8 Error Code: Exhaust Blockage
Similar to an E5, this code specifically points to a blockage in your heater’s exhaust system or flue, usually from excessive ash.
See the full fix here: How to Fix E8 Error Code on a Pellet Heater
Common Problems & DIY Fixes
Sometimes your heater acts up without giving you a specific error code. Here are solutions to some of the most common issues.
- Pellets Aren’t Feeding into the Auger?
It’s a frustrating problem: the hopper is full, but the fire goes out. This is usually caused by pellets sticking to the sloped walls of the hopper.
See all the solutions here: Pellets Sticking to the Hopper? - Igniter Has Failed?
If your heater won’t light but the burn pot is clean, your igniter may have worn out. Don’t worry, you can still get your heater going while you wait for a replacement.
Learn how here: How to Manually Light a Pellet Heater
Preventative Maintenance: The Best Fix of All
The absolute best way to avoid problems is with regular pellet heater maintenance. A well-looked-after heater is a reliable heater. Spending a little time on cleaning will save you a lot of headaches in the long run.
- The Ultimate Cleaning Schedule: Find out what to clean and when, from daily burn pot checks to the essential yearly deep clean.
See the full schedule: How Often Should You Clean a Pellet Heater? - Seasonal Preparation: Getting your heater ready before and after winter is crucial for its longevity.
Get ready for winter: Winter Pellet Heater Preparation Checklist
Get ready for summer: How to Prepare Your Pellet Heater for Summer - Keep the Glass Clean: A dirty glass door is often the first sign of an airflow issue.
Learn the tricks: 3 Ways to Keep Your Pellet Heater Glass Clean
By following these maintenance guides, you can be confident that your pellet heater will be a reliable source of warmth for many years. To learn more about the lifespan of different components, see our guide on how long pellet heaters last.
Happy heating