How long will a 40 lb. bag of pellets last?

This has everything to do with the heat setting or the “burn rate” on your stove or insert.

One pound of wood pellets will produce approximately 8,000 BTUs of heat. So, if you are burning pellets on the “low” setting, say 1 ½ lb./hour (or 12,000 BTU), a bag will last about 26 hours. (40 lbs. divided by 1.5 lbs./hour = 26.67 hours.)

If you need a lot of heat, burning five pounds per hour (8,000 BTU x 5 lbs./hour = 40,000 BTU), one bag will last about 8 hours. (40 lbs. divided by 5 lbs./hour = 8 hours.)

Manufacturers will publish the “burn rate vs. BTU output” data in their product literature and the owner’s manual.

Pellet equipment has various settings, depending on how cold it is outside and the amount of heat you need to stay comfortable. If your stove operates on a thermostat, the burn rate will automatically vary depending on the temperature setting.

Below is a list of fireplace and grill stores that service Virginia (VA)

Manassas, VA

Winston's Chimney Service
11301 Industrial Road
Manassas, VA 20109

Winston's Chimney Service LogoVisit Store Page

Mechanicsville, VA

Hearth & Home Shoppe
8151 Mechanicsville Tpk
Mechanicsville, VA 23111

Hearth & Home Shoppe LogoVisit Store Page

Roanoke, VA

Dixie Building Products Inc.
3342 Melrose Ave NW
Roanoke, VA 24017

Warrenton, VA

Costello's Warrenton Fireplace & Hot Tub
251 West Lee Hwy
Warrenton, VA 20186


For more information, contact your local fireplace and grill store..

1 Response

  1. Ken
    Thank you for the clear and concise answer.
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