How to replace the auger on your pellet stove

One of the unparalleled benefits of a pellet stove to other stoves and fireplaces is its ability to create accurate and constant temperatures with little to no effort. Once your stove has adequate pellets, you can sit back and relax and let your stove do all the work for you.

The stove's auger must function correctly for your stove to do its job effectively, and that means doing some periodic cleaning and maintenance. But what happens when your auger breaks?

The good news is that replacing the auger on your pellet stove is a relatively simple process you can do yourself with just a few tools. By following the steps outlined below, you'll have your stove up and running again in no time.

Tools you Will Need

Here are a few tools to keep on hand before starting your work:

• A screwdriver
• A flashlight
• A mirror
• An Allen wrench, standard wrench, and socket wrench (depending on your unit)
• A hammer
• Pliers

Ash vacuum cleaner

What and Where Is the Auger

The auger is a vital component of your pellet stove because it supplies your fuel source: the pellets. Your unit will slowly deposit each pellet into the firepot at a frequency required to reach and maintain your desired temperature.

The auger is a metal spiral located at the bottom of the hopper. It turns inside the unit with the help of an auger motor. As it turns, the threaded sections carry the pellets into the firepot.

How Often Does an Auger Need to be Replaced?

The part that requires replacement most often is the auger motor, but even the motor can last quite a long time. The lifespan can range from 1 to 10 years, with most running around 6-8 years. Timing depends on several factors, such as the quality of the motor, how often you use the stove, and how well you maintain it. Maintenance includes regularly cleaning the stove. It's also important to keep the area around the stove clean and free of debris.

Confirm Your Auger Isn't Jammed

The current issue you are facing may not require replacement. Auger jams are common and are most often the reason an auger fails to work properly.

Your system may be jammed if you hear the motor turning but no pellets fall into the firepot, or if you don't hear the motor at all. A non-working motor may seem like the motor needs to be replaced, but some motors will shut off temporarily to keep from overheating when jams occur.

Another sign of a jam is inconsistencies in heating due to clogged pellet deposits within the auger tube.

If any of these issues happen,

1. Unplug the pellet stove from the power source and shut off the breaker box that feeds electricity to the plug. These steps are important for preventing the motor and auger parts from moving while you work.
2. Remove the pellets from the hopper. As you do this, look at the auger with a mirror and flashlight closely to see if there is a jam. You may need to remove the back panel of your stove for a clearer view.
3. With the pellets removed, take this opportunity to do a quick clean while you are there, vacuuming up any loose wood and dust.
4. Clean out the jam within the auger housing. Use a small wire to scrape between the threads, or take a soft mallet and gently tap the auger to dislodge the pellets. If that doesn't do it, try jiggling the motor under the auger, but don't turn the motor backward to turn the auger; otherwise, it will damage the motor. The motor isn't designed to move backward.
5. If you still can't dislodge the material, carefully unplug the electrical plugs to the motor and capacitor using plyers, and be careful not to damage them. Then take an Allen wrench or other wrench (models vary) and loosen the set screw that attaches the motor to the auger and support plate. Once that is loose, pull away the motor. With the motor removed, you can use the same wrench to turn the auger backward and forward to dislodge any material.
6. If that doesn't do it, you may need to completely remove the auger for a deep clean. Undo any bolts that hold the plate and remove the plate so that you can slide out the auger and wipe the threads completely.
7. While you are here, go ahead and vacuum the remaining area to reduce the chance of jams that may come later on. 
8. Repeat the steps in reverse to reinstall the auger.

How to Know if Your Auger Needs Replacing

Most auger replacements involve only the motor, but if the auger itself is damaged, removal and replacement instructions follow a similar process shown above.  

A motor that requires replacing will often cease working or may drop pellets less frequently or consistently, keeping the stove from hitting and retaining the temperature you need. Note that a similar reduction in performance can come from jams, a dirty flue, damaged fans, and restricted airflows. If your stove appears in good working order (i.e., there are no jams), the motor is likely to blame. An old or damaged motor can become sluggish, and its gears can skip once in a while due to a stripped gearbox.

Where to Find Replacement Parts

You'll also find replacement parts here, but ensure you're ordering the correct ones for your stove. There are many different models and makes of pellet stoves, and the auger for one model may not fit another.

Before ordering, take note of the make and model of your stove and the serial number. You can usually find this information on a sticker or plate on the stove itself.

How to Replace the Auger Motor

1. Unplug the pellet stove from the power source and shut off the breaker box that feeds electricity to the plug.
2. Clean out the pellets from the hopper to gain access to the auger. While you are there, clean out the sensors and the entire area with a vacuum.
3. Depending on your stove model, you can fully access the auger and motor through the hopper or by removing the stove's back panel by unscrewing the panel's screws.
4. Now that you have open access, unplug the motor and capacitor, use your Allen wrench or other wrench (depending on your model), and loosen the set screw that attaches the motor to the auger.  
5. Pull the motor away from the auger.
6. Replace the motor by simply following the same steps in reverse. You may notice that during reinstallation, the connection between the auger and the auger motor may seem a bit wobbly, but that is normal on some units. When you turn on the unit later, the motor will move against a stopper used as leverage to move the auger, which will make everything feel tight again.
7. Once the new auger is in place, reattach the hopper lid and back panel, switch back on the breaker, and plug back in the unit.
8. You're now ready to test your stove. If all is good, you are done!

Simple Fixes for a Long Stove Life

Replacing the auger on your pellet stove is a relatively simple process, and it shouldn't take long to do. Additionally, with regular cleaning and maintenance, your stove can continue to work for years before you need to replace it again.