If you heat all or part of your home with pellets, stocking up on the fuel is a periodic ritual. And protecting your investment by storing the pellets properly is important. In fact, if stored properly, pellet fuel can have an indefinite shelf life.

We’ve put together some simple, but very important guidelines for storing pellets. There’s also a safety element to consider, so read on…

•  The best place to store pellets is indoors, such as in a garage or basement. The area should be free from moisture and humidity, and should not be susceptible to flooding. It’s best to store the bags off the floor on pallets or cardboard slips.

•  If you don’t have an indoor storage area, the next best thing is a shelter or shed that stays dry. In this environment, it’s especially important to stack the bags on pallets off the ground. While stacking, inspect the bags for any holes and repair them with duct tape or another waterproof tape. To further protect the fuel from water, cover the stack of bags with a tarp and securely fasten it.

•  Because we burn pellets inside our homes, it’s important to keep them as clean as possible. Be sure to protect your pellets from dust and other contaminants.

•  Avoid storing pellets in areas with direct sunlight, even if inside your home. Direct sunlight will warm the pellets.

•  Keep in mind that stored bags of pellets can release carbon monoxide gas (CO), especially when stored in warm environments. Make sure your storage area is well ventilated, install a CO detector, and be aware of the symptoms of CO poisoning.

All in all, pellets are easy to store and pellet stoves are easy to operate. They make a great addition to any space. Want to know more? Check out our selection of pellet stoves here. Enjoy the fire!