The Power Went Out, Now What? If you’ve ever been in the middle of a chilly winter night, enjoying the warmth of your pellet stove, only for the power to suddenly go out, you know the panic that sets in. Without electricity, your pellet stove can’t feed pellets into the burn pot or run its fans. But don’t worry—you can keep that heat flowing with a reliable battery backup system for your pellet stove. In this guide, I’ll dive into the best battery backup options to keep your stove running smoothly when the lights go out.
Why You Need a Battery Backup for Your Pellet Stove
Pellet stoves rely on electricity to operate their augers, fans, and controls. A sudden power outage can disrupt this process, causing your stove to shut down. A battery backup system, often referred to as an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS), keeps your stove running during these outages, providing continuous heat and preventing potential malfunctions. Let’s explore some of the top-rated battery backup options and how to choose the right one for your stove.
Key Features to Consider in a Battery Backup
Before we jump into the top picks, let’s break down the essential features you should look for in a battery backup for your pellet stove:
- Wattage and Voltage Compatibility: Ensure the battery backup can handle the wattage and voltage requirements of your pellet stove.
- Runtime: Look for a UPS that provides enough runtime during an outage to meet your needs.
- Pure Sine Wave Output: This is crucial for protecting sensitive electronics in the stove’s control panel.
- Automatic Voltage Regulation (AVR): Helps maintain stable voltage levels, which is crucial during power fluctuations.
- Size and Portability: Consider where you’ll place the UPS and how much space you have available.
Top 5 Battery Backups for Pellet Stoves
Here are the best battery backups for pellet stoves that you should consider, based on reliability, runtime, and features:
1. CyberPower CP1500AVRLCD Intelligent LCD UPS System
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 1500VA/900W |
| Output | Pure Sine Wave |
| Runtime | Up to 90 minutes, depending on the stove’s power consumption |
| Display | LCD display for real-time monitoring of battery and power status |
| Special Features | Automatic Voltage Regulation (AVR), data line protection |
The CyberPower CP1500AVRLCD is a popular choice for pellet stove owners due to its pure sine wave output, which is essential for delicate electronics. With a capacity of 1500VA and AVR, this model protects against power surges and voltage fluctuations, giving you peace of mind during power outages.
2. APC Back-UPS Pro 1500VA (BR1500G)
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 1500VA/865W |
| Output | Pure Sine Wave |
| Runtime | Around 75 minutes, depending on stove and settings |
| Display | LCD for battery status, load, and remaining runtime |
| Special Features | Energy-saving function, replaceable battery packs, AVR |
The APC Back-UPS Pro 1500VA is another solid option with pure sine wave output. Its energy-saving features and user-replaceable batteries make it a cost-effective solution over the long term. The APC model also offers reliable runtime and good surge protection.
3. Tripp Lite SMART1500LCDT 1500VA UPS
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 1500VA/900W |
| Output | Line Interactive (Approximated Sine Wave) |
| Runtime | Up to 80 minutes on low load |
| Display | LCD screen for power, battery, and voltage information |
| Special Features | AVR, silent operation modes, eco-friendly |
The Tripp Lite SMART1500LCDT offers line-interactive UPS functionality, making it an efficient backup option for pellet stoves. While it provides an approximated sine wave output instead of a pure sine wave, it still offers good protection for most pellet stoves, especially if they aren’t highly sensitive.
4. ECOFLOW DELTA Portable Power Station
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 1260Wh Lithium Battery |
| Output | Pure Sine Wave AC Output, 1800W |
| Runtime | Varies; roughly 5-7 hours for an average pellet stove |
| Display | Digital display for power input/output and battery life |
| Special Features | Portable, solar panel compatibility, multiple outputs |
For those who want portability, the ECOFLOW DELTA Portable Power Station is an excellent alternative. It’s solar-compatible, allowing you to recharge it during extended power outages. Plus, with 1800W output, it can handle most pellet stoves with ease.
5. Generac 70432 Home Standby Generator with Transfer Switch
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 22kW (LP) / 19.5kW (NG) |
| Output | Whole-house backup with pure sine wave output |
| Runtime | Continuous as it’s powered by natural gas or propane |
| Display | LED interface for status updates and maintenance alerts |
| Special Features | Automatically starts on power loss, whole-home protection |
If you’re looking for a whole-home solution that keeps everything running during an outage, consider the Generac 70432 standby generator. Although it’s a more expensive investment, it provides unmatched reliability and doesn’t require frequent maintenance.
Tips for Choosing the Right Battery Backup
- Check Your Pellet Stove’s Wattage Requirements: Make sure the UPS you choose can handle the initial startup wattage of your stove.
- Determine Your Average Power Outage Duration: Choose a backup with enough battery life to cover the typical duration of outages in your area.
- Consider Future Expandability: If you have other appliances or devices you want to protect, consider a UPS with extra capacity.
Conclusion: Keep the Heat On When the Power is Off!
Investing in a reliable battery backup system for your pellet stove is a game-changer during unexpected power outages. Whether you choose a dedicated UPS like the CyberPower CP1500AVRLCD or go all out with a Generac standby generator, the right backup solution will keep your home warm, your stove protected, and your peace of mind intact.