How Many Bags of Pellets Are in a Ton?
There are 50 bags of pellets in a ton. Each bag weighs 40 pounds, and 50 bags times 40 pounds equals 2,000 pounds, which is one ton. At Southridge Farm & Nursery, every ton of wood pellets we deliver comes stacked on one skid with 50 bags. Below, we explain how long a ton lasts and how to guess how many tons you need this winter.
How Many Bags of Pellets Are in a Ton, and Where Do They Go?
A ton of pellets is one skid, also called a pallet, with 50 bags on it. Most people keep the skid in a garage, basement, or shed. Our delivery truck has a forklift on the back, so the driver can set the skid where it works best for you, as long as the machine fits. Keep the bags dry and off wet ground, because pellets swell and crumble when they get wet.
How Long Does a Ton of Pellets Last?
If you run your stove every day, a ton of pellets lasts about 2 to 7 weeks. Most pellet stoves burn about 1 to 2 pounds of pellets an hour on low and 4 to 5 pounds an hour on high. That means one 40 pound bag can last anywhere from about 8 hours to 40 hours. Here is a simple way to look at it:
- 1 bag a day: a ton lasts about 50 days
- 2 bags a day: a ton lasts about 25 days
- 3 bags a day: a ton lasts about 17 days
Your number will change with the weather, your stove, and how well your home holds heat. A drafty house on a windy January night will burn more than a snug house in November. If you only run the stove at night or on weekends, a ton can last much longer.
How Many Tons of Pellets Do You Need for Winter?
One easy way to guess is to compare pellets to heating oil. The New Hampshire Department of Energy says one ton of wood pellets has about the same heat as 120 gallons of heating oil. So if the rooms your stove heats used about 480 gallons of oil last winter, that is about 4 tons of pellets. This is only a rough guide, since no two stoves or homes are the same.
If you are not sure, buy a little more than you think you need. Extra bags keep well in a dry spot until next fall. Running out in the middle of a cold snap is the bigger problem.
What Does a Ton of Pellets Cost?
We carry two kinds of pellets, and both are sold by the ton. Our Wood Pellets are a softwood pellet made at a mill in Canada, and they cost $399 a ton. Our Northern Warmth Douglas Fir pellets are made from 100% Douglas fir and cost $590 a ton. Prices can change during the season, so check our store for the latest price.
Conclusion
There are 50 bags in a ton of pellets, and each bag weighs 40 pounds. A ton can last a few weeks or a couple of months, based on how much you burn each day. To guess how many tons you need, compare to your old oil use and add a little extra. When you’re ready, order your pellets for delivery and we’ll bring the full skid to your home. If you have questions first, reach out to our team.