Pellet stoves can be used as a supplemental heating source or, with proper venting, as a primary heating option. They are available as freestanding models or as fireplace inserts. They can provide the appearance of an old-fashioned wood-burning fireplace.
The auger transports pellets from the hopper into the combustion chamber which is where they burn and generate heat. Sensors are able to monitor the flame and alter the speed of operation in order to maintain a desired temperature in the room.
1. Energy Efficiency
Pellet stoves are renewable, non-toxic fuel made of compressed sawdust and other substances. They are typically disposed of in landfills, but can also be used to create a clean and efficient source of heat. They aid homeowners in reducing their energy use and lower greenhouse gas emissions. Many owners of pellet stoves say they have recouped their initial investment within just a few years, thanks to lower heating costs.
Pellets are extremely compressed and are more dense than natural wood, which makes them more efficient to burn. They also produce less creosote buildup than traditional fireplaces that burn wood. They are also packaged in plastic bags to seal out moisture and need less frequent cleaning.
Similar to other heating systems, pellet stoves need to be properly sized and vented. A trained technician will be able to evaluate your venting requirements and space requirements to achieve the best results.
During installation, the hearth is constructed to the right size, and the vent is fitted through a pre-cut hole your home’s siding. The vent can be positioned through a sidewall or roof depending on your preference and the local laws.
When the vent and hearth are complete then the pellet stove can be connected and switched on. Some manufacturers offer a remote control that makes starting and maintaining the fire easy, while others have additional sensors that monitor airflow, combustion and flue temperatures, as well as pressure. If the system determines that it needs more pellets or less, it sends a signal to the auger that it should accelerate or slow it down in line with the needs.
All stoves have a storage hopper which can accommodate between 35 and 130 pounds of pellets. The size of the hopper determines the frequency at which you have to replenish your stove. Larger hoppers permit longer periods before refills is required. A grille pulls fresh air from the room and then passes it through a heat exchanger, which then blows heated air into the living area through convection. A auger, grate or other device distributes pellets and a pan below collects any unburned ones and also any combustion leftovers.
Pellet stoves are more energy-efficient than wood-burning stoves, but they are not as efficient as electric heaters or natural gas furnaces. Electric components that drive motorized components of the stoves require electricity. This could cause an issue in the event of power outage, though backup systems like generators and batteries are available.
2. Low Maintenance
Pellet stoves are extremely efficient, but like all major heating appliances, they require some maintenance to keep them running correctly. Cleaning your stove and exhaust vent regularly will prevent the buildup of dangerous creosote that could cause a fire or explosion that could cause damage to your stove and/or house.
A pellet stove burns compressed natural wood pellets or other materials (like nutshells, corn kernels or small pieces of scrap wood). An electric auger is used to feed the pellets from a fuel tank into the burner, and into the combustion chamber. The thermostat you choose controls the rate of pellets being fed to the burner. This lets the fire remain roaring, or to lower the rate or even shut down according to the temperature you set. The ash will be disposed in an empty ash tin underneath the burner. It is easily removed and disposed.
Pellets are created from byproducts of wood processing which would otherwise be thrown away. They are a renewable source and produce less dust than traditional wood-burning appliances, making them a cleaner burning heat source. The amount of carbon monoxide, carcinogens and other harmful chemicals released by pellet stoves dealers near me stoves is also much lower than those with modern wood stoves that have been certified by the EPA.
They are not required to be vented via chimneys, as is the case with traditional wood stoves. Instead, they should be vented properly through a wall, or any other exterior structure. Pellet stoves are equipped with flue ports that are located on the front or back of the appliance. They are connected to a ventpipe that extends out from the house.
A pellet stove has one drawback it requires you to purchase or store enough fuel pellets to last for the entire winter time. Pellet stove owners typically use three tons of wood pellets per winter, for a price of $200 per ton. These expenses add up over the years, but it is cheaper than buying and hauling firewood for traditional fireplaces or stove. Be sure to purchase enough pellets to ensure that your stove can function throughout the coldest winter months and you have a suitable place to store the pellets (preferably cool, dry and away from the ground).
3. Reduced Carbon Footprint
pellet stoves cheap stoves produce heat using renewable biomass fuel, reducing reliance on finite fossils fuels. This contributes to a reduced carbon footprint and also helps diversify the energy sources used in homes.
Even the most modern woodstoves that are EPA certified emit considerably less carbon dioxide than pellet stoves. The emissions from pellet stoves are also considerably lower than those from gas furnaces. Pellets are made from sawdust, bark, and other lumber remnants. They may also contain soybeans, corn, or agricultural waste. When they are burned, they release fewer particulates (leading to respiratory problems and allergies) carcinogens, carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides.
The feed system is the primary difference between a pellet stove and a wood stove. Pellet stoves come with hoppers to hold the pellets. When the thermostat or sensors signal that the room requires heating, the auger turns and the pellets are fed into the combustion chamber, where they are burned and generate heat. The combustion chamber is pushed through a heat exchanger that transfers the heat to a blower before releasing it into the room. This process produces very little emissions, and creosote does not created.
After the hopper has been empty, a cyclone action removes the ash and deposits it in an ash pan. The stove also contains an air circulator to move the warm, clean air into the living space. Most pellet stoves are designed to be maintenance-free and come with a large view space for you and your family to enjoy the flames.
The main factor that influences emissions from stoves made of pellets is the quality of the pellets. Pellets that are not of the highest quality will cause more emissions. When selecting your pellets, ensure they are certified as meeting certain standards and don’t contain other ingredients such as urea or petroleum-based products. Also, look for a manufacturer that offers a guarantee and will repair or replace components in the event of a malfunction. If you want to take the greener route certain states allow homeowners to claim a tax credit for installing pellet stoves. This is a great way to help to offset the initial cost of this kind of stove and make it easier to set up.
4. Reduced Noise
good pellet stoves stoves produce less smoke and exhaust as compared to wood burning fireplaces. A fan is employed to spread heat more evenly throughout the room. This feature is one of the reasons pellet stoves modern stoves require much less maintenance than traditional wood stoves. While wood stoves need to be cleaned regularly of dust and chemicals, pellet stoves only need a specialized metal vacuum cleaner for regular cleaning.
Many manufacturers have designed their stoves so that they are simple to set up and operate, as well as maintain. The stoves come in different styles to complement the decor of your home. Some models come with a programmable thermostat remote control, as well as WIFI apps that let you control and monitor your stove from anywhere in the world.
The majority of pellet stoves have a large fuel hopper which can hold between 35 and 130 pounds of pellets. The pellets are then pumped into the combustion chamber via an auger. The speed at which pellets are fed to the burner determines how hot the fire is and the heat output. The hopper can be filled with either hardwood pellets (from dense wood species like oak and hickory) or softwood pellets (from pine and fir). Some stoves will even make use of alternative biomass pellets like those made from corn or switchgrass, which can be environmentally friendly alternatives.
miniature pellet stove stoves produce less smoke and require less maintenance due to the fact that they use a cleaner fuel than wood-burning fireplaces. They also don’t require a chimney, making them a better option for new construction or retrofits.
In contrast to wood stoves, which require regular maintenance to be free of creosote as well as other chemicals, pellet stoves only need to be periodically inspected to ensure proper operation and maintenance. This could include periodic cleaning and inspection of the ash or “clinker” as well as the fans and motors, depending on the model. The dealer of your appliance can explain the correct procedures for your specific model and brand. He can also provide information regarding safety and storage, and assist you in locating the appropriate fuel for your stove.