patio pellet stove stove furnace (updated blog post)

Pellet stoves can be used as a second heat source or, if you have 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 fire.

The auger moves pellets from the hopper into the combustion chamber, where they are burned and produce heat. Sensors monitor the flame and can alter the speed of operation in order to maintain the desired temperature of the room.

1. Energy Efficiency

Pellet stoves burn a sustainable non-toxic, non-toxic fuel that is made from compressed sawdust, bark, wood chips, and other materials that are normally put in landfills, but can be repurposed into a sustainable and clean source of heating. This means that they help homeowners lower their energy consumption and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Many homeowners who own pellet stoves have reported that they’ve recouped their initial investment in only a few years, thanks to lower heating bills.

Pellets are highly compressed and more solid 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 that seal out moisture and need less frequent cleaning.

Pellet stoves, just like other heating systems need to be properly sized and vented. A professional technician can evaluate your venting requirements and space to ensure the best pellet stove results.

When the hearth is installed, it is constructed to fit the space and the vent is installed through a hole that has been cut in the siding of your home. The vent can be run through a sidewall or a roof depending on your preference and local laws.

Once the vent and hearth are completed, the pellet stove may be connected. Certain manufacturers provide a remote control that makes starting and maintaining the fire easy, while others have additional sensors that monitor combustion, airflow, flue temperature, and pressure. If the system determines that it requires more or fewer pellets, it will signal the auger to speed up or slow down according to the situation.

All stoves have a storage container that can hold between 35 and 130 pounds of pellets. Hopper capacities affect how often the stove will need refills with more hoppers, allowing for longer periods between refills. A grille draws fresh air out of the room and then passes it through an exchanger for heat, which then blasts heated air into the living area through convection. A auger, grate or other device distributes the pellets and a pan below is used to collect any unburned ones and also any combustion remnants.

Pellet stoves are more energy-efficient than wood-burning stoves, but they are not as efficient as electric heaters or natural gas furnaces. The electric components that drive their motorized parts require electricity which could cause problematic during an power outage, though backup systems are available, such as batteries and generators.

2. Low Maintenance

Pellet stoves are extremely efficient, but just like any major heating appliance they require a bit of maintenance to keep them running correctly. Cleaning your stove and exhaust vent regularly will prevent the buildup of dangerous creosote that could lead to a fire or an explosion that could cause damage to the stove and/or your home.

A pellet stove burns compressed natural wood pellets or other materials (like nutshells, corn kernels or small pellet stove pieces of wood scraps). The pellets are introduced into the combustion chamber via an electric auger. The thermostat you set regulates the rate at which pellets are delivered to the burner. This allows the fire to remain roaring, or to lower the rate and even go out according to the temperature you set. When the fire goes out, the ash is dropped into an empty ash tin beneath the burner that can be easily removed and then disposed of.

Pellets are made from byproducts from lumber processing which would otherwise be discarded. They are renewable and release far less particulates into the air than traditional wood-burning stoves resulting in a very clean burning heat source. The amount of carbon monoxide, carcinogens, and other harmful chemicals produced by pellet stoves is much lower than those with modern wood stoves that have been certified by the EPA.

Because of the low emissions they produce, these stoves do not need to be vented through a chimney like traditional wood stoves, but should be properly vented through a wall or other exterior structure. Pellet stoves are equipped with flue ports at the front or back of the appliance. They are connected to a ventpipe that extends out the house.

A pellet stoves used for sale stove has one disadvantage that you must purchase or store enough fuel pellets to last for the whole winter season. On average, pellet stove owners use three tons of pellets throughout the course of the winter, at a cost of $200 for each ton. The costs can add up over the years however, it’s less expensive than buying and transporting firewood for an old-fashioned wood-burning fireplace or stove. It is recommended to purchase enough pellets to ensure your stove can run through the winter’s coldest months. Additionally, you will require a location to keep the pellets (preferably dry and cool).

3. Reduced Carbon Footprint

Pellet stoves use renewable biomass fuel to create heat, reducing dependence on fossil fuels that are finite. This reduces the carbon footprint and helps diversify the energy sources used in homes.

Even the latest wood stoves that are EPA certified emit considerably less than pellet stoves. The emissions from pellet stoves are considerably lower than ones from gas furnaces. Pellets are made from wood, sawdust and other lumber waste. They can also comprise different materials like soybeans, corn and nutshells, cherry pits and agricultural waste. When they are burned, they release less particulates (leading to respiratory problems and allergies) carcinogens, carbon monoxide and nitrous oxides.

The feed system is the major difference between a pellet stove and a wood stove. Pellet stoves have hoppers that hold the pellets. When the thermostat or sensors suggest 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 air from combustion chamber is then pumped through a heat exchanger which transmits heat to the blower. This process creates very low emissions, and creosote is not created.

When the hopper is empty, a cyclone takes away the ash and puts it in an ash pot. The stove is equipped with a fan that circulates the clean, heated air throughout the room. Most pellet stoves require only minimal maintenance and have a large viewing space for you and your loved ones to relax and enjoy the flames.

The most significant factor affecting emissions from pellet stoves is the quality of the pellets. The poor quality pellets will result in more emissions. When choosing your pellets, ensure they meet certain standards and do not contain other ingredients, such as petroleum-based or urea-based products. Look for a company that offers a guarantee and will replace or repair parts in the event of a malfunction. If you’re looking for the greener route, some states allow homeowners to claim a tax credit for installing pellet stoves. This is a great way to to offset the initial cost of this kind of stove and make it easier to set up.

4. Reduced Noise

Pellet stoves produce very little smoke or exhaust when compared to wood-burning fireplaces. They also use an electric fan to distribute heat more evenly throughout the space. This is the reason why pellet stoves require less maintenance than wood stoves. While wood stoves need to be frequently cleaned of chemicals and particulates pellet stoves need the use of a special metal vacuum cleaner for routine cleaning.

Many manufacturers have made a conscious effort to design their stoves to be easy to set up and operate as well as maintain. They also make their appliances in a variety of styles to match the decor of your home. Some come with programmable thermostats, remote control and WIFI applications that allow you to manage and monitor your stove from any location in the world.

The majority of pellet stoves come with an enormous fuel hopper, which can hold between 35 and 130 pounds of pellets. The pellets are then delivered to the combustion chamber by an auger. The speed at which pellets are delivered to the burner determines how hot the flame is as well as the amount of heat it produces. The hopper can be filled with hardwood pellets (from dense wood species like oak and hickory) or softwood pellets (from pine and fir). Many stoves can also burn alternative biomass pellets, like those made from switchgrass or corn which are an eco-friendly option.

Since pellet stoves burn an environmentally friendly fuel, they generate less smoke than traditional wood-burning fireplaces, and require less maintenance. They also do not require chimneys, making them a better choice for new constructions or retrofits.

As opposed to wood stoves that require regular maintenance to keep free of creosote as well as other chemicals, pellet stoves need to be periodically inspected for proper operation and maintenance. This may include regular cleaning and inspection of the ash or “clinker” as well as the fans and motors, depending on the model. Your appliance dealer will be able to explain the correct procedures for your specific brand and model. He can also help you determine the right fuel for your stove, and give information regarding storage and safety.