Choosing Between a
Wood and Pellet StoveWood and pellet stoves come in a range of styles that are able to fit into existing fireplaces. They look stylish and provide heat for homes.
Pellet stoves produce hot air through the burning of wood waste, such as shavings and sawdust. A fan is used to force gasses out of the exhaust through a specially designed venting system.
Cost
When considering wood heat stoves against pellet stoves, their price is the most significant factor. While
tiny pellet stove stoves are likely to be more expensive in the beginning than their counterparts, their prices are considerably lower compared to home fossil fuels and electric heating sources. Additionally, the long-term savings that can be derived from less dependence on a central heating system can be more than the initial investment.
Pellet stoves burn compressed pellet fuels, such as timothy or alfalfa in the combustion chamber. These wood-like Pellets have higher BTU per hour and a greater heat content than cordwood. Pellet fuel can be purchased in bulk, which reduces the time needed to refill the stove's hopper.
One of the major advantages of pellet stoves is that it runs on autopilot. You can set the temperature you want by using a thermostat, and the appliance will keep the room at this exact temperature. This will save you from having to continually add fuel to a fire, and it prevents large temperature swings in your home, which can occur when you use a wood stove.
The convenience of a pellet stove is also evident in the lower maintenance is required than wood stoves. While a wood stove needs to be cleaned regularly to prevent the accumulation of creosote pellet stoves typically produce small amounts of creosote and require regular cleaning of the chimney flue vent to ensure optimal performance.
The initial cost of pellet stoves is typically higher than wood heat stoves. However the energy savings may be offset over time. A pellet stove requires power for the feed of pellets into the combustion chamber, which can present a problem in the event of an electrical outage. Battery backup systems can reduce this risk.
If properly maintained, both wood heat stoves as well as pellet stoves are safe to use. To ensure the safety of your stove, you should always follow manufacturer instructions for operation and maintenance. This includes removing any unneeded pellets at the end each heating season from the stove feed system, hopper and cleaning the flue vent regularly to reduce the accumulation of soot.
Energy Efficiency
A wood or
pellet stove fireplace heater can be a good option for your home as they are much more cost-effective than oil or gas heaters. They also create a cozy atmosphere and can also be utilized as an alternative to traditional heating methods, such as fireplaces or furnaces. However, if you're looking for a new stove it's crucial to choose the
best pellet stove inserts one for your requirements and budget.
pellet stove stores near me stoves are rectangular in shape and include an air chamber, a fan, hopper, and vent to vent gasses from combustion. The stoves can be self-lighting, and they include a thermostat to allow you to regulate the temperature inside your home. They can be used for heating small to large houses, based on the power of the unit and its capability to generate enough heat per hour.
There are many kinds of pellet fuel, such as grain, nutshells, and wood. Other byproducts, such as cardboard and paper can also be used. You'll need to decide what kind of pellets you'd like to use. Some are able to burn efficiently however others could produce excessive ash. The top pellets have a higher energy density. This means they'll generate more heat than inferior brands.
A pellet stove makes use of electricity to power fans and augers that feed pellets into the combustion chamber. It is possible to install an emergency generator or backup system to ensure that you can generate heat in the event of a power interruption. Pellet stoves are typically more efficient than wood stoves as they don't require as much air to burn and produce less creosote and ash.
Both
miniature pellet stove and wood stoves require some attention. However wood stoves typically require more maintenance. You'll have to clean out the accumulated ash and "clinker" from the bottom of the stove often. It is recommended that you employ a metal vacuum cleaner with a flexible hose, so that you can get rid of the hot material without burning yourself. It is also possible to replace the fire screen on your stove at least once a year, based on the type of stove you purchase.
Environmental Impact
Wood-burning stoves emit huge quantities of air pollutants, including nitrogen oxides volatile organic compounds (furans and dioxins), and volatile organic substances. These emissions can also cause fine particle pollution that can be harmful to human health. In addition burning wood releases creosote, a toxic and carcinogenic chemical that accumulates in the flue vents and can cause house fires. Wood pellets create less air pollution, have no creosote and require less storage space than logs.
Pellet stoves are also more complicated than log fireplaces and require regular inspections by the homeowner and by an expert on an annual basis to ensure they are operating correctly. Electricity is also used to power fans, controls and pellet feeders. In normal use, a pellet stove consumes approximately 100 kilowatt-hours a month. If the power is cut off, the stove will not work, unless it has batteries to backup it.
The species, size, and moisture content of the wood used will determine the efficiency of energy and environmental impact of a pellet or wood stove. Wood pellets made of dense, hardwood timber like oak and hickory generate more heat on a pound for pound basis than pellets made from softwoods like pine or spruce. The heat-toweight ratio is also an important factor.
The initial cost of a stove constructed of pellets is much less expensive than a wood stove. However, it needs to be replaced after 10 to 15 years. Most manufacturers recommend removing all pellets that are not used from the stove's hopper and feed system at the end of the heating season which will stop rust from forming and make lighting the stove in the next heating season much easier. It is also recommended that the flue vent be regularly cleaned to avoid the build-up of soot.
Although the pellet stove did better than the fireplace and spruce split log burner for the majority of impact categories The results of this study are specific to the appliances evaluated and the conditions in which they were operated. Further research is needed to assess the efficiency of residential wood-based heating systems from a cradle to grave perspective. This includes forest management activities including wood split log and pellet production, transport and storing thermal energy production.
Maintenance
To keep the burning process efficient and smooth, wood and pellet stoves require regular maintenance. A weekly cleaning is necessary to eliminate ash and other debris. The ash pans, aswell vent pipes, must be cleaned on a regular basis. Following these guidelines helps to prevent build-up of creosote which could lead to the stove malfunctioning.
Every season an experienced technician should clean and inspect the pellet stove. This can help determine and fix any mechanical issues before they become more serious. The technician should also clean and examine the venting systems to ensure proper operation. The technician should also lubricate the fan and replace any parts that are blocked.
Pellet stoves require more maintenance than wood stoves, as they are more complex. The controls, the blower and hopper require electricity. They must also be connected to an exhaust pipe, which can be a small roof-top chimney or a direct wall vent behind the stove.