Choosing Between a wood and pellet stove (
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Wood and
pellet stoves dealers near me stoves come in a variety of styles that are able to fit into existing fireplaces. They look attractive and can provide warmth to homes.
contemporary pellet stove stoves burn compressed wood waste such as shavings and sawdust to create hot air. A fan is used to push exhaust gasses through specially designed venting systems.
Cost
When looking at wood heat stoves versus pellet stoves, the cost is the most significant factor. Pellet stoves are more expensive initially than their counterparts. However they are less expensive when compared to home fossil fuels or electric heat sources. Additionally, the long-term savings that can be derived from less dependence on a central heating system can make up for the initial cost.
Pellet stoves employ a combustion chamber to burn compressed pellet fuel such as alfalfa, oat or timothy. These wood-like pellets have a higher heat content per pound than cordwood and they burn hotter to produce more BTUs per hour. Additionally, pellet fuel can be purchased in bulk to reduce the amount of time required to fill up a stove hopper.
The
pellet stove insert stove has the advantage of being an automatic. You can set the temperature you want on a thermostat and the appliance will keep the room at this precise temperature. This will save you from having to keep adding fuel to your fire and prevents massive temperature fluctuations within your home that could happen when using wood stoves.
The advantages of pellet stoves is evident in the lower maintenance it requires than a wood stove. While wood stoves must be regularly cleaned to prevent the buildup of creosote pellet stoves typically produce small amounts of creosote and require regular cleaning of the chimney flue vent to ensure that it is operating at its best.
Initial expenses for pellet stoves are typically more costly than wood heat stoves, however the energy savings they provide could offset these costs over time. A pellet stove requires a power source for the feed of pellets into the combustion chamber, which can be a problem in the event of an electrical outage. Battery backup systems can mitigate this risk.
Both kinds of wood heat stoves and pellet stoves are safe to use if they are properly maintained. To ensure the safety of your wood heating stove, be sure to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for operation and maintenance. This includes removing unburned pellets from the stove's hopper as well as feed system at the conclusion of each heating season and sweeping the vents for the flue on a regular basis to minimize the accumulation of soot.
Energy Efficiency
A pellet or wood stove is a good option for homes because they generate heat at a far more cost-effective rate than gas or oil heaters. They can also be used to create a comfortable environment and as an alternative method of heating like a fireplace or furnace. If you're looking for a new stove it's important to select the best one for your needs and budget.
Pellet stoves have a rectangular shape. They come with a combustion chamber, hopper and vent to exhaust the combustion gases. They can be self-lighting and come with a thermostat that allows you to control the temperature of your home. They can be used for heating small to large houses, based on the power of the unit and its capacity to generate a sufficient amount of heat per hour.
A variety of different kinds of pellet fuel are available that include nutshells, wood grain, grain, and other byproducts of cardboard and paper. You'll have to choose what kind of pellets you'd like to utilize. Some are able to burn efficiently, while others may produce too much ash. The best pellets have a higher energy density. This means they'll produce more heat than the cheaper ones.
A pellet stove makes use of electricity to power augers and fans that transfer pellets into the combustion chamber. A power outage can affect the amount of heat you're able to produce therefore you might consider installing a generator or backup system in case there is a power outage. Pellet stoves can be more efficient than wood-burning stoves since they require less air to burn, and produce less ash or creosote.
Both pellet and wood stoves require some maintenance, however wood stoves typically require more maintenance than pellet stoves. You'll need to clear the ash that has accumulated and "clinker" from the stove's bottom regularly. It is recommended to employ a metal vacuum cleaner equipped with a flexible hose so that you can get rid of the hot material without burning yourself. Based on the type of stove you buy it is likely that you will need to change the fire screen at least once a year, too.
Environmental Impact
Wood-burning stoves generate significant amounts of air pollution including nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds such as dioxins and furans. These emissions can also cause fine particle pollution that is dangerous to human health. Additionally burning wood creates creosote, which is a toxic and carcinogenic chemical, which accumulates in the flue vent and can cause house fires. Wood pellets cause less air pollution, no creosote and require less storage space than logs.
Pellet stoves are also more complex than log fireplaces, and require regular inspections by homeowners and by an expert on an annual basis to ensure that they function correctly. They also require electricity to power fans control systems, pellet feeders, and even controls. In normal use, a pellet stove consumes about 100 kilowatt-hours per month. The stove will not function in the event that power is cut off, unless there is a battery backup.
The species size, the size, and the moisture content of the wood used will determine the efficiency of energy and environmental impact of a pellet stove or wood stove. Wood pellets that are made of dense hardwoods, such as oak and hickory, produce more heat per pound than pellets made of softwoods like pine or spruce. The heat-to-weight ratio for different species is also a crucial factor.
The initial cost of a stove made of pellets is less than a wood stove. However, it requires replacement after 10 to 15 years. The majority of manufacturers recommend that you remove all unused pellets at the end the heating season from the stove hopper, feed system and ash pan. This will help to prevent the rusting of the appliance and allow it to be lit at the beginning of the next heating period. It is also recommended that the vent for the flue be regularly cleaned to avoid soot buildup.
Although the pellet stove did better than the fireplace and the split log burner made of spruce for the majority of impact categories, the results of this study are specific to the appliances tested and the conditions under which they were operating. Further research is required to evaluate the performance of residential wood-based heating systems from a cradle to grave perspective. This includes forest management including wood split log and pellet production, transport and storing, and thermal energy production.
Maintenance
To ensure that the process of burning remains efficient and smooth, pellet and wood stoves need regular maintenance. They must be cleaned on a weekly basis to scrub away dust and ash. They also need to be emptied of their ash pans as well as the vent pipes frequently. Following these guidelines will prevent the build-up of creosote, which can lead to the stove malfunctioning.
Every season, a professional technician must clean and inspect the pellet stove before each season. This will help identify any mechanical issues and resolve problems before they get worse. In addition, the technician should clean and examine the venting system to ensure it is in good operation. The technician should also lubricate the fans and replace any parts that are blocked.
