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Choosing Between a Wood and Pellet Stove Wood and pellet stoves are available in a variety of styles to match fireplaces of all kinds. They look attractive and provide heat to homes. Pellet stoves burn wood waste such as shavings and sawdust to create hot air. A fan is used to force exhaust gases through a specially designed venting system. pellet stoves for sale of the main factors when making a comparison between a wood heat stove to a pellet stove is the cost. While pellet stoves are likely to be more expensive upfront than their counterparts, their prices are significantly lower when contrasted with home electric and fossil fuel sources. The long-term savings of the reduction in dependence on central heating system can help offset the initial cost. Pellet stoves burn compressed pellet fuels such as timothy or alfalfa in an enclosed combustion chamber. These pellets that resemble wood are more efficient in terms of BTU per hour and a greater heat content than cordwood. Pellet fuel can be bought in bulk, which decreases the time required to fill a stove's hopper. One of the major advantages of a pellet stove is that it operates automatically. The stove will stay at the temperature you set on the thermostat. It is also easier to maintain an unbroken fire and avoids the extreme temperature fluctuations that can occur when using an oven. The pellet stove is less prone to maintenance than a wood burning stove. Wood stoves must be cleaned frequently to prevent creosote accumulation, while pellet stoves produce a minimal amount of dust and require only periodic cleaning of the chimney to ensure optimal performance. The initial cost of pellet stoves is generally more expensive than wood heat stoves. However the energy savings could be offset over time. A pellet stove requires a power source to allow the pellets into the combustion chamber. This can be a problem in the event of a power interruption. Battery backup systems can mitigate this risk. If properly maintained, both wood heat stoves and pellet stoves are fairly safe to use. In order to ensure the safety of your stove, adhere to the manufacturer's guidelines for maintenance and operation. This includes removing any unneeded pellets at the end each heating season from the stove's hopper, feed system and cleaning the flue vent frequently to avoid the accumulation of soot. Energy Efficiency A pellet or wood stove can be a great choice for a home because they produce heat at a much more cost-effective rate than oil or gas heaters. They also create a warm atmosphere and can also be utilized as an alternative to traditional heating methods, such as fireplaces or furnaces. However, if you're shopping for a new stove, it's important to choose the right type for your requirements and budget. Pellet stoves are rectangular in shape and include combustion chambers, a fan, vents, and hopper to exhaust gases from combustion. The stoves can be self-lighting and include a thermostat to let you control the temperature in your home. They can be used to heat small or large homes, depending on the power of the unit and its capacity to generate a sufficient amount of heat per hour. There are many kinds of pellet fuel, such as grains, nutshells, wood and nutshells. Other byproducts like cardboard and paper can also be used. You'll need to decide which type of pellets you'd like to use. Certain types of pellets burn well however others could produce excessive Ash. The top pellets have a higher energy density. This means they will produce more heat than the cheaper ones. A pellet stove makes use of electricity to power augers and fans, which feed pellets into the combustion chamber. You might want 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 generally more efficient than wood stoves because they don't require as much air to burn and produce less creosote and ash. Both pellet and wood stoves require some maintenance. However wood stoves generally require more maintenance. You'll need to periodically get rid of the accumulation of “clinker” and ash from the bottom of your stove. It is recommended to use a metal vacuum cleaner with a flexible hose to get rid of the hot material. You might also have to replace the fire screen on your stove at least once per year, based on the type you buy. Environmental Impact Wood-burning stoves generate significant amounts of air pollution which include nitrogen oxides as well as volatile organic compounds like furans and dioxins. These emissions can cause fine particle pollution that is dangerous to human health. The burning of wood also generates creosote. This carcinogenic and toxic substance can accumulate in the flue, causing house fires. Wood pellets produce less air pollution, have no creosote is produced and require less storage space than logs. Pellet stoves also require more care than log fireplaces. They should be inspected by the homeowner and a professional every year to ensure that they're operating properly. They also require electricity to power fans, controls and pellet feeders. A pellet stove uses about 100 kilowatt hours per month under normal use. The stove will not operate when the power goes out, unless there is a battery backup. The species, size, and moisture content of the wood used will determine the efficiency of energy and environmental impact of a pellet stove or wood stove. Wood pellets made of dense hardwoods such as oak and hickory provide more heat on a per-pound basis than pellets produced from softwoods such as pine or spruce. The heat-to-weight ratio of various species is also crucial. The initial cost of a stove constructed of pellets is less than a wood stove. However, it still must be replaced after 10 to 15 years. Most manufacturers suggest removing all unused pellets from the stove's hopper and feed system at the end of the heating season which will prevent rusting and make lighting the appliance at the beginning of the next heating season easier. It is also recommended that the flue vent be cleaned on a regular basis to prevent soot buildup. The results of this study, although the pellet stove performed better in the majority of impact categories than the fireplace or spruce log burner are specific to the equipment and the conditions in which they were operating. Further research will be needed to evaluate the performance of various wood-based heating systems for residential use from a cradle-to-grave perspective including the management of forests, pellet and wood split log production, storage and transport and thermal energy generation. Maintenance To keep the combustion process efficient and smooth, pellet and wood stoves require regular maintenance. A weekly cleaning is necessary to get rid of ash and other debris. They also need to be emptied of their ash pans as well as the vent pipes on a regular basis. These requirements help to stop the accumulation of creosote that can cause a stove to malfunction. A qualified technician should carry out the cleaning and inspection of a pellet stove prior the start of each season. This can help determine and fix any mechanical problems before they become more serious. Additionally the technician must clean and inspect the venting system to ensure that it is in good operation. The technician should also clean any parts that are clogged or oily and lubricate the fans. Pellet stoves are much more complicated than wood stoves and require a little more attention to maintenance. The blower, controls and hopper require electricity. In addition, they need to be connected to an exhaust pipe that could be a small chimney for the roof or an exhaust pipe directly through the wall behind the stove. The installer will provide suggestions to the homeowner on the best option in accordance with their home's layout and the stove type. Both wood and pellet stoves are best kept in a clean, dry area to avoid exposure to moisture. They should not be kept directly on concrete floors, as this will cause them to absorb moisture and become polluted. They should be stored in sealed storage containers to protect them from pests as well as other contaminants. They should be inspected regularly and then refilled with pellets of the highest quality. In addition to being a reliable heating source In addition to being a great source of heat, pellet stoves and wood can be a great way to save money on energy bills. It is important to select the right type of pellets or wood in order to ensure they burn correctly. Hickory, oak and maple are excellent choices because they produce less creosote and have a high percentage of heat per kilogram. It is important to maintain your wood or pellet stove on a regular basis to avoid costly repairs. This will also extend the lifespan of your stove. In addition to cleaning it on a regular basis, it is important to check the ventilation system for obstructions and to clean the glass door.