Choosing Between a Wood and Pellet Stove
Wood and pellet stoves are available in a variety of styles that fit into preexisting fireplaces. They look attractive and can provide warmth to homes.
Pellet stoves produce hot air by burning wood waste such as sawdust and shavings. A fan is used to push gasses out of the exhaust through a specially designed venting system.
Cost
When considering wood heat stoves against pellet stoves, the cost is a major factor. Pellet stoves are more expensive at first than their counterparts. However, they are much cheaper when compared to home electric or fossil fuel sources. The long-term savings of the reduced dependence on central heating can also help offset the initial investment.
Pellet stoves use an internal combustion chamber to burn compressed pellet fuel, such as alfalfa, oat or Timothy. These pellets resemble wood and have a higher percentage of heat per pound than cordwood and they burn more hot to produce more BTUs per hour. Additionally, pellet fuel can be bought in bulk, which can reduce the time required to fill up a stove hopper.
One of the major advantages of a pellet stove is that it functions automatically. You can set the desired temperature on a thermostat, and the stove will keep the room at this precise temperature. This saves you from having to continually add fuel to your fire, and it prevents large temperature swings in your home that can occur when you use wood stoves.
The advantages of pellet stoves is evident in how much less maintenance is required than a wood stove. While wood stoves must be regularly cleaned to avoid the accumulation of creosote pellet stoves usually produce very small amounts of creosote and require regular cleaning of the chimney flue vent to ensure that it is operating at its best.
The initial investment for pellet stoves is generally higher than wood heat stoves. However the energy savings may reduce this cost over time. A pellet stove requires a power source for the feed of pellets into the combustion chamber. This can be a problem in the event of a power interruption. Battery backup systems can reduce this risk.
Both kinds of wood heat stoves as well as pellet stoves are relatively safe to operate when properly maintained. To ensure the safety of your stove, you should always follow manufacturer instructions for maintenance and operation. This includes removing any unused 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 wood or pellet heater is a great option for your home, since they are more affordable than gas or oil heaters. They also create a cozy atmosphere and can be utilized as an alternative to traditional heating methods, such as a furnace or fireplace. If you're in the market for an entirely new stove, it's crucial that you choose the right one that meets your needs and budget.
Pellet stoves are rectangular in shape. They come with a combustion chamber, hopper and vent to exhaust combustion gases. The stoves are self-lighting and include a thermostat to allow you to control the temperature of your home. They can be used for heating small to large houses, based on the capacity of the unit as well as its capability to generate enough heat per hour.
Many different types of pellet fuel are available, including wood, nutshells grains, grain, and various byproducts from paper and cardboard. You'll need to determine what kind of pellets you'd like to utilize. Some are able to burn efficiently and produce excessive ash. The top pellets have higher energy density. This means they'll produce more heat than inferior brands.
A pellet stove uses 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 you are able to generate heat in the event of a power outage. Pellet stoves are typically more efficient than wood stoves, because they don't require the same amount of air to burn and produce less creosote and ash.
Both wood and pellet stoves require some attention. However wood stoves typically require more maintenance. You'll need to clear the ash that has accumulated and "clinker" from the stove's bottom often. It is recommended to use a metal vacuum cleaner with a flexible hose, so that you can get rid of the hot material without burning yourself. Depending on the type of stove you purchase you'll probably require a change of the fire screen at least every year, too.
Environmental Impact
Wood-burning stoves generate significant amounts of air pollution which include nitrogen oxides as well as volatile organic compounds, such as furans and dioxins. These emissions can also lead to fine particle pollution that can be harmful 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 on the other hand, generate far less air pollution and no creosote, and they require less storage space than logs.
Pellet stoves are also more complex than log fireplaces and need regular inspections by homeowners and by an expert on a regular basis to ensure they operate correctly. Electricity is also used to power fans, controls, and pellet feeders. Under normal usage pellet stoves consume around 100 kilowatts per month. If the power goes out the stove won't work, unless it has batteries to backup it.
The energy efficiency and environmental impacts of a pellet or wood stove are dependent on the species, size and moisture content of the wood that is used. Wood pellets made from dense, hardwood timber like oak and hickory produce more heat on a pound-for-pound basis than pellets produced from softwoods, such as pine or spruce. The heat-toweight ratio is also an important aspect.
The initial cost of a stove made of pellets is much less expensive than a wood stove. However, it still needs to be replaced after 10 to 15 years. Most manufacturers recommend that you take away all unneeded pellets at the end of the heating season from the stove feed system, hopper and the ash pan. This will help to prevent rusting of the appliance and allow it to be lit at the beginning of the next heating season. The flue vent should be cleaned regularly to prevent the accumulation of soot.
The results of this study, although the pellet stove was more efficient in most impact categories than the fireplace or spruce log burner, are specific to the appliances and the conditions under the conditions they were operating. More research is needed to assess the performance of residential heating systems in a cradle to grave perspective. This includes forest management activities such as wood split logs and pellet production, transport and storage, and thermal energy production.
Maintenance
Wood and pellet stoves require regular maintenance to keep the burning process running smoothly and efficiently. A weekly cleaning is necessary to eliminate ash and other debris. The ash pans, as well vent pipes, must be cleaned on a regular basis. Following these guidelines helps prevent the accumulation of creosote, which can lead to the stove malfunctioning.
Before each season, a professional technician should clean and examine the pellet stove before each season. This will allow you to identify any mechanical issues and fix them before they become more serious. pellet stove outdoor should also clean and inspect venting system in order to ensure proper functioning. The technician should also lubricate the fan and replace any parts that are blocked.
Pellet stoves are more complicated than wood stoves and require a little more care in maintaining. They require electricity to run the blower, controls and the hopper. They also require being connected to an exhaust pipe, which could be a small roof top chimney or a direct vent for the wall behind the stove. The installer can advise the homeowner on the most appropriate way to arrange their home and stove model.
Both pellet and wood stoves must be stored in a clean, dry space to avoid moisture exposure. It is not recommended to store them on concrete floors as they will absorb moisture and then become polluted. To guard them against pests they should be kept in sealed containers. They must also be regularly inspected and filled with pellets of the highest quality.
pellet stoves for sale near me and pellet stoves aren't only efficient sources of heat They can also aid in saving money on your energy bills. However, it is important to select the correct kind of wood or pellets to ensure that they burn properly. Hickory, oak and maple are great choices since they are less likely to produce creosote and have a high percentage of heat per pound.
If you have a wood or pellet stove, it is essential to maintain it regularly to avoid costly repairs and to prolong its life. In addition to cleaning it on a regular basis it is crucial to examine the ventilation system for obstructions, and also clean the glass door.