Five Things You Didn't Know About Pellet Stoves Best
Pellet Stoves – How to Choose the Best Pellet Stoves Pellet stoves are a more efficient option over traditional wood stoves. They use recycled sawdust that's was compressed and dried to form pellet fuel. The pellets are heated, then fed through an auger into the combustion chamber. In contrast to traditional wood-burning fireplaces and stoves, pellet stoves are more efficient in energy and require less maintenance. They are also safer than wood stoves. Aesthetics The best pellet stoves look attractive, making them a stunning alternative to traditional wood-burning stoves. Some have large windows that allow you to observe the flames, while others are more modern and functional in appearance. Certain models include an energy-efficient electric fan that allows for a faster and more efficient combustion. Some are also eligible for the tax credit for fuel, which could help you cut down on your heating bill. In addition to their aesthetics, pellet stoves are highly efficient and produce lower particulate emissions compared to fossil-fuel counterparts. They burn pellets made from sawdust and recycled wood that prevent the material from ending up in landfills. They also reduce carbon emissions from the atmosphere by around 1.5 tons per annum. Pellet stoves can be purchased as freestanding units, wall-mounted, or even incorporated into fireplaces already in place. The freestanding units have distinct advantages and disadvantages. They can be placed anywhere in your home and you can easily regulate their temperature using thermostats. They are ideal for rooms that have open floor plans or those without a fireplace. The most important factor to consider when selecting a pellet stove is the heat it can generate. The stove should be designed appropriately for the space you have. An undersized stove won't be able to adequately heat your entire house and an over-sized stove will use more fuel than necessary and will result in greater energy costs. When buying pellet heaters, you should also consider how the heater will be vented. Most pellet stoves require venting systems, which includes an insulated chimney line as well an air intake for fresh air from outside to be used in the combustion. The system should be properly sealed in order to prevent moisture from entering your home. Most manufacturers recommend professional installation. In addition to the amount of heat that a pellet stove could produce, you should consider how it will fit into your home's decor. Freestanding pellet stoves typically create a rustic aesthetic, while wall-mounted models are more modern. You can also select a pellet stove that is integrated into your fireplace if trying to save money on installation. Energy efficiency The type of pellets you use in your stove will affect the efficiency of your stove. Generally premium or super-premium wood pellets offer more efficiency than standard or utility grade pellets. The reason for this is that pellets of higher quality are made of solid wood, not paper, cardboard or bark. They are also less likely to contain contaminants which can block the stove's burner pot and decrease the efficiency. The BTU rating will inform you of the amount of heat that a pellet stove produces for each one pound of fuel. This is important because it will inform you if your stove can provide enough heat for your home. If it's not, you'll require a second source of heating in the event your stove is not able to meet the needs of your home. The hopper capacity is another important aspect to consider, as it will determine how often you'll need to refill the stove. Another aspect that affects pellet stove energy efficiency is the way it is maintained. Many manufacturers require that their stoves be maintained and cleaned on a regular basis to maintain optimum performance. This includes cleaning the heat exchanger, the blower and venting system. Additionally the hopper must be kept clean of accumulated dust and ash. A dirty stove can drastically decrease its efficiency, so it is essential to follow manufacturer instructions to maintain the best efficiency. Pellet stoves are a great alternative for traditional heating methods. Pellet stoves can be the primary source of heat for many homes in colder climates. However it is crucial that you select a stove which is sized to fit your space and that it is maintained regularly. A best practice is to provide five thousand BTUs of heating power per square foot of living space. Smeltz estimates that homeowners who make the switch from oil or propane to pellet stoves can expect to save between $800-$1,000 per year on heating costs. This could be a significant selling feature for some customers. Burn time Pellet stoves are a beautiful middle ground between wood heat and other types of heating. They are easier to use than a wood-burning stove and more attractive than a typical mini split. They also produce less heat than a central furnace which makes them ideal for smaller spaces. As with other forms of heating supplemental to the home pellet stoves also require an external venting system in order to exhaust the combustion gasses. The vent pipe is connected to the stove, and can be connected to a chimney or an exterior wall. The venting system is a bit complicated depending on your space size and whether you have an electric or nonelectric stove. Electric stoves require an electrical connection in order to power the mechanical feed hopper which is responsible for delivering pellets to the fireboxes. Non-electric stoves require the user to manually insert the pellets into the firebox or use gravity feed. The size of a stove's hopper determines how long the stove will run before it needs to be refilled. A large hopper can store enough pellets to keep the stove running for a long time without refilling which is an important aspect to consider when deciding on the most efficient pellet stove you can buy. The energy efficiency rating is a different factor that determines the most efficient pellet stoves. The EPA assigns the stoves a number which reflect their efficiency in fuel and the higher the number, the more efficient the stove is. Some of the best pellet stoves are more efficient than 83 percent or better however, no stove will attain 100% efficiency since some of the heat is lost due to the venting system. A stove's BTU (British thermal unit) rating indicates the amount of heat it generates. A stove that has an increased BTU rating will be able to heat larger rooms or entire homes but will use more electricity than one that has a lower BTU rating. Certain models come with digital controls that permit you to set the temperature precisely. Others have simple dials that have an off and on button. Pellet stoves are available in different styles, including freestanding models that can stand on their own, wall-mounted models that are hung on the wall, and insert stoves that fit into an existing fireplace. A freestanding stove can be used wherever, and is a great alternative to other heaters. Maintenance Pellet stoves provide an alternative to wood-burning and gas heaters. They offer a reliable method to heat a home, but they can be costly to install and require regular maintenance to perform optimally. Proper care for your pellet stove can help owners save money while ensuring their family's and pets' security. Fireplaces and Stove can also help avoid costly repairs by preventing problems. Make sure your stove is clean to avoid issues. Cleaning is easy if you employ the right tools and follow the guidelines in your owner's manual. Regular cleaning will eliminate soot and ash buildup and ensure that your stove runs smoothly. A good ash cleaner and a HEPA filter specifically designed for dust particles will make this task easier. The hopper and feed area should be cleaned at least once a week. You can do this yourself, but an investment in cleaning kits that include an abrasive, sweeper tool and a pot is worth it. This will allow you to get rid of all the components of your stove without creating the mess. It is crucial to disconnect your stove and let it cool down before you begin cleaning. The heat exchanger is a different component that requires regular maintenance. This device is designed to convert the heat generated by the combustion of pellets into warm air that is then distributed throughout your home. It can become clogged with creosote that can be poisonous if inhaled. Cleaning the heat exchanger regularly keeps it in good working condition. It's also important to examine the hopper and burner for any loose components. The efficiency of the stove will decrease when the burn pot or hopper has been damaged. The cost of heating will also rise. A professional should examine your stove at least once a year. This will let you know of any issues that might arise and ensure that it is functioning properly before winter. Although pellet stoves are very convenient, it is vital to keep in mind that they make use of electricity to power their fans and digital controls. If your home is without electricity or the fan, the pellet feeder might not work. It is important to prepare a backup heating system for such situations. This is especially true when you live in a region that experiences cold winter weather.