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Choosing Between a Wood and Pellet Stove Wood and pellet stoves are available in a variety of designs to fit into fireplaces. They look stylish and offer warmth to homes. Pellet stoves burn wood waste like shavings and sawdust to create hot air. A fan is used to push exhaust gasses through specially designed venting systems. Cost One of the main factors when comparing a wood heat stove to a pellet stove is the price. While pellet stoves can be more expensive upfront than their counterparts, they are significantly lower when compared to home fossil fuels and electric heating sources. The long-term savings resulting from a reduced dependency on a central heating system can help offset the initial investment. Pellet stoves utilize an internal combustion chamber to burn compressed pellet fuel like alfalfa, oat or Timothy. These pellets that resemble wood are more efficient in terms of BTU/hour and a higher percentage of heat than cordwood. Fireplaces and Stove can be bought in bulk, which reduces the time required to fill the stove's hopper. The pellet stove has the benefit of being automatic. The stove will keep the temperature you set on the thermostat. This saves you from having to continually add fuel to a burning fire and prevents massive temperature swings in your home, which can happen when using a wood stove. The ease of a pellet stove is also evident in how much less maintenance it requires than wood stoves. While a wood stove needs to be regularly cleaned to prevent the buildup of creosote pellet stoves generally produce little creosote and require only regular cleaning of the chimney vent to ensure maximum performance. The initial cost of pellet stoves is typically more expensive than wood heat stoves. However the energy savings could be offset over time. A pellet stove requires a power source for the feed of pellets into the combustion chamber, which can present a problem in the event of power interruption. However battery backup systems are readily available to help reduce this risk. Both kinds of wood heat stoves and pellet stoves are safe to operate when properly maintained. In order to ensure the safety of your stove, always follow manufacturer instructions for operation and maintenance. This includes removing any unneeded pellets at the end of each heating season from the stove's hopper, feed system and cleaning the flue vent frequently to prevent the build-up of soot. Energy Efficiency A pellet or wood stove is a fantastic choice for a home because they generate heat at a far more cost-effective rate than gas or oil heaters. They can also be used to create a cozy atmosphere and also as an alternative to heating methods such as furnaces or fireplaces. If you're in the market for a new stove it's important to select the best one for your requirements and budget. Pellet stoves are rectangular and come with an air chamber, a fan, hopper, and vent to vent gases from combustion. They can be self-lighting and include a thermostat that allows you to regulate the temperature of your home. They can be used to heat small or large houses, based on the capacity of the unit as well as its ability to produce a sufficient amount of heat per hour. Many different types of pellet fuel are available, including wood, nutshells, grain, and other byproducts of cardboard and paper. Depending on the type of pellet you use you'll need to think about whether it's burning correctly or produce excessive ash. The top quality pellets will have an energy density that is high that means they'll generate more heat than lower-quality brands. A pellet stove uses electricity to power fans and augers that feed pellets into the combustion chamber. You might want to install an emergency generator or backup system to ensure that you are able to generate heat in the event of power interruption. Pellet stoves are usually more efficient than wood stoves since they don't need more air to burn and produce less ash and creosote. Both pellet and wood stoves require some maintenance, however wood stoves typically require more attention than pellet stoves. You'll need to clear the accumulated ash and “clinker” from the bottom of the stove often. You should use a steel vacuum with a flexible hose to remove the hot material. You may also need 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 release large quantities of air pollutants, including nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds (furans and dioxins), and volatile organic substances. These emissions also contribute to fine particle pollution which could be harmful to health. In addition burning wood creates creosote which is a poisonous and carcinogenic chemical that builds up in the flue vents and can cause house fires. Wood pellets, on the contrary, produce less air pollution and have no creosote and require less storage space than logs. Pellet stoves also require more care than log fireplaces. They must be inspected by the homeowner and a professional every year to ensure they are operating correctly. They also use electricity to power fans, controls and pellet feeders. A pellet stove uses approximately 100 kilowatts per month in normal usage. The stove will not function when the power goes out, unless there is a battery backup. The energy efficiency and environmental impacts of a wood or pellet stove depend on the species, size and moisture content of the timber that is used. Wood pellets made of dense hardwoods, such as oak and hickory produce more heat pound for pounds than pellets made of softwoods like pine or spruce. The heat-toweight ratio is also an important aspect. The initial cost of a stove constructed of pellets is less 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 hopper, feed system, and ash pan. This will help to prevent rusting of the appliance and make it easier to light at the beginning of the next heating season. The flue vent must be cleaned on a regular basis to prevent soot accumulation. The results of this study, even though the pellet stove was more efficient in the majority of impact categories than the fireplace or spruce log stove, are specific to the appliances and conditions under which they operated. More research is needed to compare performance of residential wood-based heating systems from a cradle to grave perspective. This includes forest management activities, wood split log and pellet production, transportation and storage and storing thermal energy. Maintenance To keep the burning process efficient and smooth, pellet and wood stoves require regular maintenance. Every week, cleaning is needed to get rid of ash and other debris. The ash pans, aswell vent pipes, must be cleaned on a regular basis. Following these guidelines will prevent the build-up of creosote that could lead to the stove malfunctioning. A professional technician should perform the cleaning and inspection of a pellet stove prior use every season. This will help to spot any mechanical issues and resolve problems before they get worse. In addition the technician should wash and examine the venting system to ensure it is in good operation. The technician must also lubricate and clean the fans and replace any clogged parts. Pellet stoves need more maintenance than wood stoves due to the fact that they are more complicated. The blower, controls and the hopper require electricity. They must also be connected with an exhaust pipe, which could be either a small roof-top chimney or a direct wall vent behind the stove. The installer will advise the homeowner on the most appropriate way to arrange their home and stove type. To avoid exposure to moisture for both pellet and wood stoves must be stored in a dry, clean area. It is not recommended to place them directly on concrete floors because they will absorb moisture and become infected. To guard them against insects they should be kept in sealed containers. They must also be regularly inspected and refilled with high-quality pellets. In addition to being a reliable heat source In addition to being a great source of heat, pellet stoves and wood can be a great option to save on energy bills. However, it is crucial to choose the right kind of wood or pellets to ensure that they burn properly. The species of oak, hickory and maple are excellent selections due to their high levels of heat per pound, and produce less creosote than other species. If you own an electric or wood stove, it is important to maintain it on a regular basis to prevent costly repairs and extend its lifespan. It is essential to not only clean it regularly and to also check for any obstructions in your ventilation system and to clean the door.