Pellet Stoves - How to Choose the Best Pellet Stoves
Pellet stoves are a more efficient alternative over traditional wood stoves. The pellets are made of recycled sawdust, which has been dried and compressed. The pellets are heated in a combustion chamber, and fed by an auger.
In contrast to traditional wood-burning fireplaces and stoves pellet stoves are much more energy efficient and require less maintenance. They are also more secure than wood stoves.
Aesthetics
The most attractive pellet stoves look attractive, making them a stunning alternative to traditional wood-burning stoves. Some feature large windows that allow you to watch the flames, and others are more modern and functional in appearance. Some have an energy-efficient electric fan for faster, more efficient combustion of the pellets. Some are also eligible for tax credit for fuel, which can help you reduce your heating costs.
Pellet stoves aren't just stylish, but they also produce less pollutant emissions than fossil fuels. They burn pellets that are made of sawdust and recycled wood, which prevents the materials from being thrown into landfills. Additionally, they reduce carbon emissions by approximately 1.5 tons per year.
Pellet stoves can be purchased as freestanding units, mounted on the wall, or incorporated in an existing fireplace. pellet stoves for rvs has distinct advantages and disadvantages however, the freestanding models are generally considered more practical. They can be placed anywhere in your home and control the temperature easily through thermostats. They are perfect for rooms with open floor plans or without a fireplace.
The heat output of a pellet stove should be the most important factor in your decision. The stove should be designed correctly for your space. A stove that isn't sized correctly will not be able to heat your entire house, and an over-sized unit will use more fuel than is needed and will result in more energy bills.
Another aspect to take into consideration when purchasing a pellet stove is the way the stove is vented. The majority of pellet stoves need an exhaust system that has an insulated flue line as well as an air intake system to draw in fresh outside air to ignite the stove. The system must be properly sealed in order to prevent moisture from entering your home. The majority of manufacturers recommend professional installation.
Besides considering the amount of heat a pellet stove is able to generate, you should also think about how it will integrate into the decor of your home. Freestanding pellet stoves are typically rustic, while wall-mounted models are more modern. You can also select an integrated pellet stove into your fireplace if seeking to save money on installation.
Energy efficiency
The type of pellets you use in your stove will impact how efficient it is. Premium or super-premium pellets work better than the standard or utility pellets. The reason for this is that pellets of superior quality are made from solid wood and not cardboard, paper or bark. The pellets are also less likely to contain harmful substances that can block the stove's burner and decrease its efficiency.
The BTU rating of a pellet stove will inform you how much heat it produces for the amount of fuel used. This is important, as it will tell you whether your stove is able to provide sufficient heat to your home. If it is not, you might need to have a backup source of heating in the event that your stove is unable to meet the requirements of your home. The hopper capacity will determine the frequency at which you'll need to refill your stove.
Another factor that affects pellet stove energy efficiency is the degree to which it is maintained. Most manufacturers require that their stoves be cleaned and serviced on a regular basis to ensure their performance is at its best. This includes cleaning the heat exchanger, blower and venting system. Additionally, the hopper needs to be kept clear of dust and ash. A dirty stove will significantly decrease its efficiency, so it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions to ensure the best efficiency possible.
Pellet stoves are a great alternative for traditional heating methods. Pellet stoves can be the primary source of heating for homes that are located in colder climates. However, it is important that you choose the right size stove to fit your space and that it is regularly maintained. As a rule of thumb you should set aside 5,000 BTUs per square foot of space for heating.
If a homeowner decides to switch from oil or propane to a pellet stove they could save anywhere from $800 to $1,000 annually on their heating expenses according to Smeltz. This savings could be an important selling point for certain customers.
Burn time
Pellet stoves straddle a stylish middle line between wood heat and other forms of heating. They're more manageable than traditional wood-burning stoves as well as more appealing and efficient than the average mini-split. They also produce less heat than central furnaces, 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 to eliminate the combustion gasses. The vent pipe is connected to the stove and can be connected to the chimney, or through an exterior wall. The vent system can be complex, based on the size of your space and whether the stove is electric or nonelectric. Electric stoves require an electrical connection in order to provide power to the mechanical feed hopper, which delivers pellets into firebox. Non-electric stoves require the user to manually load the pellets into the firebox or employ gravity feed.
The size of a stove's hopper determines the length of time the stove will run before it has to be replenished. A large hopper can store enough pellets to keep the stove running for a long time without needing a refill which is an important aspect to consider when deciding on the best pellet stove for purchase.
The energy efficiency rating is a different factor that determines the best pellet stoves. The EPA assigns the stoves a number that reflect their fuel efficiency and the higher the number, more efficient the stove is. Some of the most efficient pellet stoves are at least 83 percent efficient or higher, but no stove can attain 100% efficiency since some of the heat is lost to the venting system.
A stove's BTU (British thermal unit) rating indicates how much heat it can generate. A stove that has an extremely high BTU rating can heat larger rooms and entire houses however it will use more electricity than a low-rated stove. Higher-end models feature digital controls that allow you to set a specific temperature while others provide simple dials and an on/off switch.
Pellet stoves are available in a variety of styles. They can be wall-mounted, freestanding or insert stoves. Insert stoves fit in existing fireplaces. Freestanding stoves can be used in any location, and is a great alternative to other kinds of heaters.
Maintenance
Pellet stoves offer an alternative to wood-burning and gas heaters. They are a great method of heating your home, however they can be expensive to install. They also require regular maintenance to function at optimum levels. Proper pellet stove maintenance can help homeowners save money and ensure the safety of their family members and pets. It also helps to avoid issues which could result in costly repairs.
Clean your pellet stove to avoid issues. Cleaning is easy if you use the right tools and follow the guidelines in the owner's manual. Regular cleaning can keep your stove in top working in good order by getting rid of ash and soot.
This job can be much easier with an effective Ash vacuum cleaner and HEPA dust filter. The hopper and the feed area should be cleaned at least once a week. You can do this by hand, but an investment in cleaning kits that include brushes, a sweeping tool, and a pan will be worth it. This will let you to clean all the parts of your stove without mess. It is essential to unplug the stove and wait for it to cool before beginning cleaning.
The heat exchanger is a different component that requires regular maintenance. This part 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. Regular cleaning of the heat exchanger helps keep it in good shape.
Examine the burner and hopper for loose components. The stove's efficiency will decrease in the event that the burner pot or hopper are damaged. The heating expenses will also rise. A professional should examine your stove every year. This will identify any issues and ensure that it is in good condition before winter comes around.
Although pellet stoves are very practical, it is important to keep in mind that they require electricity to power their fans and electronic controls. If your home is without electricity or the fan, the pellet feeder might not work. It is essential to plan an emergency heating system in these situations. This is especially true when you live in a region that is subject to cold temperatures.