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Choosing Between a Wood and Pellet Stove Wood and pellet stoves are available in a range of styles that can be incorporated into existing fireplaces. They are both attractive and provide heat for homes. Pellet stoves burn compressed wood waste such as shavings and sawdust to generate hot air. They also employ an exhaust fan to push the gases through specially designed venting systems. Cost When looking at wood heat stoves versus pellet stoves , the cost is a major factor. Pellet stoves are more expensive initially than their counterparts. However they are less expensive when compared to household fossil fuels or electric heat sources. The long-term savings resulting from a reduced dependency on a central heating can also help offset the initial investment. Pellet stoves make use of compressed pellet fuels such as alfalfa or timothy in a combustion chamber. 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 to reduce the amount of time required to fill up a stove hopper. The pellet stove has the advantage of being an automatic. You can set the temperature you want by using a thermostat, and the appliance will maintain the room at that exact temperature. This means you don't have to constantly add fuel to your fire and prevents massive temperature fluctuations in your home, which can happen when you use a wood stove. The advantages of pellet stoves is evident in the lower maintenance is required than a wood stove. Wood stoves must be maintained regularly to avoid creosote buildup, but pellet stoves produce a minimal amount of dust and require only regular cleaning of the chimney to ensure maximum performance. Initial investment in pellet stoves is typically more costly than wood heat stoves, but the energy savings they offer can help offset these costs over time. A pellet stove requires power to feed pellets into the combustion chamber. This can pose problematic in the event of a power failure. However, battery backup systems are in place to mitigate this risk. Both types of wood heat stoves as well as pellet stoves are relatively safe to operate if they are maintained. To ensure the safety of your stove, adhere to the manufacturer's guidelines for maintenance and operation. This includes removing unused pellets from the stove's hopper and feed system at the conclusion of each heating season, and sweeping the flue vent on a regular basis to minimize the accumulation of soot. Energy Efficiency A pellet or wood stove is a good option for a home since they generate heat at a cheaper cost than oil or gas heaters. They also create a warm environment and can be utilized in lieu of traditional heating methods like a furnace or fireplace. If you're looking to purchase a new stove it's important that you select the ideal one to meet your requirements and budget. Pellet stoves are rectangular in design and come with an air chamber, a fan, hopper, and vent to vent gasses from combustion. They can be self-lighting, and they have a thermostat that will allow you to control the temperature of your home. They can be used for heating small to large homes, depending on the wattage of the unit and its ability to produce enough heat per hour. There are many different types of pellet fuels, including grains, nutshells, wood and nutshells. Other byproducts like cardboard and paper are also a possibility. Depending on the type of pellet you use you'll need to take into consideration whether it's burning correctly or produce too much ash. The highest quality pellets will have an extremely high energy density that means they'll generate more heat than lower-quality brands. 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 you are able to generate heat in the event of a power outage. Pellet stoves are usually more efficient than wood stoves, because they don't require as much air to burn and produce less ash and creosote. Both pellet and wood stoves require some maintenance, however wood stoves typically need more maintenance than pellet stoves. You'll need to regularly 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. It is also possible to replace the fire screen on your stove at least once a year, depending on the type you buy. Environmental Impact Wood-burning stoves release huge quantities of air pollutants, including nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds such as dioxins and furans. These emissions also contribute to fine particle pollution which can be harmful to human health. The burning of wood also generates creosote. This carcinogenic and toxic substance can build up in the flue, causing house fires. Wood pellets, on contrary, produce less air pollution and no creosote, and require much less space to store than logs. Pellet stoves are more complex than log fireplaces, and require regular inspections by the homeowner and by an expert on a regular basis to ensure they operate properly. They also require electricity to run fans control systems, pellet feeders, and even controls. A pellet stove consumes approximately 100 kilowatts per month in normal usage. If the power is cut off the stove won't work, unless it has battery backup. The species, size, and moisture content of wood used will determine the energy efficiency and environmental impact of a pellet stove or wood stove. Wood pellets made from dense hardwoods like oak and hickory produce more heat on a per-pound basis than pellets made from softwoods such as pine or spruce. The heat-to-weight ratio of various species is also a crucial factor. The initial cost of a stove constructed of pellets is less than a wood stove. However, it needs to be replaced after 10 to 15 years. The majority of manufacturers recommend that you remove all unused pellets after the heating season from the stove hopper, feed system, and ash pan. This will help prevent the rusting of the appliance and make it easier to light at the start of the next heating time. It is also recommended that the flue vent be cleaned on a regular basis to avoid soot buildup. While the pellet stove did better than the fireplace and spruce split log burner in all impact categories The results of this study are specific to the appliances tested and the conditions under the conditions they were used. More research is required to assess the performance of different wood-based heating systems in homes from a cradle-to-grave standpoint considering forest management activities, pellet and wood split log production, transport and storage, and thermal energy generation. Maintenance Wood and pellet stoves require regular maintenance to keep the burning process running smoothly and efficiently. They need to be cleaned every week to remove ash and debris. The ash pans, aswell the vent pipes should be cleaned regularly. Following these guidelines helps prevent the accumulation of creosote, which can cause the stove to malfunction. A professional technician should perform the cleaning and inspection of a pellet stove before use every season. This can help identify and resolve any mechanical problems before they become more serious. The technician should also clean and inspect venting systems to ensure proper operation. The technician should also lubricate the fans and replace any clogged parts. Pellet stoves require more care than wood stoves because they are more complex. The controls, the blower and hopper require electricity. In addition, they require 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 can advise the homeowner on the most appropriate way to arrange their home and stove model. To avoid moisture exposure for both pellet and wood stoves must be stored in a dry, clean area. It is not recommended to store them on concrete floors because they will absorb moisture and become polluted. They should be kept in sealed storage containers to shield them from pests as well as other contaminants. They must also be regularly inspected and filled with pellets of the highest quality. Wood and pellet stoves aren't only efficient heat sources, but they can also aid in saving money on your energy bills. However, it is important to select the correct kind of pellets or wood to ensure that they burn properly. Hickory, oak and maple are excellent choices because they produce less creosote and have a high heat content per kilogram. If you have a pellet or wood 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 any obstructions and to clean the glass door.