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Choosing Between a Wood and Pellet Stove Wood and pellet stoves come in a variety of styles that fit into existing fireplaces. They look attractive and provide warmth to homes. Pellet stoves generate hot air by burning wood waste like shavings and sawdust. They also use fans to push exhaust gases through specially designed venting systems. Cost One of the main factors when comparing a wood heater to a pellet stove is their cost. Pellet stoves are more expensive at first than their counterparts. However they are also much less expensive when compared with home electric or fossil fuel sources. In addition, the savings over time that can be derived from reduced dependence on a central heating system can make up for the initial cost. Pellet stoves burn compressed pellet fuels such as alfalfa or timothy in a combustion chamber. These pellets that resemble wood have a higher percentage of heat per pound than cordwood and they burn more hot to produce more BTUs per hour. Pellet fuel is also bought in bulk, which decreases the time required to fill a stove's hopper. The pellet stove has the benefit of being automatic. You can set the temperature you want on a thermostat, and the appliance will keep the room at this exact temperature. This saves you from having to constantly add fuel to a burning fire and prevents massive temperature fluctuations within your home that could occur when using wood stoves. The advantages of a pellet stove is also evident in the lower maintenance it requires than a wood stove. A wood stove must be cleaned frequently to prevent creosote accumulation, while pellet stoves produce very little and only require regular cleaning of the chimney vent to ensure maximum performance. Initial investments in pellet stoves are typically more costly than those for wood heat stoves, however the energy savings they provide could offset these costs over time. A pellet stove requires power to put pellets into the combustion chamber. This can be problematic in the event of an outage in power. However batteries backup systems are readily available to mitigate this danger. Both types of wood heat stoves as well as pellet stoves are safe to use if they are properly maintained. To ensure the safety of your stove, always follow manufacturer instructions for operation and maintenance. This includes removing unburned pellets from the stove's hopper and feed system at the conclusion of each heating season and sweeping the vents for the flue regularly to minimize the accumulation of soot. Energy Efficiency A pellet or wood heater can be a good choice for your home, as they are much more affordable than oil or gas heaters. They can also be used to create a comfortable environment and as an alternative to heating methods such as furnaces or fireplaces. If you're looking to purchase a new stove, it's essential to select the best one to meet your requirements and budget. Pellet stoves are rectangular in shape and come with an air chamber, a fan, vent, and hopper for exhausting gases from combustion. The stoves can be self-lighting and come with 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 power of the unit and its capability to generate enough heat per hour. There are a variety of pellet fuel are available, including wood, nutshells grains, grain, and various byproducts of cardboard and paper. You'll need to determine what kind of pellets you'd like to utilize. Some will burn well, while others may produce too much Ash. The best pellets have a higher energy density. This means that they'll produce more heat than inferior brands. Similar to a wood stove pellet stoves are powered by electricity which is used to run fans and augers that feed pellets into the combustion chamber. An interruption in power can impact the amount of heat you're able to produce and you might consider installing an emergency generator or backup system in the event of a power loss. Pellet stoves are usually more efficient than wood stoves, because they don't require more air to burn and produce less creosote and ash. Both pellet and wood stoves need some maintenance. However, wood stoves usually require more attention. 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 so you can remove the hot material without burning yourself. Based on the type of stove you purchase, you'll likely need to change the fire screen at least every year, as well. 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 can also lead to fine particle pollution that can be harmful to human health. The burning of wood also generates creosote. This toxic and carcinogenic substance can build up in the flue, causing house fires. Wood pellets cause less air pollution, no creosote, and require less storage space than logs. Pellet stoves also require more care than log fireplaces. They must be inspected by both the homeowner and a professional every year to ensure they are working properly. They also use electricity to power fans and controls as well as pellet feeders. A pellet stove uses about 100 kilowatt hours per month in normal usage. If the power goes out, the stove will not operate, unless there is a battery backup. The species, size, and moisture content of the wood used will determine the energy efficiency and environmental impact of a pellet stove or wood stove. Wood pellets made of dense hardwoods such as oak and hickory produce more heat on a per-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 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 at the end the heating season from the stove hopper, feed system and ash pan. This will prevent rusting of the appliance and allow it to be lit at the start of the next heating time. ventless pellet stove needs to be cleaned regularly to prevent the accumulation of soot. While the pellet stove performed better than the fireplace and spruce split log burner for most impact categories the results of this study are specific to the appliances that were tested and the conditions under the conditions they were used. Further research will be needed to assess the performance of various wood-based heating systems for residential use from a cradle-to-grave standpoint considering forest management activities pellet and wood split log production, storage and transport, and thermal energy generation. Maintenance Wood and pellet stoves require regular maintenance to keep the combustion process running smoothly and efficiently. They require cleaning every week to brush away collected dust and ash. The ash pans, as well vent pipes, should be cleaned regularly. These requirements help to stop the buildup of creosote that can cause a stove to malfunction. A professional technician should perform the cleaning and inspection of a pellet stove prior to use each season. This will help determine and fix any mechanical issues before they become more serious. The technician should also clean and examine the venting systems to ensure proper operation. The technician should also replace any parts that are blocked or oiled and lubricate fans. Pellet stoves are much more complicated than wood stoves and require a little more attention to maintenance. They require electricity to power the blower, controls, and the hopper. In addition, they require to be connected to an exhaust pipe that could be a tiny chimney for the roof or an exhaust pipe directly through the wall behind the stove. The installer can guide the homeowner on the most appropriate method for their home layout and stove type. To avoid exposure to moisture to moisture, both pellet and wood stoves must be stored in an area that is dry and clean. They should not be kept directly on concrete floors since this could cause them to absorb moisture and eventually become infected. To keep them safe from insects, they should be stored in sealed containers. They should be checked regularly and filled with pellets of the highest quality. Wood and pellet stoves aren't only efficient heat sources but they also help you save money on your energy bills. It is crucial to choose the right type of pellets or wood to ensure that they burn correctly. Oak, hickory, and maple are great choices because they have high heat content per pound, and produce less creosote than other species. If you own a wood or pellet stove, it's important to maintain it on a regular basis to avoid costly repairs and to extend its lifespan. It is crucial to not only clean it regularly but also to look for any obstructions in the ventilation system and clean the door.