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Choosing Between a Wood and Pellet Stove Wood and pellet stoves are available in various styles to fit existing fireplaces. They look stylish and offer heat to homes. Pellet stoves burn wood waste such as shavings and sawdust to generate hot air. They also make use of an exhaust fan to push the gases through specially designed venting systems. Cost When comparing wood heat stoves to pellet stoves, their cost is a major determinant. While pellet stoves tend to be more expensive in the beginning than their counterparts, their costs are considerably lower when they are compared to domestic fossil fuels and electric heating sources. In addition, the savings over time that can be derived from less dependence on a central heating system can offset the initial investment. Pellet stoves use a combustion chamber to burn compressed pellet fuel, like alfalfa, oat or Timothy. These pellets resemble wood and are more efficient in terms of BTU/hour and a higher percentage of heat than cordwood. Pellet fuel can be bought in bulk, which decreases the time required to refill the stove's hopper. A major benefit of pellet stoves is that it operates automatically. You can set the desired temperature by using a thermostat, and the appliance will keep the room at that exact temperature. This means you don't have to continually add fuel to a fire and prevents massive temperature swings in your home that can happen with wood stoves. The convenience of a pellet stove is also evident in the lower maintenance it requires than a wood stove. A wood stove needs to be cleaned regularly to prevent creosote buildup, but pellet stoves produce little and require only regular cleaning of the chimney vent to ensure optimal performance. Upfront expenses for pellet stoves are typically more costly than wood heat stoves, however the energy savings they provide can offset these expenses over time. A pellet stove also requires a power source to allow the pellets into the combustion chamber, which could present a problem in the event of a power interruption. Battery backup systems can mitigate this risk. Both types of wood heat stoves and pellet stoves are generally safe to operate if they are maintained. To ensure the safety of your stove, you should adhere to the manufacturer's guidelines for maintenance and operation. This includes removing all unused pellets at the end each heating season from the stove hopper, feed system and cleaning the flue vent on a regular basis to prevent the build-up of soot. Energy Efficiency A pellet or wood heater can be an excellent choice for your home, because they are cheaper than oil or gas heaters. They also create a cozy atmosphere and can be used as an alternative to traditional heating methods, such as fireplaces or furnaces. If you're looking to purchase a new stove, it's essential to select the best one that meets your needs and budget. Pellet stoves are rectangular and come with an air chamber, a fan, vent, and hopper to vent combustion gases. The stoves are self-lighting and include a thermostat to allow you to regulate the temperature inside your home. They can be used for heating small to large homes based on their wattage as well as their ability to generate enough heat per hour. There are many different types of pellet fuels, including grain, nutshells, and wood. Other byproducts like cardboard and paper are also a possibility. You'll have to choose what kind of pellets you'd like to use. Certain types of pellets burn well however others could produce excessive Ash. The best quality pellets will have an energy density that is high that means they'll generate more heat than lower-quality brands. Like a wood stove pellet stoves are powered by electricity which is used to run fans and augers to feed the pellets into the combustion chamber. It is possible to install an emergency generator or backup system to ensure you are able to generate heat in the event of power outage. Pellet stoves can be more efficient than wood burning stoves because they require less air to burn and produce less creosote and ash. Both wood and pellet stoves require some maintenance, however wood stoves typically require more attention than pellet stoves. You'll need to regularly remove the accumulated “clinker” and ash from the bottom of your stove. You should use a steel vacuum and an hose that is flexible to remove the hot material. You may also need to replace the fire screen on your stove at least once a year, depending on the type you buy. Environmental Impact Wood burning stoves emit huge quantities of air pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds (furans and dioxins), and volatile organic compounds. These emissions also contribute to fine particle pollution, which can harm human health. Burning wood also creates creosote. This toxic and carcinogenic substance can accumulate in the flue, causing house fires. Wood pellets on the contrary, produce less air pollution and have no creosote, and they require much less space to store than logs. Pellet stoves are also more complex than log fireplaces and need regular inspections by homeowners and by a professional on an annual basis to ensure they are operating correctly. Electricity is also used to power fans, controls and pellet feeders. A pellet stove requires approximately 100 kilowatts per month in normal usage. The stove will not operate when the power goes out, unless there is a battery backup. The energy efficiency and environmental impacts of a pellet or wood stove are dependent on the species size, the moisture content and the size of the timber used. Wood pellets made of dense, hardwood timber like oak and hickory produce more heat on a pound-for-pound basis than pellets made from softwoods, such as pine or spruce. The heat-to-weight ratio of different species is also a crucial factor. The initial cost of a stove constructed of pellets is lower than a wood stove. However, it still needs to be replaced after 10 to 15 years. Most manufacturers recommend that you eliminate all unneeded pellets at the end the heating season from the stove feed system, hopper and the ash pan. This will help to prevent rusting of the appliance and make it easier to light at the start of the next heating season. It is also recommended that the vent for the flue be regularly cleaned to prevent soot buildup. The results of this study, although the pellet stove performed better in most impact categories than the fireplace or spruce log burner are specific to the appliance and conditions under which they were operating. Further research is needed to assess the performance of different residential wood-based heating systems from a cradle-to-grave perspective considering forest management activities pellet and wood split log production, storage and transport, and thermal energy generation. Maintenance To keep the combustion process efficient and smooth, pellet and wood stoves need regular maintenance. They require cleaning regularly to brush away collected dust and ash. The pans for ash, as well as the vent pipes, should be cleaned regularly. Following these guidelines helps to prevent build-up of creosote that could lead to the stove malfunctioning. Before each season an experienced technician should clean and examine the pellet stove before each season. This will help identify any mechanical issues and resolve them before they become more serious. Additionally the technician should wash and examine the venting system to ensure that it is in good operation. The technician should also replace any parts that are blocked or oiled and lubricate fans. Pellet stoves are more complicated than wood stoves and require more care in maintaining. The blower, controls and hopper require electricity. They also need to be connected to an exhaust pipe. This can be either a small roof-top chimney or a direct wall vent behind the stove. The installer will advise the homeowner on the best method for their home layout and stove style. Both wood and pellet stoves should be kept in a clean, dry area to avoid exposure to moisture. They should not be kept directly on concrete floors, since this could cause them to absorb moisture and eventually become contaminated. They should be kept in sealed storage containers to protect them from pests as well as other contaminants. They should be regularly inspected, and refilled with pellets that are of high-quality. Apart from being a great heat source Wood and pellet stoves can be a great option to save money on energy bills. It is important to select the appropriate type of pellets or wood to ensure that they burn efficiently. good pellet stoves , oak, and maple are good options due to their high heat content per pound, and produce less creosote than the other species. It is important to maintain your pellet or wood stove on a regular basis to avoid costly repairs. This will also extend the life span of your stove. It is important to not just clean it frequently but also to look for any obstructions in your ventilation system and clean the door.