Choosing Between a Wood and Pellet Stove
Wood and pellet stoves are available in a variety of styles to fit existing fireplaces. They look attractive and provide heat to homes.
Pellet stoves burn compressed 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
One of the most important factors when comparing a wood heat stove to a pellet stove is the price. Pellet stoves are more expensive at first than their counterparts. However they are less expensive when compared to household electric or fossil fuel sources. In addition, the savings over time that can be realized from less dependence on central heating systems can offset the initial investment.
Pellet stoves employ a combustion chamber to burn compressed pellet fuel, like alfalfa, oat or Timothy. These wood-like Pellets are more efficient in terms of BTU/hour and a greater heat content than cordwood. Small pellet stoves can be bought in bulk, which can reduce the time required to refill a stove's hopper.
The pellet stove has the benefit of being an automatic. The appliance will maintain the temperature you set on the thermostat. It is also simpler to maintain a constant fire and prevents the extreme temperature fluctuations that can occur when cooking with the stove.
The pellet stove requires less maintenance than a wood burning stove. Wood stoves must be cleaned regularly to prevent creosote buildup. However, pellet stoves produce very little and require only periodic cleaning of the chimney to ensure the best performance.
The initial expenses for pellet stoves are generally more expensive than those for wood heat stoves. However, the energy savings they can provide could offset these costs over time. A pellet stove requires a power source to allow the pellets into the combustion chamber, which could be a problem in the event of a power interruption. Battery backup systems can help reduce this risk.
Both kinds of wood heat stoves and pellet stoves are relatively safe to use if they are properly maintained. In order to ensure the safety of your stove, you should adhere to the manufacturer's guidelines for operation and maintenance. This includes removing any pellets that are not used from the stove hopper and feed system at the conclusion of each heating season and sweeping the vents for the flue on a regular basis to reduce the accumulation of soot.
Energy Efficiency
A wood or pellet heater can be a good option for your home as they are much more affordable than oil or gas heaters. They can also be used to create a cozy atmosphere and also as an alternative heating method like the furnace or fireplace. However, if you're shopping for a new stove it is crucial to select the right type for your requirements and budget.
Pellet stoves have a rectangular shape. They have the combustion chamber, hopper and vent to exhaust gasses 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 homes depending on their wattage and ability to generate enough heat per hour.
A variety of different kinds of pellet fuel are available that include nutshells, wood, grain, and other products from cardboard and paper. You'll need to decide what kind of pellets you want to use. Certain types of pellets burn well however others could produce too much ash. The top quality pellets will have a high energy density, which means they'll produce more heat than lower-quality brands.
A pellet stove makes use of electricity to power augers and fans that feed pellets into the combustion chamber. You may want to install an emergency generator or backup system to ensure you can generate heat in the event of an electrical outage. Pellet stoves are generally more efficient than wood stoves, as they don't require the same amount of air to burn and produce less creosote and ash.
Both pellet and wood stoves require some attention. However, wood stoves usually require more maintenance. You'll have to clean out the accumulated ash and "clinker" from the bottom of the stove frequently. It's recommended that you employ a metal vacuum cleaner with a flexible hose, so that you can get rid of the hot material without burning yourself. It is also possible to replace the fire screen on your stove at least once per year, based on the model you purchase.
Environmental Impact
Wood-burning stoves release huge quantities of air pollutants like nitrogen oxides volatile organic compounds (furans and dioxins), and volatile organic compounds. These emissions also contribute to fine particle pollution, which could be harmful to health. In addition, burning wood produces creosote which is a poisonous and carcinogenic chemical, which accumulates in the flue vents and can cause house fires. Wood pellets, on contrary, produce less air pollution and no creosote, and they require less space for storage than logs.
Pellet stoves are also more complex than log fireplaces, and require regular inspections by homeowners and by an expert on a regular basis to ensure that they function properly. They also use electricity to power fans control systems, pellet feeders, and even controls. A pellet stove uses approximately 100 kilowatts per month, if it is used in a normal manner. If the power goes out the stove will not work, unless it has battery backup.
The species size, dimensions, and moisture content of wood used will determine the energy efficiency and environmental impact of a pellet or wood stove. Wood pellets made from dense hardwoods like oak and hickory provide more heat on a pound-for-pound basis than pellets made from softwoods like pine or spruce. The heat-to-weight ratio of different species is also important.
The initial cost of a stove made of pellets is much less expensive than a wood stove. However, it still must be replaced after 10 to 15 years. Most manufacturers recommend that you take away all unneeded pellets after the heating season from the stove feed system, hopper and ash pan. This will prevent 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.
The results of this study, even though the pellet stove was more efficient in most impact categories than the fireplace or spruce log burner, are specific to the appliances and conditions under which they operated. More research is required to assess the performance of various wood-based heating systems for residential use from a cradle-to-grave standpoint considering the management of forests wood split and pellet log production, storage and transport and thermal energy production.
Maintenance
To keep the burning process efficient and smooth, wood and pellet stoves require regular maintenance. They need to be cleaned regularly to brush away collected dust and ash. The ash pans, as well the vent pipes must be cleaned on a regular basis. Keeping up with these requirements will prevent the build-up of creosote that could cause the stove to malfunction.
A professional technician should perform the cleaning and inspection of a pellet stove prior use every season. This can help detect and resolve any mechanical issues before they become more severe. The technician should also clean and inspect venting systems to ensure proper functioning. The technician should also replace any parts that are clogged or oily and lubricate fans.
Pellet stoves require more care than wood stoves due to the fact that they are more complex. They require electricity to run the blower, controls, and hopper. They also require being connected with an exhaust pipe, which could be a small roof-top chimney or a direct wall vent behind the stove. The installer can provide advice to the homeowner about the best option depending on the layout of their home and the stove type.
To prevent moisture exposure to moisture, both pellet and wood stoves should be stored in an air-tight, dry area. It is not recommended to place them directly on concrete floors since they will absorb moisture and become infected. They should be kept in sealed storage containers to guard them from pests as well as other contaminants. They should be inspected regularly and then refilled with pellets that are of high-quality.
Wood stoves and pellet stoves aren't only efficient heating sources They can also help you save money on your energy bills. But, it's important to select the correct kind of wood or pellets to ensure that they burn correctly. Oak, hickory, and maple are great selections due to their high levels of heat per pound, and produce less creosote than other species.
If you own a wood or pellet stove, it is important to maintain it on a regular basis to prevent costly repairs and prolong its life. It is essential to not just clean it regularly and to also check for any obstructions in the ventilation system and to clean the door.