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Choosing Between a Wood and Pellet Stove Wood and pellet stoves are available in different styles to fit existing fireplaces. They look stylish and offer warmth to homes. Pellet stoves use compressed wood waste like shavings and sawdust to create 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, their cost is a major determinant. While pellet stoves can be more expensive upfront than their counterparts, their prices are considerably lower contrasted with home electric and fossil fuel sources. The long-term savings of a reduced dependency on a central heating can also be offset by the initial cost. Pellet stoves employ an internal combustion chamber to burn compressed pellet fuel such as alfalfa, oat or Timothy. These pellets that resemble wood have a higher percentage of heat per pound than cordwood, and they burn more quickly to produce more BTUs per hour. Pellet fuel can be bought in bulk, which can reduce the time needed to refill a stove's hopper. The pellet stove has the advantage of being an automatic. You can set the temperature you want on a thermostat, and the stove will keep the room at that exact temperature. This means you don't have to constantly add fuel to your fire, and it prevents large temperature fluctuations within your home that could happen when using a wood stove. The convenience of a pellet stove is also evident in how much less maintenance it requires than wood stoves. While a wood stove needs to be regularly cleaned to avoid the buildup of creosote pellet stoves typically produce little creosote and require only regular cleaning of the chimney vent to ensure maximum performance. The initial investment for pellet stoves is generally higher than that of wood heat stoves. However, the energy savings can offset this expense over time. A pellet stove requires power for the feed of pellets into the combustion chamber, which can be a problem in the event of an electrical outage. However batteries backup systems are in place to mitigate this risk. If they are properly maintained, both wood heat stoves and pellet stoves are fairly safe to use. To ensure the safety of your wood heating stove, make sure you adhere to the manufacturer's guidelines for operation and upkeep. This includes removing unused pellets from the stove hopper and feed system at the conclusion of each heating season, and sweeping the flue vent on a regular basis to prevent the build-up of soot. Energy Efficiency A pellet or wood heater can be a good option for your home, since they are more cost-effective than oil or gas heaters. They can also be utilized to create a warm space and can also be used as an alternative heating method such as the furnace or fireplace. However, if you're looking for a new stove it's crucial to choose the best one for your needs and your budget. Pellet stoves are rectangular in shape. They have a combustion chamber, hopper and vent to exhaust combustion gases. They can be self-lighting, and have a thermostat that allows you to control the temperature of your home. They can be used to heat small to large homes, depending on the power of the unit and its capability to generate enough heat per hour. There are many kinds of pellet fuel, including grains, nutshells, wood and nutshells. Other byproducts such as paper and cardboard are also a possibility. You'll need to determine what kind of pellets you want to use. indoor pellet stove will burn well and 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 a pellet stove is powered by electricity that is used to run fans and augers that deliver pellets into the combustion chamber. You may want to install an emergency generator or backup system to ensure you have the ability to generate heat in the event of power outage. Pellet stoves are usually 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 maintenance, but wood stoves tend to need more maintenance than pellet stoves. You'll need to clear the accumulated ash and “clinker” from the bottom of the stove regularly. It is recommended to employ a metal vacuum cleaner with a flexible hose to remove the hot material without burning yourself. Based on the type of stove you buy, you'll likely require a change of the fire screen at least once per year, also. Environmental Impact Wood burning stoves emit large quantities of air pollutants, including nitrogen oxides volatile organic compounds (furans and dioxins) and volatile organic compounds. These emissions can also cause fine particle pollution that can be detrimental to health. Burning wood also creates creosote. This carcinogenic and toxic substance can build up in the flue, causing house fires. Wood pellets create less air pollution, they do not produce creosote is produced and require less storage space than logs. Pellet stoves also require more care than log fireplaces. They should be inspected by both the homeowner and a professional annually to ensure they're operating properly. They also use electricity to run fans, controls and pellet feeders. In normal use, a pellet stove consumes about 100 kilowatt-hours per month. The stove won't work if the power goes off, unless there is an emergency battery backup. The species, size, and moisture content of wood used will determine the efficiency of energy and environmental impact of a pellet or wood stove. Wood pellets that are made of dense hardwoods, such as oak and hickory produce more heat per pounds than pellets made from softwoods such as pine or spruce. The heat-to-weight ratio is an important 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 removing all unused pellets from the stove hopper and feed system at the conclusion of the heating season which will help stop rust from forming and make lighting the appliance in the next heating season easier. It is also recommended that the flue vent be cleaned on a regular basis to prevent soot buildup. Although 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 equipment tested and the conditions under which they were operating. Further research is required to compare performance of residential wood-based heating systems in a cradle to grave perspective. This includes forest management such as wood split logs and pellet production, transport and storage, and thermal energy production. Maintenance Wood and pellet stoves require regular maintenance to ensure that the process of burning is functioning smoothly and efficiently. They must be cleaned every week to brush away collected debris and ash. The pans for ash, as well the vent pipes must be cleaned on a regular basis. Keeping up with these requirements will prevent the build-up of creosote which could cause the stove to malfunction. Before each season, a professional technician must clean and inspect the pellet stove before each season. This will help detect and resolve any mechanical issues before they become more severe. Additionally the technician should wash and inspect the venting system to ensure that it is in good operation. The technician should also clean any parts that are clogged or oily and lubricate the fans. Pellet stoves are more complex than wood stoves and require more care in maintaining. The controls, the blower and hopper require electricity. In addition, they need to be connected to an exhaust pipe which can either be a small chimney on the roof or an exhaust pipe directly through the wall behind the stove. The installer will provide suggestions to the homeowner on the best method based on their home layout and the type of stove. Both stoves made of pellets and wood must be stored in a clean, dry space to avoid moisture exposure. They should not be kept directly on concrete floors, since this could cause them to absorb moisture and become infected. They should be stored in sealed storage containers to shield them from pests and contaminants. They should also be inspected regularly and filled with pellets of the highest quality. Besides being an efficient heat source, wood and pellet stoves can be a great option to save on energy bills. However, it is crucial to choose the appropriate kind of wood or pellets to ensure that they burn correctly. Oak, hickory and maple are great choices since they are less likely to produce creosote and have a high percentage of heat per pounds. If you have a wood or pellet stove, it's important to maintain it regularly to avoid costly repairs and to extend its lifespan. In addition to cleaning it regularly it is crucial to inspect the ventilation system for obstructions and clean the glass door.