Choosing Between a Wood and Pellet Stove
Wood and pellet stoves are available in a variety of designs to fit into fireplaces. They are attractive and provide warmth to homes.
Pellet stoves use compressed wood waste such as shavings and sawdust to generate hot air. A fan is used to force gasses out of the exhaust through a specially designed venting systems.
Cost
One of the main factors when comparing a wood heater to a pellet stove is the price. Pellet stoves can be more expensive initially than their counterparts. However they are less expensive when compared to household electric or fossil fuel sources. The long-term savings resulting from the reduction in dependence on central heating system can help offset the initial cost.
Pellet stoves use a combustion chamber to burn compressed pellet fuel like alfalfa, oat or timothy. These pellets resemble wood and have a higher BTU per hour and a higher percentage of heat than cordwood. In addition pellet fuel can be purchased in bulk to reduce the amount of time needed to refill a stove hopper.
The pellet stove has the advantage of being automatic. You can set the temperature you want on a thermostat and the stove will keep the room at this precise temperature. This means you don't have to constantly add fuel to a burning fire, and it prevents large temperature swings in your home, which can occur with wood stoves.
The pellet stove requires less maintenance than a wood burning stove. While wood stoves must be regularly cleaned to avoid the buildup of creosote pellet stoves generally produce small amounts of creosote and require regular cleaning of the chimney flue vent to ensure maximum performance.
The initial investment for pellet stoves is usually more expensive than wood heat stoves. However, the energy savings can reduce this cost over time. A pellet stove requires a power source for the feed of pellets into the combustion chamber, which can cause problems in the event of a power outage. However, battery backup systems are available to help reduce this risk.
If they are properly maintained, wood heat stoves as well as pellet stoves are relatively secure to use. To ensure the security of your wood heat stove, be sure to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for operation and upkeep. This includes removing any unused pellets at the conclusion of each heating season from the stove feed system, hopper and cleaning the flue vent on a regular basis to reduce the accumulation of soot.
Energy Efficiency
A pellet or wood heater can be an excellent option for your home, since they are more cost-effective than gas or oil heaters. They can also be used to create a comfortable atmosphere and also as an alternative method of heating such as a fireplace or furnace. If miniature pellet stove looking for a new stove it's important that you choose the right one to meet your needs and budget.
Pellet stoves are rectangular and come with combustion chambers, a fan, hopper, and vent for exhausting gasses from combustion. They can be self-lighting and include a thermostat that allows you to control the temperature of your home. They are suitable for heating small or large homes based on their wattage as well as their ability to generate enough heat per hour.
A variety of different kinds of pellet fuel are available, including wood, nutshells grains, grain, and various byproducts of cardboard and paper. Depending on the kind of pellet you select, you'll have to consider whether it will burn properly or produce too much ash. The best quality pellets will have an extremely high energy density that means they'll generate more heat than cheaper brands.
A pellet stove makes use of electricity to power augers and fans, which feed pellets into the combustion chamber. A power outage can affect the amount of heat you can generate, so you may want to install a generator or backup system in the event of a power failure. Pellet stoves are typically more efficient than wood stoves, as they don't require the same amount of air to burn and produce less creosote and ash.
Both wood and pellet stoves need some maintenance. However wood stoves typically require more attention. You'll need to clear the accumulated ash and "clinker" from the bottom of the stove frequently. It is recommended that you use a metal vacuum cleaner equipped with a flexible hose to remove the hot material without burning yourself. Based on the type of stove you purchase you'll probably require a change of the fire screen at least once per year, as well.
Environmental Impact
Wood burning stoves produce large quantities of air pollutants, including nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds such as furans and dioxins. These emissions can also cause fine particle pollution that is harmful to human health. Additionally burning wood creates creosote, which is a toxic and carcinogenic chemical, which accumulates in the flue vent and can cause house fires. Wood pellets on the contrary, produce less air pollution and no creosote and require a smaller storage space than logs.
Pellet stoves require more maintenance than log fireplaces. They need to be inspected by the homeowner and a professional annually to ensure that they are working properly. They also use electricity to power fans and controls as well as pellet feeders. In modern pellet stove , a pellet stove consumes around 100 kilowatts per month. The stove will not function in the event that power is cut off unless there is an emergency battery backup.
The efficiency of energy and environmental impact of a wood or pellet stove depend on the species size, the moisture content and the size of the wood that is used. Wood pellets made from heavy hardwood timber, like oak and hickory produce more heat pound for pound than pellets made of softwoods such as pine or spruce. The heat-to-weight ratio is an important factor.
While the initial cost of pellet stoves is less than that of a wood stove, it will need to be replaced every 10 to 15 years. Most manufacturers suggest removing all unused pellets from the stove's hopper and feed system at the conclusion of the heating season, which will prevent rusting and make lighting the stove in the next heating season easier. The flue vent needs to be cleaned frequently to avoid the accumulation of soot.
The results of this study, even though the pellet stove performed better in the majority of impact categories than the fireplace or spruce log stove, are specific to the equipment and conditions under which they operated. Further research is needed to compare 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, transport and storage, and thermal energy production.
Maintenance
To keep the combustion process efficient and smooth, wood and pellet stoves require regular maintenance. They need to be cleaned every week to remove ash and debris. The pans for ash, as well as the vent pipes, must be cleaned regularly. These requirements help to stop the accumulation of creosote that can cause a stove to malfunction.
Before each season, a professional technician should clean and examine the pellet stove before each season. This will help identify and resolve any mechanical problems before they become serious. The technician should also clean and inspect venting system to ensure proper functioning. The technician should also lubricate the fan and clean any obstructions.
Pellet stoves are more complex than wood stoves and require a little more care in maintaining. The blower, controls and hopper require electricity. They also require being connected with an exhaust pipe, which can be a small roof-top chimney or a direct vent for the wall behind the stove. The installer can advise the homeowner on the best option for their home's layout and stove model.
To avoid moisture exposure for both pellet and wood stoves must be stored in an air-tight, dry area. It is not recommended to store them on concrete floors because they absorb moisture and become infected. They should be stored in sealed storage containers to shield them from pests as well as other contaminants. They should be regularly inspected, and refilled with pellets that are of high-quality.
Besides being an efficient heating source In addition to being a great source of heat, pellet stoves and wood are a great way to save on energy bills. It is crucial to choose the right type of pellets or wood in order to ensure they burn efficiently. The three species of maple, hickory, and oak are excellent choices because they produce less creosote and contain a high amount of heat per pound.
It is essential to keep your pellet or wood stove on a regular basis to avoid costly repairs. This will also extend the lifespan of your stove. It is crucial to not only clean it frequently and to also check for any obstructions in your ventilation system and clean the door.