click the following article can be used as a second heat source or, with proper venting, as a primary heating option. These stoves are available in freestanding models or as fireplace inserts. They can give the appearance of an old-fashioned wood-burning fireplace.
The auger transports pellets from the hopper to the combustion chamber which is where they burn and generate heat. Sensors are used to monitor the fire and adjust the speed of operation to keep your desired temperature in the room.
1. Energy Efficiency
Pellet stoves make use of renewable, non-toxic fuel made of compressed sawdust as well as other materials. They are usually disposed of in landfills, but they can be used to create a clean, efficient source of heat. This means that they help homeowners lower their energy consumption and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Many homeowners who own pellet stoves report recouping their initial investment in only a few years, thanks to lower heating costs.
Pellets are highly compressed and more dense than natural wood, which makes them more efficient to burn. They also produce less creosote buildup than traditional fireplaces made of wood. They are also packaged in plastic bags that are sealed to keep out moisture and require less frequent cleaning.
Similar to other heating systems, pellet stoves need to be properly size and vented. A skilled technician can assess your space and venting requirements to ensure the most efficient results.
During installation, a hearth will be constructed according to your specifications and the vent is inserted through a hole that is cut in the siding of your home. The vent is then installed on either a side wall or the roof, based on your preference and local regulations.
After the hearth and vent are complete, the pellet stove can be connected and turned on. Some manufacturers offer remote controls that make starting and maintaining the fire easy, while others have additional sensors that monitor airflow, combustion and flue temperatures, as well as pressure. If the system determines that it needs more pellets or less, it will signal to the auger that it needs to speed up or slow it down accordingly.
All stoves come with a storage container that can hold between 35 and 130 pounds of pellets. The size of the hopper will determine how often you need to replenish your stove. Larger hoppers permit longer time periods before refills is required. A grille pulls fresh air from the room and passes it over an exchanger that then is able to blow heated air into the living space by convection. A auger, grate or any other device distributes the pellets, and a pan below will collect any pellets that are not burned as well as the combustion residue.
Although pellet stoves are more efficient than wood-burning models, they're not as efficient as natural gas furnaces or electric heaters. The electric components that drive their motorized parts require an electrical supply which could cause an issue during a power failure, but backup systems are in place, such as batteries and generators.
2. Low Maintenance
Pellet stoves are incredibly efficient, but like any other major heating appliance, they require a bit of maintenance to ensure that they function properly. Regularly cleaning your stove's exhaust vents and the stove will stop the build-up of harmful creosote that can cause an explosion, fire or damage to your home or stove.
A pellet stove burns natural wood particles or other materials (like nutshells, corn kernels or small pieces of wood scraps). An auger powered by electricity will feed the pellets from a fuel tank into the burner, and into the combustion chamber. The rate at which the pellets are pumped into the burner is controlled by the thermostat you set. The fire can continue to roar, or it can be modulated lower and even extinguished depending on the temperature you set. When the fire goes out, the ash is dropped into an empty ash tin beneath the burner, which can be easily removed and disposed.
Pellets are made from byproducts of lumber processing which could otherwise be thrown away. They are renewable resources and release much less dust into the air than traditional wood-burning stoves making them a cleaner burning heat source. The amount of carbon monoxide, carcinogens, and other harmful chemicals released from pellet stoves is significantly lower than that of modern wood stoves that have been certified by the EPA.
These stoves aren't required to be vented via a chimney, as is the case with traditional wood stoves. Instead, they can be vented correctly through a wall, or any other exterior structure. Pellet stoves are equipped with flue ports that are located on the top or rear of the appliance. They are connected to a ventpipe that extends out from the house.
One disadvantage of pellet stoves is that you need to purchase or store enough pellets to last through the winter months. On average, pellet stove owners consume three tons of pellets during the course of the winter, at a cost of $200 for each ton. The cost can be high, but they are less expensive than buying firewood and transporting it to the wood-burning fireplace or stove. Be sure to purchase enough pellets to ensure that your stove can function through the coldest winter months, and that you have a suitable space to store them (preferably cool, dry and away from the ground).
3. Reduce Carbon Footprint
Pellet stoves produce heat using renewable biomass fuels, reducing the need for finite fossil fuels. This reduces carbon footprints and diversifies the sources of energy for homes.
Even the most modern woodstoves that are EPA certified emit significantly less than pellet stoves. Emissions from pellet stoves are also significantly lower than those of gas furnaces. Pellets are made from compressed sawdust, bark and other lumber leftovers and may also contain various other materials including corn, soybeans and nutshells, cherry pits and agricultural waste. When they are burned, they release less particulates, which could cause respiratory issues and allergies, carcinogens and nitrous dioxide.
The primary difference between the wood stove and the pellet stove is the feed system. Pellet stoves have hoppers to store the pellets. When the thermostat or sensors signal that the room requires heating, the furnace turns. The pellets are then placed in the combustion chamber and are burned to produce heat. The combustion chamber's air is pumped through a heat exchanger, which transfers heat to the blower. This process creates very low emissions, and creosote is not created.
When the hopper is empty, a cyclone takes away the ash and puts it in an ash jar. The stove is equipped with a fan that circulates warm, fresh air into the room. The majority of pellet stoves are designed to operate with minimal maintenance and feature a large viewing window that allows you and your family members to enjoy the flames.
The most significant factor affecting emissions from stoves made of pellets is the quality of the pellets. Poor-quality pellets produce more emissions. When selecting your pellets, ensure they're certified to meet certain standards and do not contain other ingredients like urea or petroleum-based products. Also look for a company that offers a guarantee and will repair or replace any part in case of a problem. Certain states provide homeowners with an incentive to pay taxes when they choose to go even greener. This is a great opportunity to offset the initial costs of this type stove and make installation more affordable.
4. Reduced Noise
Pellet stoves produce a minimal amount of smoke or exhaust compared to fireplaces that burn wood. A fan is used to distribute heat more evenly in the room. This feature is one reason why pellet stoves require less maintenance than wood stoves. While wood stoves must be frequently cleaned of dust and chemicals, pellet stoves only need the use of a special metal vacuum cleaner for regular cleaning.
Many manufacturers have designed their stoves so that they are easy to install, operate and maintain. Their appliances come in different styles to match the design of your home. Some models come with an app for WIFI, a remote control, and programmable thermostat.
The majority of pellet stoves have an enormous fuel hopper, which can hold anywhere from 35 to 130 pounds of pellets. The pellets are then pumped to the combustion chamber through an auger. The output of heat and the level at which the fire is will depend on the speed at which the pellets are fed into the burner. The hopper can be filled with hardwood pellets (from dense wood species like oak and hickory) or softwood pellets (from pine and fir). A lot of stoves can use biomass pellets made of switchgrass and corn. This is a green option.
Because pellet stoves use an environmentally friendly fuel, they emit less smoke than conventional wood-burning fireplaces, and require less maintenance. They also do not require a chimney, making them a much more suitable choice for new constructions or retrofits.
Pellet stoves don't require regular cleaning of creosote or other chemical like wood stoves. They just require periodic inspections to ensure proper operation and maintenance. Based on the model, this might include regular inspections and cleaning of the accumulation of the ash or "clinker," as well as the fan and motor. The dealer of your appliance can explain the correct procedures for the specific model and brand. He can also help you determine the right fuel for your stove and provide information regarding storage and safety.