Pellet Stove Furnace

Pellet stoves can be used as a secondary heat source or, if you have proper venting, a primary heating option. They are available as freestanding units or fireplace inserts that can give your home the appearance of traditional wood-burning fireplaces.

The auger moves pellets from the hopper to the combustion chamber where they are ignited and generate heat. Sensors monitor the flame and can adjust the rate of operation in order to maintain the desired temperature in the room.

1. Energy Efficiency

Pellet stoves burn a renewable non electric pellet stove-toxic, non-toxic fuel that is made from compressed sawdust, bark, wood chips, and other materials that are typically dumped in landfills, but can be turned into a clean and efficient source of heating. They aid homeowners in reducing their energy usage, and thus greenhouse gas emissions. Many pellet stove owners report recouping their initial investment within just several years with lower heating costs.

Pellets are highly compressed and are more dense than natural wood, making 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 block out moisture, and require less frequent cleaning.

Like other heating systems pellet stoves must be properly sized and vented. A professional technician can evaluate your venting and space requirements to ensure the best results.

During installation the hearth is constructed according to your specifications, and the vent is installed via a hole that is cut in the siding of your home. The vent can be run out a side wall or through the roof, based on your preference and the local regulations.

Once the vent and hearth are complete then the pellet stove can be connected and switched on. Certain manufacturers provide a remote control that makes starting and maintaining the fire simple, while others have additional sensors that monitor airflow, combustion and flue temperatures, as well as pressure. When the system detects it needs more or less pellets, it signals the auger to speed up or slow down accordingly.

All stoves come with a container that can accommodate between 35 and 130 pounds of pellets. Hopper capacities determine the frequency at which the stove will need refills and larger hoppers allow for longer intervals between refills. A grille draws air from the room, passes it through the heat exchanger and blows heated air into the living space via convection. A auger, grate or other device distributes pellets and a pan beneath is used to collect any unburned ones as well as the combustion residue.

While pellet stoves are more efficient than wood-burning stoves, they're not as efficient as natural gas furnaces or electricity-powered heaters. The electric components that drive their motorized parts require electricity, which could be a problem during a power outage, though backup systems are available for generators and batteries.

2. Low Maintenance

Pellet stoves are extremely efficient, but just like all major heating appliances, they require a bit of maintenance to ensure they are operating properly. Cleaning your stove and exhaust vent regularly will stop the accumulation of harmful creosote, which could cause a fire or explosion that can damage the stove and/or your home.

A pellet stove uses compressed natural particles (such as nutshells, kernels of corn or tiny pieces of scrapwood) made from wood or other substances. The pellets are inserted into the combustion chamber by an auger powered with electricity. The thermostat you set regulates the rate at which pellets are delivered to the burner. The fire can be kept roaring, or it can be decreased or even extinguished in accordance with the temperature you set. The ash is disposed of in an empty ash tin underneath the burner. This can easily be removed and disposed.

Pellets are made from byproducts of lumber processing which would otherwise be thrown away. They are renewable and release much less dust into the air than traditional wood-burning stoves which results in a clean burning heat source. The amount of carbon monoxide, carcinogens and other harmful chemicals released by pellet stoves is far lower than with newer EPA-certified wood stoves.

Due to the low emission the stoves are not required to be vented through a chimney as traditional wood stoves, but they must be properly vented through a wall or an external structure. Pellet stoves come with flue ports that are located on the rear or top of the appliance. They are connected to a ventpipe which extends out the house.

One drawback of pellet stoves is that you have to purchase or store enough pellets to last through the winter time. Pellet stove owners typically use three tons of wood pellets each winter, at a cost of $200 per ton. The costs can add up, but they are less expensive than buying firewood and hauling it for 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 place to store them (preferably dry, cool and away from the ground).

3. Reduced Carbon Footprint

Pellet stoves generate heat from renewable biomass fuel, which reduces the need for finite fossil fuels. This reduces the carbon footprint and helps diversify the sources of energy used in homes.

The emissions of pellet stoves are considerably lower than those from woodstoves, even newer EPA-certified ones. The emissions from pellet stoves are also considerably lower than those of gas furnaces. Pellets can be made from sawdust and bark as well as other wood remnants. They could also include soybeans, corn, or agricultural waste. When they are burned, they emit less particulates, which could cause respiratory issues and allergies as well as carcinogens and nitrous oxide.

The feed system is the major difference between a pellet stove and a wood stove. Pellet stoves have hoppers that hold the pellets. When the thermostat or sensors suggest that the room requires heating, the furnace turns and the pellets are pumped into the combustion chamber where they burn and produce heat. The air from combustion chamber is pumped through a heat exchanger, which transfers heat to the blower. This process results in low emissions and no creosote buildup.

After the hopper has been emptied, the ash is removed by a cyclone, and deposited in an ash container. The stove also has a fan to circulate the fresh, heated air into the living space. Most pellet stoves require minimal maintenance and come with a huge viewing space for you and your loved ones to relax and enjoy the flames.

The most significant factor affecting emissions from pellet stoves is the quality of the pellets. Pellets that are not of the highest quality will cause more emissions. When selecting your pellets, ensure that they are certified to meet certain standards and don't contain other ingredients, such as petroleum products or urea. Also look for a company who offers a warranty and will repair or replace parts in the event of a problem. If you're looking for the greener route Some states permit homeowners to claim a tax credit for installing pellet stoves. This is a great opportunity to help offset the initial cost of this kind of stove and make installation more affordable.

4. Reduced Noise

Pellet stoves produce very little smoke or exhaust when compared to wood-burning fireplaces. A fan is employed to distribute heat more evenly in the room. This is the reason pellet stoves need less maintenance than wood stoves. While wood stoves require frequent cleaning of chemical residues and particles to avoid deterioration, pellet stoves can be cleaned using a metal vacuum cleaner.

Many manufacturers have designed their stoves to ensure that they are easy to install and operate, as well as maintain. They also design their appliances in a wide range of styles that will match the decor of your home. Some models come with WIFI, a remote control and thermostat that can be programmed.

The majority of pellet stoves have a large fuel hopper that can accommodate between 35 and 130 pounds of pellets. The pellets are then pumped into the combustion chamber using an auger. The output of heat and the degree to which the fire will get is determined by the speed at which the pellets are fed to the burner. The hopper can be filled with hardwood pellets (from dense wood species such as oak and hickory) or softwood pellets (from pine and fir). Many stoves can even use alternative biomass pellets, like those made from corn or switchgrass, which can be environmentally friendly alternatives.

Because pellet stoves use a clean fuel, they emit less smoke than conventional wood-burning fireplaces, and require less maintenance. They also do not require a chimney, which makes them a much more suitable choice for new constructions or retrofits.

In contrast to wood stoves, which need to be kept regularly free of creosote as well as other chemicals, pellet stove for garage stoves only require periodic inspections to ensure proper operation and maintenance. Depending on the model, this could include a periodic inspection and cleaning of the accumulation of ash or "clinker," as well as the motor and fan. The dealer of your appliance can explain the correct procedures for the specific model and brand. He can also provide you with information regarding safety and storage, and assist you in locating the appropriate fuel for your stove.