Index
● What are pellet stoves and pellet heating?
● How a pellet does a stove work?
● Can you heat the whole house with a pellet stove?
● Pros and cons of using a pellet stove
● Pellet stove vs. wood stoves
What are pellet stoves and pellet heating?
Pellet stoves are similar to wood stoves, however, they burn little wood pellets instead of large pieces of firewood.
A firebox, hopper, auger, blower, ducting, safety elements, and a controller are the main components of a pellet stove.
Pellets are small cylindrical particles made from compressed sawdust and wood shavings and industrial waste wood. Wood pellets are also known as biomass fuel, an environmentally friendly alternative to wood that is more efficient than wood and a good substitute for other fuels such as oil, electricity, and gas.
The biggest benefit is burning hot and clean, leaving minimal ash behind.
How a pellet does a stove work?
To begin, pour the pellets into the hopper/feeder of the stove, which can handle 40 to 55 pounds of pellets at a time. The pellets are then automatically fed into a burn chamber, where they are burnt by a fan forcing combustion air into the chamber. The heated air is blown out into your home by another fan.
Some models need you to light the fire manually, while others allow you to fire them up by pressing a button on the stove or a remote control! Fully automatic models are connected to a thermostat and switch on or off based on the heat setting specified.
Because a whole-house pellet stove works on the principle of convection rather than radiation, the surface remains relatively cool, allowing them to be installed as close to the wall as three inches. Only a nearby electrical outlet is required to operate the feed system and fans (and a battery backup in case the electricity goes out).
Can you heat the whole house with a pellet stove?
If the correct heat output stove is built to meet the size of the home, a pellet stove can perform an excellent job of heating the entire house. When it comes to heating a full house, pellet stoves that heat water for circulation are frequently a better option than pellet stoves that blow hot air. Still, stoves that blow hot air can be used to heat a room.
Pros and cons
Pros:
● It can be less expensive than other HVAC systems.
● Oil and propane systems have higher operating expenses.
● Eco-friendly. Pellets are deemed carbon-neutral since they emit the same amount of CO2 as when they decay naturally.
● Use of ash as a fertilizer in a sustainable manner.
● Creosote isn't produced by them (which is a common cause of chimney fires).
● They're perfect for heating small spaces like a single room.
● Install a ceiling fan and turn it back to push the heat from the ceiling down, increasing efficiency and comfort.
● It's enjoyable to watch the fire when it's going.
● Doesn't require ducts throughout the house.
● Pellet stoves are safe, and they generate very little heat through the device's walls. If the stove is equipped with an automatic shut-off, you won't have to worry if the fuel runs out. For added safety, certain models have an exhaust temperature probe and pressure switch.
● Heating small homes, cabins, apartments, and rooms have never been easier.
● It can be used in combination with an existing wood-burning furnace.
Cons
● The efficiency of these devices is roughly 80%, which is lower than that of gas-powered devices.
● Pellet stoves can only be put on tile or stone, not on flammable floorings like hardwood, vinyl, or carpeting.
● To eliminate smoke and fumes, they require appropriate ventilation.
● They are big and will require assistance.
● An ash pan has to be cleaned regularly.
● A hopper must be refilled on a regular basis.
● Carrying and storing many bags of pellets is troublesome.
● Electricity is required to run most modern electric kinds.
● When the feeder and fan are running, they can be quite noisy.
Pellet stove vs. wood stove
● The main difference between pellet and wood stoves is that pellet stoves use small compressed pellets instead of large pieces of wood.
● Pellet stoves are comparable to wood stoves in that they provide natural fire without the need to chop and store firewood, but they have lower heating efficiency and emit more pollutants.
● The circuit board, thermostat, and fans, as well as the storage box and auger, are the most complex pieces on the inside.
● Wood stoves require extra upkeep, such as frequent ash removal and chimney inspection and cleaning. They emit more smoke and fumes, requiring extra care during vent installation.
● While wood pellets must be bought, you could be able to heat your house for free by using your own firewood.
● Pellets have a moisture percentage of 5 to 10%, but firewood has a moisture content of up to 20%, making pellet heating more efficient.
● Most pellet stoves cost between $1700 and $3000 and are less expensive to install than wood-burning heaters, according to homeadvisor.com.