11 "Faux Pas" That Are Actually OK To Use With Your Wood And Pellet Stove
Choosing Between a Wood and Pellet Stove
Wood and pellet stoves are available in different styles to fit existing fireplaces. They are both attractive and provide heat for homes.
Pellet stoves create hot air through the burning of wood waste such as sawdust and shavings. They also use fans to push exhaust gases through specially designed venting systems.
Cost
One of the main factors when comparing a wood heat stove to a pellet stove is the cost. Pellet stoves are more expensive initially than their counterparts. However they are also much less expensive when compared to home fossil fuels or electric heat sources. The long-term savings from the reduction in dependence on central heating system can be offset by the initial investment.
Pellet stoves utilize an internal combustion chamber to burn compressed pellet fuel like oat, alfalfa or Timothy. These wood-like Pellets are more efficient in terms of BTU per hour and a greater heat content than cordwood. In addition, pellet fuel can be bought in bulk, which can reduce the time required to fill up a stove hopper.
The pellet stove has the advantage of being an automatic. You can set the desired temperature by using a thermostat, and the appliance will keep the room at that exact temperature. This means you don't have to continually add fuel to a burning fire, and it prevents large temperature fluctuations within your home that could happen when using a wood stove.
The pellet stove is less prone to maintenance than a wood-burning stove. A wood stove must be cleaned frequently to prevent creosote accumulation, while pellet stoves produce very little and require only periodic cleaning of the chimney to ensure optimal performance.
The initial expenses for pellet stoves are generally more expensive than those for wood heat stoves, however the energy savings they provide can offset these expenses over time. A pellet stove also requires a power source to allow the pellets into the combustion chamber. This can present a problem in the event of a power interruption. However battery backup systems are readily available to reduce the danger.
Both types of wood heat stoves as well as pellet stoves are safe to operate when properly maintained. To ensure the safety of your stove, you should follow the manufacturer's instructions for maintenance and operation. This includes removing any pellets that are not used from the stove's hopper as well as feed system at the end of each heating season, and sweeping the flue vent regularly to reduce the accumulation of soot.
Energy Efficiency
A pellet or wood heater is a great choice for your home, as they are much cheaper than gas or oil heaters. They also create a warm atmosphere and can be utilized as an alternative to traditional heating methods, such as fireplaces or furnaces. However, if you're looking for a new stove it is crucial to select the right type for your requirements and budget.
Pellet stoves have a rectangular shape. They have a combustion chamber, hopper and vent to exhaust gasses from combustion. The stoves are self-lighting, and have a thermostat that will let you control the temperature inside your home. They can be used to heat small or large homes, depending on the power of the unit and its ability to produce a sufficient amount of heat per hour.
A variety of different kinds of pellet fuel are available that include nutshells, wood grain, grain, and other byproducts of cardboard and paper. You'll have to choose which type of pellets you'd like to utilize. Certain types of pellets burn well however others could produce too much ash. The top pellets have higher energy density. This means they'll produce more heat than lesser brands.
A pellet stove uses electricity to power fans and augers that transfer pellets into the combustion chamber. An interruption in power can impact how much heat you can generate and you might need to install a generator or backup system in the event there is a power outage. Pellet stoves are more efficient than wood burning stoves because they require less air to burn, and produce less creosote and ash.
Both wood and pellet stoves require some maintenance. However, wood stoves usually require more attention. You'll have to clean out the accumulated ash and "clinker" from the bottom of the stove often. It's recommended that you employ a metal vacuum cleaner equipped with a flexible hose to remove the hot material without burning yourself. Depending on the type of stove you buy you'll probably need to change the fire screen at least once per year, also.
pellet stoves vs wood stoves burning stoves emit large quantities of air pollutants such as nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds (furans and dioxins), and volatile organic compounds. These emissions also contribute to fine particle pollution, which can harm human health. In addition burning wood creates creosote, which is a toxic and carcinogenic chemical, which accumulates in the flue vent and can cause house fires. Wood pellets produce less air pollution, have no creosote is produced and require less storage space than logs.
Pellet stoves are also more complicated than log fireplaces and require regular inspections by homeowners and by an expert on an annual basis to ensure they operate properly. They also use electricity to run fans and controls as well as pellet feeders. A pellet stove requires about 100 kilowatt hours per month under normal use. If the power is cut off the stove won't work, unless it has batteries to backup it.
The species size, the size, and the moisture content of wood used will determine the energy efficiency and environmental impact of a pellet stove or wood stove. Wood pellets made of dense hardwood timber such as oak and hickory, generate more heat per pound than pellets made of softwoods, such as pine or spruce. The heat-to-weight ratio of various species is also a crucial factor.
The initial cost of a stove constructed of pellets is lower than a wood stove. However, it requires replacement after 10 to 15 years. Most manufacturers recommend removing all unused pellets from the stove's hopper as well as feed system at the conclusion of the heating season which will help to keep the stove from rusting and make lighting the appliance at the beginning of the next heating season easier. It is also recommended that the vent for the flue be regularly cleaned to prevent soot buildup.
The results of this study, while the pellet stove was more efficient in most impact categories than the fireplace or spruce log burner are specific to the appliance and the conditions under the conditions they were operating. Further research is needed to evaluate the performance of various wood-based heating systems in homes from a cradle-to-grave perspective considering forest management activities, pellet and wood split log production, transport and storage and thermal energy generation.
Maintenance
Wood and pellet stoves require regular maintenance to ensure that the process of burning is running smoothly and efficiently. Every week, cleaning is needed to get rid of ash and other debris. They should also be emptied of their ash pans as well as the vent pipes frequently. Keeping up with these requirements helps to prevent build-up of creosote which could cause the stove to malfunction.
Every season, a professional technician should clean and examine the pellet stove before each season. This can help to determine and fix any mechanical issues before they become serious. Additionally the technician should wash and examine the venting system to ensure proper operation. The technician should also lubricate the fans and clean any obstructions.
Pellet stoves need more maintenance than wood stoves due to the fact that they are more complex. The controls, the blower and hopper require electricity. In addition, they need to be connected to an exhaust pipe which could be a small chimney on the roof or a direct vent through the wall behind the stove. The installer can guide the homeowner on the best method for their home layout and stove type.
To avoid exposure to moisture for both pellet and wood stoves should be stored in a dry, clean area. They should not be kept directly on concrete floors, since this could cause them to absorb moisture and eventually become contaminated. They should be stored in sealed storage containers to protect them from pests and other contaminants. They should be checked regularly and filled with pellets of the highest quality.
Besides being an efficient heat source Wood and pellet stoves are a great way to save money on energy bills. However, it is crucial to select the correct kind of pellets or wood to ensure that they burn properly. Oak, hickory, and maple are excellent selections due to their high heat content per pound, and produce less creosote than other species.
If you own a wood or pellet stove, it's important to maintain it regularly to avoid costly repairs and extend its lifespan. It is important to not just clean it up regularly and to also check for any obstructions in your ventilation system as well as to clean the door.