Environmentally Friendly Pellet Stoves

In the coming year, the Department of Energy expects heating bills to increase by as much as 27% in some areas and as 30% in areas in extreme cold areas.  To help combat the high cost of heating, consider installing a pellet stove to supplement your heating.  In some areas, a pellet stove can even be used as the primary heat source.  Pellet stoves are a new generation of wood burning stove.  They are more environmentally friendly than the typical wood burning stove because pellet stoves produce 70% cleaner heat and are 30% more efficient.  In addition, pellet stoves have a heating capacity rating of 8,000 to 90,000 BTUs per hour.  In order to ensure that you purchase the correct size pellet stove make sure that you work with a knowledgeable dealer who can answer all of your questions and who will take into all the variables and factors unique to your home and lifestyle.

If you enjoy the look of a good flame, it is important to know that many pellet stoves produce a small fire.  Though small, this flame burns extremely hot.  However, if you want the look of the flame, then consider purchasing a pellet stove that has a large viewing glass and a flame pattern that you enjoy.  Some models of pellet stoves have available ceramic logs, which create a more traditional looking fire. 

Pellet stoves do have one disadvantage, which is they are more complex systems.  This means their many moving parts require routine maintenance.  Therefore, before you purchase a particular model of pellet stove, ask to look at the owner’s manual as it is a good idea to purchase a model that’s maintenance is easy and the parts are easily accessible for you. If you do not feel comfortable perform maintenance on your pellet stove, then consider purchasing a service contract to ensure the long life and efficiency of your pellet stove.

Pellet stoves are available in a bottom- or top-fed model, with each type of stove having benefits and disadvantages.  The main advantage with top-fed pellet stoves is that they have a lesser chance of fire burning into the hopper because of the top-fed delivery system.  However, this leads to the main disadvantage in that the combustion chamber often becomes obstructed with ash and deposits of reheated ash.  For this reason, several manufacturers of top-fed pellet stoves recommend the use of high-grade, low-ash pellets. 

The main advantage of bottom-fed pellet models is that they do not require the use of premium pellets as the burnt ash and clinkers are pushed into the ash pan, which must be cleaned once a week with steady use, which is the main disadvantage of the bottom-fed pellet stove.

Pellet stoves have motors, which require a 110-volt outlet for electricity.  A few models do have battery backup for when you suffer a power outage.  If power outages are frequent in your area, then you may want to invest in a gas-powered generator if you haven’t already.