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Choosing Between a Wood and Pellet Stove Wood and pellet stoves are available in a variety of styles to match fireplaces of all kinds. They are both attractive and can provide warmth to homes. Pellet stoves create hot air by burning compressed wood waste, such as sawdust and shavings. They also use an exhaust fan to push the gases through specially designed venting systems. Cost One of the main factors when comparing a wood heater to a pellet stove is the cost. While pellet stoves are likely to be more expensive in the beginning than their counterparts, they are significantly lower when contrasted with home fossil fuels and electric heat sources. In addition, the savings over time that can be derived from reduced dependence on central heating systems can offset the initial investment. Pellet stoves utilize an internal combustion chamber to burn compressed pellet fuel such as alfalfa, oat or timothy. These pellets resemble wood and have a higher BTU per hour and a higher heat content than cordwood. Pellet fuel can also be bought in bulk, which can reduce the time needed to refill the stove's hopper. The main benefit of pellet stoves is that it operates automatically. The stove will stay at the temperature you set on the thermostat. It is also easier to keep a constant fire and prevents the huge temperature fluctuations that can occur when cooking on an oven. The ease of a pellet stove is also evident in the amount of maintenance is required than a wood stove. While wood stoves must be cleaned regularly to prevent the buildup of creosote pellet stoves generally produce small amounts of creosote and require regular cleaning of the chimney vent to ensure maximum performance. The initial investments in pellet stoves are typically more costly than those for wood heat stoves, but the energy savings they provide could offset these costs over time. A pellet stove requires power to bring pellets into the combustion chamber. This can be a problem if there is a power failure. However, battery backup systems are readily available to mitigate this danger. Both kinds of wood heat stoves as well as pellet stoves are generally safe to operate if they are maintained. In order to ensure the safety of your stove, follow the manufacturer's instructions for operation and maintenance. This includes removing unused pellets from the stove hopper and feed system at the conclusion of each heating season and cleaning the vents of the flue every day to prevent the build-up of soot. Energy Efficiency A pellet or wood stove can be a great option for a home since they produce heat at a cheaper cost than gas or oil heaters. They can also be used to create a comfortable atmosphere and also as an alternative method of heating like a fireplace or furnace. However, if tiny pellet stove looking for a new stove, it's important to choose the right model for your requirements and budget. Pellet stoves are rectangular in shape and include an air chamber, a fan, hopper, and vent for exhausting combustion gases. They can be self-lighting and come with thermostats that allow you to control the temperature of your home. They can be used for heating small to large homes, depending on the power of the unit and its ability to produce enough heat per hour. There are a variety of pellet fuel, such as wood, nutshells and grain. Other byproducts such as paper and cardboard are also a possibility. Depending on the type of pellet you use, you'll have to consider whether it's burning correctly or create too much ash. The top pellets have higher energy density. This means that they'll generate more heat than inferior brands. A pellet stove makes use of electricity to power fans and augers, which feed pellets into the combustion chamber. An outage in power can affect how much heat you can generate, so you may want to install an additional generator or backup system in the event of a power failure. Pellet stoves can be more efficient than wood burning stoves due to the fact that they require less air to burn, and produce less creosote or ash. Both wood and pellet stoves require some maintenance however wood stoves generally require more attention than pellet stoves. You'll need to clear the ash that has accumulated and “clinker” from the stove's bottom frequently. You should use a metal vacuum with a flexible hose to remove the hot material. You may also need to replace the fire screen on your stove at least once a year, depending on the type you buy. Environmental Impact Wood-burning stoves generate large quantities of air pollutants, including nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds such as furans and dioxins. These emissions can also cause fine particle pollution that is dangerous to human health. Additionally, burning wood produces creosote, which is a toxic and carcinogenic chemical, which accumulates in the flue vents and can cause house fires. Wood pellets on the other hand, create less air pollution, and they do not produce creosote, and require much less space to store than logs. Pellet stoves also require more maintenance than log fireplaces. They need to be inspected by both the homeowner and a professional annually to ensure that they're operating properly. They also use electricity to power fans control systems, pellet feeders, and even controls. A pellet stove requires around 100 kilowatts of power per month, if it is used in a normal manner. The stove won't work in the event that power is cut off in the event of an emergency battery backup. The species, size, and moisture content of wood used will determine the energy efficiency and environmental impact of a pellet or wood stove. Wood pellets made of dense hardwoods, such as oak and hickory, generate more heat per pounds than pellets made of softwoods such as pine or spruce. The heat-to-weight ratio for different species is also a crucial factor. While the initial cost of pellet stoves is less than a wood stove, it will require replacement every 10 to 15 years. Most manufacturers suggest removing all unused pellets from the stove hopper and feed system at the conclusion of the heating season, which will help to keep the stove from rusting and make lighting the stove at the start of the next heating season much easier. The flue vent needs to be cleaned frequently to avoid soot accumulation. The results of this study, although the pellet stove was more efficient in all impact categories than the fireplace or spruce log burner are specific to the appliance and the conditions in the conditions they operated. More research is required to assess the performance of different wood-based heating systems in homes from a cradle-to-grave perspective considering forest management activities wood split and pellet log production, storage and transport and thermal energy production. Maintenance Wood and pellet stoves require regular maintenance to keep the combustion process functioning smoothly and efficiently. They need to be cleaned regularly to brush away collected debris and ash. The ash pans, aswell as the vent pipes, must be cleaned regularly. Following these guidelines will prevent the build-up of creosote that could lead to the stove malfunctioning. Each season, a professional technician should clean and examine the pellet stove before each season. This can help determine and fix any mechanical problems before they become more severe. Additionally, the technician should clean and inspect the venting system to ensure it is in good operation. The technician should also replace any parts that are clogged or oily and lubricate the fans. Pellet stoves are more complicated than wood stoves and require more care in maintaining. The blower, controls and hopper require electricity. They must also be connected to an exhaust pipe, which can be a small roof-top chimney or a direct vent for the wall behind the stove. The installer can guide the homeowner on the most appropriate option for their home's layout and stove model. To prevent moisture exposure to moisture, both pellet and wood stoves should be stored in a dry, clean area. It is not recommended to store them on concrete floors as they absorb moisture and become infected. To guard them against insects They should be stored in sealed containers. They should be checked regularly and filled with pellets of the highest quality. Wood stoves and pellet stoves aren't only efficient heat sources They can also help you save money on your energy bills. But, it's important to choose the appropriate kind of pellets or wood to ensure that they burn properly. Oak, hickory and maple are great choices since they produce less creosote, and have a high percentage of heat per kilogram. It is important to keep your pellet or wood stove on a regular basis to avoid costly repairs. This will also increase the life of your stove. In addition to cleaning it on a regular basis it is essential to examine the ventilation system for any obstructions, and also clean the glass door.