10 Factors To Know About Pellet Stoves Vs Wood Stoves You Didn't Learn In School

Pellet Stoves Vs Wood Stoves Pellet stoves burn wood pellets, corn or a mixture of the two to generate heat. An auger powered by motors loads the pellets into a combustion chamber, which is where they are igniting and heated. The majority of models have thermostatic controls to keep the fire at your desired temperature. They produce very little ash and release very low levels of air particles. Cost When compared to wood stoves, pellet stoves tend to cost less. This is because they're more affordable to install and are able to be vented via tiny holes in the wall. Pellet stoves are also environmentally friendly than other types of stoves because they burn a renewable fuel made from recycled waste. Pellet stoves provide constant heat throughout the home and are simple to operate. They come with thermostat controls and automatic ignition. They produce less soot, dust and ash making them easier to maintain and clean. The initial costs for pellet stoves are more expensive than wood stoves. You'll need to purchase wood-based fuel or firewood for your unit. This can cost more than a bag of wood pellets. Additionally, you'll need to replenish your fuel supply frequently and will likely have to invest in an uninterruptible power supply to keep the feed auger operating in the event of a power failure. Wood stoves' initial costs are generally lower than pellet stoves, but their ongoing fuel expenses can add up to a significant amount during a heating season. A wood stove can last anywhere from 10 to 20 year dependent on the design. Unlike wood stoves, pellet stoves can operate solely on electricity, and some models offer batteries to ensure power outages. They are a great choice for homes without access to lots of free wood or firewood. Pellet stoves are also simpler to maintain than wood-burning stoves, because they don't emit sparks or flames that can ignite fires. They are safer for homes with pets or young children. Nevertheless, you'll need to do regular cleaning and maintenance activities, such as adding pellets to the fuel hopper and cleaning up ash after each use. You may also need to replace components over time. These extra costs can add up to your total ownership cost. Energy Efficiency Wood stoves need regular maintenance, including adding wood and monitoring the flames. Additionally, starting an open flame can create sparks that burn skin and damage clothing which can create a risky situation that requires constant monitoring. Pellet stoves are a modern alternative to traditional wood-burning heaters, offering the safety of a consistent and safe flame. Pellet stoves are more efficient than fireplaces that burn wood and can convert up to 90% of fuel into heat. They also consume less fuel per unit of time. This efficient use can reduce heating costs and help the environment. Pellet stoves also offer a longer period of autonomy than traditional wood stoves. Based on the model you select, this can range from 12 hours at full power to 30 hours when using low-power settings. The autonomy of pellet stoves is greater if you use the heater to warm the rooms in which you are using it, rather than heating the entire home. Contrary to traditional wood-burning stoves which must be manually fed with kindling, paper, and matches to ignite and maintain a flame, pellet stoves require a small amount of electricity to operate the electronic ignition systems and augers that deliver the pellets into the combustion chamber. The electricity is sourced via an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) or generator, making them more secure than wood stoves which are prone to failure. Pellet stoves require electricity to run the motorized fans and hoppers that automatically introduce pellets into the combustion box. If you live in a region where power outages are frequent and power outages, you might need to purchase backup options to keep your stove operating. It's important to consider the options that come with the stove you select before deciding which one to purchase. Environmental Impact Pellet stoves produce heat by burning wood byproducts from the process of recycling. This is the reason they're deemed “green.” Pellets are also made from renewable resources, like trees that can be harvested for wood and replanted. pellet stove fireplace fireplacesandstove makes them a perfect alternative to fossil fuels for heating, such as oil and gas. The process of burning wood to create pellets is extremely efficient so pellet stoves produce very little waste. They require less maintenance and cleaning than traditional wood stoves. This makes them an environmentally-friendly choice for those looking for alternatives to heating their homes. Pellet stoves also include thermostats to maintain the desired heat level. They are also fitted with sensors that monitor the status of the fire, which will shut down or alter the flame to meet your current heating requirements. Additionally, they may be operated using a mechanized screw auger, which is designed to feed pellets into the combustion chamber only when sensors indicate that it's time to replenish the supply. Pellet stoves emit less particulate matter into air due to their low amount of ash. PM may contain harmful substances like carcinogens which could cause health problems if inhaled. Pellet stoves release much less volatile organic compound (VOC) in the air than traditional wood burning stoves. VOCs include carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and other gases. Contrary to VOCs the smoke from burning wood doesn't release VOCs into the atmosphere; however it does release tiny particles known as condensed moisture and nitric oxides. Pellet stoves often have a catalytic converter, that is similar in appearance to the converter in your car. This convertor is able to capture and burn the particles during the combustion. This creates a highly efficient, clean burn that has low emissions. Because pellet stoves utilize motorized components and are powered by electricity, they do need to be plugged into an electrical outlet. This is particularly important to keep in mind in the event of power outages, as your pellet stove won't be able to function without a source of electricity. A lot of pellet stoves are equipped with batteries that can keep your home warm in the event of an power outage. Maintenance Both wood stoves and pellet stoves require regular maintenance to keep them running at their peak efficiency. Pellet stoves emit less smoke than wood-burning units, but they still require regular cleaning to avoid creosote buildup and manage the ash. The augers and hoppers of the stoves must be cleaned regularly to ensure that they are feeding pellets correctly. Wood stoves on the other hand, have a tendency to cause creosote and sparks that could lead to house fires when not properly cleaned. They also produce high temperatures that are dangerous for pets and children who are too close. Since they operate without electricity, wood stoves will not function during power outages unless an alternative source of heat is available. In terms of aesthetics, wood stoves have a classic look that can transform any space into a comfortable place to relax. They also offer the soothing sound of a crackle and pop when they burn. Pellet stoves have a more contemporary style and offer sleek design that is perfect to modern homes and interiors. Pellet stoves can be used with a variety of biofuels, including recycled wood and byproducts such as sawdust, paper, bark and nutshells. They can also be powered by corn or other renewable biomass fuels. Pellet stoves are less polluting to the environment than wood-burning stoves as they don't use fossil fuels. The two types of stoves provide an array of designs, and many can be customized to complement your home's decor. Some are designed to be a part of preexisting fireplaces, while others are freestanding units which can be moved when required. You can also purchase them with a viewing glass to enhance their appearance.