Five Things You Didn't Know About Pellet Stove Furnace

Pellet Stove Furnace

Pellet stoves can be used as a second heat source or, if you have proper venting, as a primary heating option. These stoves are available in freestanding models or as fireplace inserts. They can give the appearance of an old-fashioned wood-burning fireplace.

The auger moves the pellets out of the hopper into the combustion chamber, where they are burnt and produce heat. Sensors are used to monitor the fire and alter the rate of operation to ensure your desired temperature in the room.

1. Energy Efficiency

Pellet stoves burn renewable non-toxic fuel composed of compressed sawdust wood chips, bark and other materials that are typically placed in landfills but which can be repurposed into a clean and efficient source of heating. This means that they aid homeowners in reducing their energy usage and decrease greenhouse gas emissions. Many pellet stove owners report recouping their initial investment within just several years with lower heating bills.

Pellets are much more dense and compressed than natural wood, making them more efficient in burning. They also produce less creosote buildup than traditional fireplaces that burn wood. They are also packed in plastic bags that seal out moisture and require less frequent cleaning.

Like other heating systems, pellet stoves should be properly measured and vented. A qualified technician can assess your venting requirements and space to ensure the most efficient results.

In the process of installation, the hearth is constructed to fit the space and the vent is inserted through a pre-cut hole in the siding of your home. The vent may be installed through a sidewall or roof depending on your preference and local laws.

Once the vent and hearth are complete then the pellet stove can be connected and switched on. Some manufacturers offer remote controls that make starting and maintaining the fire simple, while others have additional sensors that monitor airflow, combustion, flue temperature, and pressure. When the system detects it needs more or less pellets, it signals the auger to speed up or slow down according to the situation.

All stoves have a hopper for storage that holds between 35 and 130 pounds of pellets until needed. The size of the hopper determines how often you need to replenish your stove. Larger hoppers can be used for longer time periods before refills is needed. A grille draws air out of the room, passes it over the heat exchanger and blows heated air into the living space through convection. A grate or auger distributes the pellets, while a pan underneath is used to collect any burned ones along with combustion residue.

While pellet stoves are more efficient than wood-burning models, they're not as efficient as natural gas furnaces or electricity-powered heaters. Electric components that drive motorized components of stoves require an electrical supply. This could be an issue in the event of a power outage, but backup systems such as generators and batteries are available.

2. Low Maintenance

Pellet stoves are extremely efficient, but they need some attention to operate properly. Cleaning your stove and exhaust vent regularly will stop the accumulation of dangerous creosote that could cause a fire or explosion that can damage your stove and/or house.

A pellet stove burns compressed natural wood particles or other materials (like nutshells, corn kernels or small pieces of scrap wood). The pellets are inserted into the combustion chamber through an auger powered with electricity. The thermostat you set controls the speed of pellets being fed to the burner. This allows the fire to remain roaring, or to lower the rate or even shut down depending on your set temperature. The ash will be collected in an empty ash tray underneath the burner. It can be easily removed and then disposed.

Pellets are made from byproducts that would have been thrown away in the process of processing lumber. They are a renewable resource and emit significantly less particles into the air than traditional wood-burning stoves, which results in a clean burning heat source. The amount of carbon monoxide, carcinogens and other harmful chemicals emitted from pellet stoves is less than the latest EPA certified wood stoves.

Because of the low emissions they produce, these stoves do not need to be vented through chimneys like traditional wood stoves but should be properly vented through a wall or other exterior structure. Pellet stoves have flue ports that open from the rear or the top of the appliance and are connected to an exhaust pipe that extends outside of the home.

One drawback of a pellet stove is that you must purchase or store enough pellets to last the winter time. On average, pellet stove owners consume three tons of pellets during the course of winter at $200 per ton. The expenses can add up, but they are cheaper than purchasing firewood and then hauling it away for a wood-burning stove or fireplace. You should purchase enough pellets to ensure that your stove will be able to run through the coldest winter months. Additionally, you will must have a space to keep the pellets (preferably dry and cool).

3. Reduced Carbon Footprint

Pellet stoves produce heat using renewable biomass fuel, reducing reliance on finite fossils fuels. This contributes to a reduced carbon footprint and also helps diversify energy sources in homes.

Even the latest wood stoves that are EPA certified emit considerably less than pellet stoves. The emissions from pellet stoves are much lower than ones from gas furnaces. Pellets can be made from sawdust and bark as well as other lumber fragments. They may also contain corn, soybeans or agricultural waste. When they are burned, they emit less particles, which can cause respiratory issues and allergies as well as carcinogens and nitrous oxide.

The primary difference between the wood stove and the pellet stove is the feed system. Pellet stoves come with hoppers to hold the pellets. When the thermostat or sensors signal that the room is in need of heating, the auger is turned and the pellets are fed into the combustion chamber where they burn and produce heat. The air from the combustion chamber moves through a heat exchanger which transfers the heat to the blower and out into the room. This process produces very little emissions, and creosote does not produced.

After the hopper has been emptied, the ash is removed by a cyclone and it is then deposited into an ash container. The stove is equipped with a fan that circulates the warm, fresh air into the room. The majority of pellet stoves require little maintenance and come with a huge viewing area for you and your family members to relax and enjoy the flames.

The quality of pellets is the main factor that influences the emissions from pellet stoves. The poor quality pellets will result in more emissions. When selecting your pellets ensure they meet certain standards and do not contain other ingredients such as petroleum-based or urea-based products. Choose a company that offers a guarantee and will replace or repair parts in the event of a problem.  fireplacesandstove  provide homeowners with an incentive to pay taxes in the event that they decide to go even greener. This is a great way to offset the initial costs of this kind of stove and make installation more affordable.

4. Reduced Noise

Pellet stoves emit very little smoke or exhaust when compared to fireplaces with wood burning. They also have an electric fan to distribute heat more evenly throughout the space. This is a major reason pellet stoves need less maintenance than wood stoves. While wood stoves require regular cleaning of particulates and chemicals to prevent deterioration, pellet stoves can be cleaned using a metal vacuum cleaner.

Many manufacturers have designed their stoves to ensure that they are easy to set up, operate and maintain. They also design their appliances in a wide range of styles to match the decor of your home. Some come with programmable thermostats remote control, as well as WIFI app so you can manage and monitor your stove from anywhere in the world.

Most pellet stoves have a large fuel hopper that can contain between 35 and 130 pounds of pellets. The pellets are then pumped into the combustion chamber via an auger. The amount of heat produced and the level at which the fire gets depends on the speed at which the pellets are fed to the burner. The hopper can either be filled with hardwood pellets made from wood with a dense structure like hickory and oak, or softwood pellets. Many stoves can even make use of alternative biomass pellets such as those made of switchgrass or corn, which can be environmentally friendly alternatives.

Since pellet stoves burn an environmentally friendly fuel, they emit less smoke than traditional wood-burning fireplaces, and require less maintenance. They don't require a chimney and are therefore the best choice for retrofits and new construction.

In contrast to wood stoves, which need to be kept regularly free of creosote as well as other chemicals, pellet stoves only need to be periodically inspected for proper operation and maintenance. Depending on the model, this may include a periodic inspection and cleaning of the accumulation of ash or "clinker," as well as the motor and fan. Your appliance dealer will be able to explain the correct procedures for your specific brand and model. He can also provide information about storage and safety and assist you in locating the right fuel for your stove.