Intoduction to Wood Pellet Stoves

Pellet stoves can be a cost-effective and fuel-efficient way to heat any room. However, before you invest in one, you must carefully consider a few factors. Here are a couple of buying considerations for pellet stoves:

Average Cost

The price of a pellet stove ranges anywhere from $1,700 to $3,300. Its installation may cost from $350 to $550. Aside from the price of the stove itself and the installation cost, there are other costs to consider, such as delivery, hearth pad, vent or chimney, fuel supply, and maintenance. When it comes to installation, always bear in mind that unlike ordinary wood stoves that need expensive conventional flues or chimney, pellet stoves only require a vent pipe that can go through the ceiling or wall.

Type

There are two major categories of pellet stoves: high output and low output. This classification is based on the amount of heat that the stove is able to generate, which is known as their efficiency or heat output range. In general, pellet stoves have an efficiency of 75 to 90% and a heat output range of 40,000 BTU or higher. These figures vary from model to model. In deciding what model to purchase based on the type and capacity, take into consideration other factors, such as the following:

1.    Size and layout of the house
2.    Features of the house that would affect heating
3.    Intended purpose of the pellet stove
4.    Desired temperature range

Physical Size

The physical size of the pellet stove is one of the most thought-of aspects when considering where to position the stove in your house. Note, however, that the physical size is not as important as size of the stove in terms of its fuel hopper and heat-generating capacity. A smaller stove can keep a large room warm, but it might not last for more than a day because of the small amount of pellets it can accommodate.

Fuel Requirement

Pellets may be made from wood, sawdust, corn, and peanut shells among other recyclable materials. When it comes to the fuel source, take note that the type of stove that you should choose as well as the cost-efficiency of heating your home largely depend on the availability of the different types of pellets in your area and their cost. In some areas, the pellets are generally more expensive. For instance, in New York, a standard bag of pellets usually goes for $4.50 to $8 and can be consumed within 12 hours even when burned at a low setting. Aside from the type of material, pellets are also categorized based on their grade: premium and standard. What separates the two is their inorganic ash content. Using premium-grade pellets translates to less cleaning and maintenance but, of course, a higher annual fuel cost.

Location

Compared to other stove types, pellet stoves require less space to be installed. Depending on the model, they can be placed as little as three to four inches from a wall. Pellet stoves must be positioned a certain distance away from materials and surfaces that are combustible, such as curtains and doors. They must also be placed on a non-combustible material like a hearth pad.

No Comments »

This article is the continuation of the first regarding a few factors that you must consider before you make a pellet stove purchase.

Venting

Pellet stoves are power vented so they can be placed almost anywhere in your homes, be through the wall, through the ceiling, or into a masonry chimney, if you have one. The only requirement is that the vertical chimney should be three feet at the least. This chimney is usually stainless steel-lined and three to four inches in diameter.

Installation

The Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA) of the US suggests that people buy from specialty retailers and hire certified professionals to install pellet stoves in order to ensure safety. The professional installers will be the ones to obtain the building permits and to make sure that all of the safety requirements are met, such as the length of the chimney and placement of the stove on a non-combustible surface.

Ignition System

Three types of ignition systems are available: standard, self-starting, and fully automatic. The standard system requires the use of a match and starter gel. The self-starting system provides a button or a remote control which the person uses to start the stove. The fully automatic system is managed by a thermostat that turns on and off depending on the selected heat level. Choose a reliable startup system that would suit your frequency of usage (i.e. intermittent or continuous).

Feeding System

A top-fed stove, which feeds pellets from the hopper down to a tube, decreases the risk of fire burning right back into the holding area of the pellets, but is more likely to get clogged with ashes. This is why top-fed models are recommended to be fueled with high-grade, low-ash pellets. Bottom-fed stove models, on the other hand, deliver the pellets to the side or from behind the burn box. Since the ash is pushed right into the pan during delivery, bottom-fed models don’t require the more expensive premium fuel but they may not be as efficient.

Miscellaneous Features

Some models have optional features that enhance their ease of use, convenience, and reliability. Some of these miscellaneous features are self-cleaning burn pots, self-cleaning glass that utilizes an air wash system that channels warm air over it during burning, deep ash pans to accommodate more residue and backup power since stoves require electricity to be run. Check the features or each model before making your decision.

Style

There are many options to choose from in terms of the external design of pellet stoves. From modern to old world, from cast iron to porcelain, you’ll be sure to find one that suits your taste and the interiors of your home.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Pellet stoves contain motors, moving parts, electronic gadgetry, and electrical features. These are easy to maintain, but regular checking and servicing must be done in order to ensure that they perform their functions properly. The routing tasks that must be done include the following:

1.    Emptying the ash pan
2.    Cleaning the glass, hopper, burn pot, and ash pan
3.    Scheduling inspection services yearly as recommended by the HPBA

No Comments »

If you are using a pellet stove as your home heating device, make sure that you clean it regularly to ensure its optimal performance as well as safe operation. Here are a few tips on how to maintain your pellet stove.

Burn Pot

To keep its air inlets open and unclogged, clean the burn pot regularly depending on the type and grade of the pellets that you are using. Consult your manual on how often to do this.

The burn pot is responsible for controlling the amount of the fuel and air to enable combustion. When your stove is working well, the flame should be bright yellow or white. On high burn, there may be a gray or white buildup of ash, while there may be a darker ash on low burn. However, if your stove is malfunctioning, the flame is usually orange and smoky. There would also be a build up of a brown gooey substance.

Also watch out for a buildup of clinkers, which are from ashes that have melted and re-hardened. If ash in the burn pot starts melting, it can clog the air holes and ruin the optimal fuel-to-air ratio. This can then cause clinkers to form. By using the rake or ash tool that comes with your stove, you can remove these clinkers even while the stove is on.

Ash Drawer

Before starting a new fire, you have to empty out the ash drawer of the pellet stove. You should also do this occasionally while the stove is in operation. In general, you should empty the ash drawer once or twice per week, depending on the model.

Heat Exchanger

The heat exchanger is located in the combustion chamber. It is the one that is responsible for cleaning the hot air produced in the burn pot and pushing it outside to heat your home. For the optimal release of heat, the heat exchanger’s surface should be cleaned on a regular basis. Again, the frequency of cleaning is based on the model of the design. It may be daily or monthly depending on what is indicated on the manual. In some pellet stoves, this is done simply by moving a rod that rubs against and cleans the tubes inside. In others, professional service is needed.

Ash Traps

These are found at the back of the fire chamber. They prevent the excess ash in the exhaust from escaping from the stove. In some models, they can be easily opened and accessed. Some models, on the other hand, need professional service.

Glass

When the glass has completely cooled, clean it using a glass cleaner.

Hopper and Auger

Make sure to check for accumulated sawdust materials, which are also known as fines. The pellets in the auger and hopper should also be run out in order to prevent fines from building up and blocking the tubes.

Venting System

Have the venting system of your stove cleaned and maintained by professionals. But you may do so yourself if you’re knowledgeable about it and if you have the right equipment.

Professional Services

Most owners of pellet stoves avail of professional servicing of their heating gadgets on an annual basis. Moreover, pellet stove dealers may offer service plans that are conveniently scheduled and not too costly.

No Comments »