So You've Bought Miniature Pellet Stove ... Now What?
Benefits of a Mini Pellet Stove Bring a sustainable warmth to your home by installing small pellet stoves. These compact heating options feature a modern design to add to your décor while adding utility and minimizing encroachment on living space. Pellet stoves require electricity to run their fans and pellet feeder mechanisms. They are able to function even during power outages if they have battery backup systems, or manual ignition options. Energy Efficiency Pellet stoves can be a great way to cut down on energy consumption because they burn renewable fuels that don't cause air pollutants. In addition, they don't need an entire chimney system like wood stoves do. A blower is used to push hot air through the heating ducts of your home or room. This system also prevents odors and smoke from wafting into living spaces. The efficiency of energy in the stove is measured in BTUs. This is the amount energy produced per pound of pellets burned. The higher the BTU rating the more efficient the stove is. The capacity of the hopper is an important factor that determines the energy efficiency of the pellet stove. It will tell you the length of time the stove can run before it has to be refilled. Some pellet stoves have a “green” mode that turns the stove off automatically when it is not being used for a prolonged period. This can save more energy because it reduces the amount of power the stove consumes. While pellet stoves are an green option than traditional wood burning stoves they do require electricity to operate certain components. For instance, certain models use augers that feed the pellets into the combustion chamber which requires a motor that operates by using electricity. The warm air generated by the combustion process is pushed throughout the room or home through fans. They make use of electricity, too which can increase the energy consumption of your home. Consider a heat-pump if you want an efficient alternative to a wood stove or pellet stove. Heat pumps make use of electricity to move heat from the ground or air into your home. In addition, they are more efficient than furnaces and wood stoves. They're also a good option for homeowners living in areas that have extreme weather. Like all heating systems, pellet stoves must be maintained properly to ensure that they are operating at their peak. You should regularly empty the ash drawer, and then clean the burners, and you should wipe down the windows to get rid of any condensation that may have formed from the hot air released. You should also keep your heating ducts free of obstructions, and replace your filter frequently to improve the efficiency and hygiene. Installation Options Pellet stoves do require electricity to run however, they aren't as efficient as other heating appliances. They can be used as primary sources of heat in all climates, provided they are appropriately sized to the area and are maintained. They can be paired with other heating systems to reduce energy consumption and improve efficiency. They can be positioned in tight spaces. For example, the Harman XXV ($5,240) shown here which is a freestanding model can be set between 1 and 3 inches away from the wall behind it, and also 6 to 7 inches away from the sidewalls. They are available in many designs to match any style of interior. If you're thinking of installing a pellet stove, talk with several contractors to find prices for your particular situation. Make sure to include the cost of a chimney liner which can cost $2,000 or more. Insert pellet stoves are installed into a hearth already installed within your home. They are less efficient than freestanding units but are ideal for homes with open floor plans and a limited space. They also have flexibility because they can be moved from room to room. It is crucial to follow the manufacturer's directions regarding the proper clearances when installing a pellet stove. Consider using a heat-shield, which can reduce clearances required by up to 2/3. Heat shields are available in a variety of materials, such as polished aluminum, hammered aluminum All-Clad, salvaged tin sheets, and ceramic tile. You'll need an outside wall thimble, and a flexible vent pipe to vent a pellet stove. The thimble must be screwed into the exterior wall of your home, and the vent pipe then placed through it. You'll need to wrap the pipe with fireproof insulation and extend at least 6 inches beyond the exterior siding of your home. Installing an alarm for carbon monoxide within your home is a smart idea because a pellet stove can produce carbon monoxide. tiny pellet stove will sound an alarm if there's too high levels of CO2 in the air, prompting people to get out to fresh air. Environmentally Friendly A mini pellet stove makes use of biomass fuel to burn the fuel, which is a sustainable source that emits less smoke than wood or gas stoves. This reduced pollution contributes towards better air quality. Furthermore, pellet stoves use less energy to operate than other heating options, which reduces carbon emissions that cause greenhouse gases and contribute to climate change. This combination of environmental consciousness and efficiency makes pellet stoves that are small an appealing heating option for homeowners. A number of models feature an automated system which regulates the amount of fuel pumped into the burner pot based upon a predetermined temperature you set using the thermostat controls. This lets you control the temperature of your fire by adjusting it from a roaring flame to a low-burn, or even outright extinction. These stoves can also be connected to a home network to allow smartphone/internet control. The majority of pellet stoves are self-igniting which makes it easy to light a fire at the touch of a button. This eliminates the need to tear up paper, light kindling, or use lighter fluid. It can also be programmed to turn on automatically at specific times to keep your home warm during your absence. As tiny pellet stove and heat is generated and the flame heats up, a blower pushes warm air through an exhaust pipe to the outside. Based on the design of your house and the available venting, this can be vented through a tiny chimney fixture that is mounted to the roof or out the back. Pellet stoves are generally quieter than wood stoves and fireplaces and require a less frequent maintenance schedule than other heating methods. They are powered by electricity, and may not function in the event of a power outage. It is important to have a back-up plan in these situations. They can be used to heat smaller houses, apartments or condos. If you live in a very cold climate, you may have to supplement the heat of your pellet stove by utilizing other sources of heat. Installation and maintenance of a pellet stove can provide you with years of comfortable, cost-effective heating for your apartment or home. Cost-effective heating If you're looking to save money on heating option, a miniature pellet stove is the ideal option. They are more efficient and emit less harmful emissions than traditional wood stoves. They also require less maintenance. You'll have to buy and store pellets which will increase the cost of ownership. To heat your home the stove's blower makes use of the fan to circulate warm air around the house. The size of the room you want to heat will determine the amount of heat your stove will generate. A professional can assess the space and recommend the model that is the best fit for your needs. The amount of power that the blower uses can affect your energy bill. The stove is small enough to fit in tight spaces. The design of the stove is contemporary and flexible that allows it to blend into any design. The stove is EPA certified, which means it complies with strict emission standards. It also qualifies for the Biomass Tax Credit. You can select a fuel hopper of either 40 pounds or 120 pounds. A larger hopper will lessen the need to refill it frequently. You'll still have to buy pellets, however the amount you'll require will be considerably less. Pellet stoves come in a variety of sizes, but the majority can be used to provide heat to a small or medium-sized room. The larger units can even be able to heat larger homes, based on the level of insulation and the way in which the space is used. If you live in a very cold climate or have a large house you'll likely require additional heating. The cost of using a pellet stove is contingent upon the price of the pellets as well as the electricity it takes to run the appliance. You can expect to pay about $150 a year for pellets and electricity for running a stove on the average heating setting. This is a lot lower than the annual expense of running an oil or gas heater. Contact a local fireplace dealer to get a free consultation if you want to reduce your heating costs. They can help you assess your needs and pair you with top-rated professionals for proper installation and venting.