The Secret Life Of Pellet Stove Furnace

Pellet Stove Furnace Pellet stoves can be used as a supplemental heating source or, with proper venting, a primary heating option. They are available as freestanding models as well as fireplace inserts. They can provide the appearance of a traditional wood-burning fire. The auger moves pellets from the hopper to the combustion chamber where they are burned and produce heat. Sensors detect the fire and alter the speed of operation to keep your desired room temperature. 1. Energy Efficiency Pellet stoves burn a renewable, non-toxic fuel made of compressed sawdust wood chips, bark and other materials normally placed in landfills but which can be used to create a sustainable and clean source of heating. They aid homeowners in reducing their energy usage, and thus greenhouse gas emissions. Many users of pellet stoves say that they recoup their initial investment in only few years by reducing their heating costs. Pellets are much more dense and compressed than natural wood, making them more efficient to burn. tiny pellet stove produce less creosote compared to traditional wood-burning fires. Additionally, they are stored in plastic bags that seal out moisture and need less frequent cleaning. Similar to other heating systems, pellet stoves should be properly measured and vented. A skilled technician can assess your space and venting requirements to ensure the best results. In the process of installation, the hearth is built to size and the vent is inserted through a pre-cut hole in your home's siding. The vent can be positioned through a sidewall or a roof depending on your preference and local laws. Once the hearth and vent are completed and the stove is ready to be connected. Some manufacturers offer a remote control that makes starting and maintaining the fire easy, while others have additional sensors that monitor airflow, combustion, flue temperature, and pressure. When the system detects it needs more pellets or less, it will signal to the auger that it should speed up or slow it down accordingly. All stoves come with a storage tank that can hold between 35 and 130 pounds of pellets. Hopper capacities determine how often the stove needs refills, with larger hoppers allowing for longer intervals between refills. A grille draws fresh air from the room and then passes it through a heat exchanger, which then blows heated air into the living area through convection. A auger, grate or any other device distributes pellets and a pan below is used to collect any unburned ones as well as combustion residue. While pellet stoves are more efficient than wood-burning models, they're not as efficient as natural gas furnaces or electric heaters. The electric components that drive their motorized components require an electrical supply, which could be an issue during a power outage, even though backup systems are in place, such as batteries and generators. 2. Low Maintenance Pellet stoves can be extremely efficient, but they require some maintenance in order to run correctly. Cleaning your stove and its exhaust vent regularly will stop the accumulation of dangerous creosote that could cause a fire or explosion that can damage your stove or even your home. A pellet stove is a device that burns compressed natural particles made of wood or other materials (like nutshells, corn kernels or small pieces of wood scraps). The pellets are inserted into the combustion chamber by an electric auger. The rate at which the pellets are fed into the burner is controlled by the thermostat you set. This allows the fire to keep roaring or lower and even stop depending on your set temperature. The ash will be disposed in an empty ash tray underneath the burner. It can be easily removed and disposed. Pellets are made from the byproducts of wood processing that would otherwise be discarded. They are renewable and release much less dust into the air than traditional wood-burning stoves making them a cleaner burning heat source. The amount of carbon monoxide, carcinogens, and other harmful chemicals produced by pellet stoves is also significantly lower than that of modern wood stoves that are EPA-certified. Due to the low emission, these appliances don't require to be vented through chimneys like traditional wood stoves, however, they should be vented through a wall or another exterior structure. Pellet stoves are equipped with flue ports that are located on the front or back of the appliance. They are connected to a ventpipe which extends out the house. One drawback of a pellet stove is that you have to purchase or store enough pellets to last through the winter months. Pellet stove owners typically consume three tons of wood pellets every winter, for a price of $200 per ton. The expenses can add up however they are much cheaper than purchasing firewood and hauling it for a fireplace or wood-burning stove. Make sure you buy enough pellets to ensure your stove will work through the coldest winter months, and that you have the right place to store the pellets (preferably cool, dry and away from the ground). 3. Reduce carbon footprint Pellet stoves generate heat from renewable biomass fuel, reducing the dependence on fossil fuels that are finite. This reduces carbon footprints as well as diversifying the sources of energy for homes. Even tiny pellet stove that are EPA certified emit considerably less carbon dioxide than pellet stoves. Emissions from pellet stoves are also lower than those of gas furnaces. Pellets are 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 particulates, which can cause respiratory problems and allergic reactions, carcinogens and nitrous dioxide. The feed system is the major difference between pellet stoves and wood stove. Pellet stoves have hoppers to store the pellets. When the thermostat or sensors indicate the room is in need of heating, the auger turns. The pellets are then fed into the combustion chamber and burn to produce heat. The combustion chamber moves through a heat exchanger which transfers the heat to the blower before releasing it into the room. This results in extremely low emissions and no creosote buildup. After the hopper is empty, a cyclone action removes the ash and places it in an ash pan. The stove is equipped with a fan that circulates clean, heated air throughout the room. Most pellet stoves are made to run with minimal maintenance and have a large viewing window for you and your family members to enjoy the flames. The most significant factor affecting emissions from pellet stoves is the quality of the pellets. Poor-quality pellets produce more emissions. When choosing your pellets ensure that they are certified to meet certain standards and don't contain other ingredients such as petroleum products or urea. Look for a company that offers a guarantee and will repair or replace parts in the event of an issue. If you're looking for an even greener approach, some states allow homeowners to claim a tax deduction for installing pellet stoves. This is a great opportunity to offset the initial costs of this type stove and make installation more affordable. 4. Reduced Noise Pellet stoves produce very little smoke and emissions when compared to wood burning fireplaces. They also use an electric fan to distribute the heat more evenly throughout the room. This feature is one of the reasons pellet stoves require much less maintenance than traditional wood stoves. While wood stoves need to be cleaned regularly of particulates and chemicals, pellet stoves only need an specialized metal vacuum cleaner for regular cleaning. Many manufacturers have made an effort to design their stoves to be simple to install, operate and maintain. They come in different styles to complement the decor of your home. Certain models come with an app for WIFI, a remote control and thermostat that can be programmed. The majority of pellet stoves have an enormous fuel hopper that can accommodate between 35 and 130 pounds of pellets. The pellets are then pumped to the combustion chamber by an auger. The output of heat and how hot the fire gets depends on the speed at which pellets are fed to the burner. The hopper could be filled with hardwood pellets composed of dense wood species such as oak and hickory or softwood pellets. Some stoves will even burn alternative biomass pellets, like those made from switchgrass or corn that can be an eco-friendly option. Pellet stoves produce less smoke and require less maintenance since they use less polluting fuel than wood-burning fireplaces. They also do not require a chimney, which makes them a more appropriate choice for new constructions or retrofits. Unlike wood stoves, which require regular maintenance to keep free of creosote and other chemicals, pellet stoves need to be periodically inspected for proper operation and maintenance. Based on the model, this might include a regular inspection and cleaning of the accumulated Ash or “clinker,” as well as the fan and motor. Your appliance dealer will be able to explain the correct procedures for your brand and model. He can also assist you to determine the right fuel for your stove, and give details on storage and safety.