Pellet Stove Furnace
Pellet stoves can be used as a supplemental heat source or, if you have proper venting, as 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 fireplace.
The auger transports pellets from the hopper to the combustion chamber, where they are burnt and generate heat. Sensors detect the fire and adjust the speed of operation to keep your desired temperature in the room.
1. Energy Efficiency
Pellet stoves burn a sustainable non-toxic, non-toxic fuel that is made from compressed sawdust wood chips, bark and other materials that are typically put in landfills, but can be used to create a sustainable and clean source of heating. They can help homeowners cut down on their energy usage, and therefore greenhouse gas emissions. Many people who use pellet stoves report that they have recouped their initial investment in only few years through a reduction in their heating bills.
Pellets are stronger and more compressed than natural wood, which makes them more efficient for burning. They also produce less creosote than traditional fireplaces made of wood. They are also packaged in plastic bags that seal out moisture and need less frequent cleaning.
Like other heating systems pellet stoves must be properly sized and vented. A professional technician can evaluate your space and venting requirements to ensure the most efficient results.
When the hearth is installed, it is built to size and the vent is installed through a pre-cut hole the siding of your home. The vent may be installed through a sidewall or roof depending on your preference and the local laws.
After the hearth and vent are done and the stove is ready to be plugged in. Some manufacturers provide an electronic remote control that makes it simple to begin and keep the fire going, while other manufacturers offer additional sensors that monitor combustion and airflow flue temperatures, as well as pressure. When the system detects it needs more or less pellets, it will signal the auger to accelerate or slow down accordingly.
All stoves have a hopper for storage that holds between 35 and 130 pounds of pellets until required. The size of the hopper will determine how often you need to refill your stove. Larger hoppers can be used for longer time periods before refills is required. A grille draws fresh air out of the room and passes it over an exchanger for heat, which then blows heated air into the living space by convection. A grate or auger spreads the pellets, and an under-sink pan is used to collect any burned ones, along with the combustion residue.
Although pellet stoves are more efficient than wood-burning models they're not as efficient as natural gas furnaces or electric heaters. pellet stoves inserts that drive motorized parts of the stoves require electricity. This could cause a problem in a power outage, but backup systems like batteries and generators are available.
2. Low Maintenance
Pellet stoves are incredibly efficient, but just like any major heating appliance they require some maintenance to ensure they are operating properly. Regularly cleaning your stove's exhaust vent and stove will prevent the accumulation of harmful creosote, which can cause a fire, explosion or damage to your stove or home.
A pellet stove uses compressed natural particles (such as nutshells, kernels of corn or small pieces of scrapwood) made from wood or other materials. pellet stove insert are inserted into the combustion chamber through an auger that is powered by electricity. The speed at which pellets are fed to the burner is controlled by the thermostat you set. This lets the fire remain roaring, or to lower the rate or even shut down according to the temperature you set. When the fire is gone, the ash is dropped into an empty ash tin beneath the burner that can be easily removed and disposed.
Pellets are made from waste products that could have been discarded during the process of processing lumber. They are renewable resources and release significantly less particles into the air than traditional wood-burning stoves, resulting in a very clean burning heat source. The amount of carbon monoxide, carcinogens and other harmful chemicals released from pellet stoves is much lower than the newer EPA certified wood stoves.
These appliances are not required to be vented via chimneys, as is the case with traditional wood stoves. Instead, they can be vented correctly through a wall or another exterior structure. Pellet stoves are equipped with flue ports that are located on the rear or top of the appliance. They are connected to a ventpipe which extends out from the house.
One drawback of a pellet stove is that you must purchase or store enough pellets to last the winter season. Pellet stove owners typically use three tons of wood pellets every winter, for a price of $200 per ton. The costs can will increase over time however, it's cheaper than buying and transporting firewood for an old-fashioned wood-burning fireplace or stove. You should buy enough pellets to ensure your stove will be able to run through the winter's coldest months. Also, you require a location to store the pellets (preferably dry and cool).
3. Reduce Carbon Footprint
Pellet stoves utilize renewable biomass fuel to generate heat, thus reducing the dependence on fossil fuels that are finite. This reduces carbon footprints and increases the diversity of energy sources for homes.
Even the most modern woodstoves that are EPA certified emit significantly less than pellet stoves. The emissions of pellet stoves are also significantly lower than those from gas furnaces. Pellets can be made from sawdust and bark as well as other lumber remnants. They could also include soybeans, corn, or agricultural waste. When they are burned, they emit less particles, which can cause respiratory problems and allergic reactions as well as carcinogens and nitrous oxide.
The feed system is the major difference between a pellet stove and a wood stove. Pellet stoves come with hoppers that contain the pellets. When the thermostat or sensors signal that the room requires heating, the furnace turns and the pellets are pumped into the combustion chamber where they burn and produce heat. The combustion chamber's air is pumped through a heat exchanger, which transfers heat to the blower. This process produces very little emissions, and creosote is not produced.
After the hopper has been empty, the ash is removed using a cyclone and deposited in an ash container. The stove also features fans to circulate the warm, clean air into the living room. Most pellet stoves are made to operate with minimal maintenance and have a large viewing space for you and your family to take in the flames.
The main factor that influences pellet stove emissions is the quality of the pellets. The poor quality pellets emit more emissions. When choosing your pellets, ensure that they are certified to meet certain standards and do not contain other ingredients such as petroleum or urea. Also make sure you choose a manufacturer that offers a guarantee and will repair or replace any part in the event of a problem. If you want to take the greener route Some states permit homeowners to claim a tax deduction for installing pellet stoves. This is a great way to help offset the initial cost of this type stove and makes installation more affordable.
4. Reduced Noise
Pellet stoves produce a minimal amount of smoke or exhaust when compared to fireplaces that burn wood. A fan is employed to distribute heat more evenly in the room. This feature is one reason why pellet stoves require less maintenance than wood stoves. While wood stoves need to be frequently cleaned of particulates and chemicals pellet stoves need an specialized metal vacuum cleaner for regular cleaning.
Many manufacturers have designed their stoves in a way that they are easy to install, operate and maintain. They also offer their stoves with a variety of styles to match the decor of your home. Some even include a programmable thermostat and remote control as well as a WIFI applications that allow you to control and monitor your stove from anywhere in the world.
Most pellet stoves come with a large fuel hopper which can hold between 35 and 130 pounds of pellets. The pellets are then delivered to the combustion chamber by an auger. The output of heat and the level at which the fire will get is determined by the speed at which the pellets are fed into 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. Some stoves will even burn alternative biomass pellets, like those made from corn or switchgrass which are an eco-friendly option.
Because pellet stoves use as a clean fuel, they produce far less smoke than traditional wood-burning fireplaces and require fewer maintenance. They also don't require a chimney, which makes them a better option for new construction or retrofits.
In contrast to wood stoves, which require regular maintenance to be free of creosote as well as other chemicals, pellet stoves need to be periodically inspected to ensure proper operation and maintenance. This could include periodic cleaning and inspection of the ash or "clinker" as well as the fans and motors, depending on the model. The dealer of your appliance can explain the proper procedures for the specific model and brand. He can also provide you with information about storage and safety and help you find the right fuel for your stove.