Pellet stoves aren’t so different from wood-burning stoves. In fact, they look similar so it can be difficult to tell them apart.
Unlike wood-burning stoves that are powered by pieces of chopped wood, pellet stoves use pellets made from organic waste such as food or leftover wood pieces.
Before making a decision on what pellet stove to buy, there are a few things you should know. In this article, you’ll learn what pellet stoves are, the advantages of having one, and things to watch out for.
The Benefits of Pellet Stoves
As a society, we’re becoming increasingly more aware of our actions and their consequences on nature. That is why opting for a pellet stove is a fantastic way to heat your home, because they’re far more sustainable than many other options!
As well as looking amazing in your home with their stylish designs, pellet stoves are efficient and easy to use. There are a few other benefits to pellet stoves such as:
1. Affordable
When it comes to heating your house, the cost and maintenance of preparing for a long, cold winter and having to warm your home can be expensive. Especially, if you have lots of space and need to heat several rooms.
The good news is, pellet stoves are affordable to run and they are cheaper to install than traditional wood-burning stoves.
2. No Ash
Compared to wood stoves, pellets stoves leave little ash and therefore are easy to clean!
Ashes can block chimneys in wood stoves and lead to chimney fires and extra maintenance charges. If you have a pellet stove, there is less risk of this happening. Also, the pellets are made of organic material so you can repurpose the ash for fertilizer or seed germination.
3. Easy to Use
If you are not an experience fire starter, but you enjoy having a nice stove in your home, then pellet stoves are a great choice. You don’t need to worry about kindling. Instead, all you have to do is click a button and it’s burning!
4. Less Storage Space
You do not need as much room to store pellets because they take up less space than firewood. All you will need is a space to store bags. Ideally, somewhere in a corner or cupboard.
5. Temperature Control
Even though a wood-burning fire makes you warm and cozy and leaves your clothes with a delicious smokey smell, it can get hot when you’re sitting near a fire all night…
Thankfully, you don’t need to worry about getting overheated with pellet stoves. They have thermostats that give you control over the temperature so you never have to suffer in high temperatures.
6. Eco-Friendly
Pellet stoves burn cleaner than wood stoves so there is less air pollution as a result. This means you can enjoy your fire without feeling guilty about the environment.
The Disadvantages of Pellet Stoves
Now that we have covered the pros of buying a pellet stove for your home, as with all products there are a few downsides.
1. Expensive to Maintain
The maintenance costs of pellet stoves are slightly higher than wood-burning fires. This is because you have to buy the pellets and ensure the stove is cleaned regularly.
2. Different Visual Appearance
There’s no denying that real wood-burning fires are beautiful to look at. It reminds you of those movie scenes when everything looks so idyllic, peaceful, and happy.
Unfortunately, pellet stoves don’t provide the same flickering light, but they still look cozy in their own way!
3. Fan Noise
As pellet stoves run with a mechanical fan, they can be noisy. Some brands are quieter than others.
4. Backup Electricity
Nowadays it’s hard to move away from electricity as we rely on it for water, heating, and internet access. Even if you live off-grid, you’ll most likely need electricity to help your home operate.
So, if you live somewhere completely isolated you may need to consider a backup electrical system in case you have a power outage. This is particularly important in the winter as temperatures drop and you don’t want to be without heating!
Other Important Facts
There are a few other factors about pellet stoves that might want to know if you would like to own one.
- Pellet stoves only use pellets – you can’t burn any other material.
- There are different grades of pellets with varying price points.
- You need storage space for the pellets. You can easily burn through a 40 pound bag in a day or two.
When it comes to purchasing a stove, consider the following:
- How much space does it need to heat? A room? Two rooms?
- Can you easily find pellets near your home?
- How often will you use the pellet stove?
- Do you have different grades of pellets available nearby?
- Do you have the room for the unit?
Of course, when it comes to buying pellets you can always order them online, but it’s good to know in case you prefer going to your local shop.
Cleaning Your Pellet Stove
You will need to add your pellet stove to your regular cleaning routine as these machines require regular maintenance. If you look after it, it can last up to 15 years in working condition, so it is worth a little extra effort!
Daily
Every day you should empty the ash pan after you are finished using it. Tap it gently against the side of the garbage to knock any excess ash loose.
Weekly
For extra cleanliness, you should vacuum the fan and ash pan every week. Then, you should brush the vents to make sure nothing will clog the system when you next turn it on.
Cold Weather
When the weather gets cold you need to check the ignitor frequently in case it has broken with the more frequent use. You’ll need to replace the ignitor every few years.
After Winter
After you have been using the pellet stove all winter, you should give it a good cleaning following the manufacturer’s directions.
Common Problem With Pellet Stoves
With these common issues in mind, you’ll know what to expect if anything goes wrong. In the meantime, you can sit back and enjoy your new fire!
Here are a few common issues that can occur with pellet stoves:
Bad Fuel
If you don’t use the correct fuel it can clog up the fans and break the stove. Make sure to use pellets approved for pellet stoves.
Manufacturer Problems
Most products come with a one or two-year guarantee, but it’s important to double-check the terms and conditions before you invest in one in case anything goes wrong.
Poor Installation
Never try to install the pellet stove yourself unless you are completely certain of what you’re doing. Otherwise, hire a professional so you can have the stove installed safely and securely. Incorrect installation can result in malfunctioning or even a house fire!
Clogging and Feeder Problems
Pellet stoves can become clogged by ash if you don’t clean them regularly. The feeder can also become blocked or the unit can malfunction if the pellets aren’t feeding correctly.
Keep Warm With a Pellet Stove
Ultimately, pellet stoves are marvelous for heating your home in a sustainable and efficient way. They’re not too expensive, they’re a good long-term investment, and they only require basic cleaning maintenance.
To find out more about the best model of a pellet stove, you can go here for more information.
Otherwise, enjoy your warming pellet stove!
