Pellet Stoves Are a Good Alternative to Wood Stoves
Pellet stoves are available as freestanding models or inserts that fit into a fireplace. They require less clearance than wood stoves however they do need proper installation and venting.
Choose a pellet heater that can meet your heating needs. Look at the BTU rating, which indicates the amount of heat it creates.
1. The ComfortBilt XXV
The ComfortBilt XXV Pellet Stove is a high-quality model that offers top quality and value. This compact unit can easily warm a small house or sunroom thanks to its maximum of 26,224 BTU/Hr and 81 percent efficiency. This model also comes with a convenient 25-pound hopper capacity which allows you to keep your home warm for a long time. The thermostat that can be programmed ensures the temperature of the room is maintained and pellets are efficiently used.
This popular pellet stove from ComfortBilt has a sleek, modern design and a huge bay-view window that will make a statement in any home. Its top-quality engineering and reliable performance have earned it high-quality reviews from people across the country. This model is designed to use premium wood pellets which generate the most heat per kilogram. It can provide heat to up to 2,800 square feet in mild temperatures and is EPAcertified and CSA-certified to comply with federal emission regulations.
One of the most appealing features of this model is the ability to choose between manual and weekly mode for the setting of the fire. If you switch between the temperature and manual modes too quickly it could cause issues with the stove operation. This is because it could cause the feed auger and fan to stop working which can suffocate your fire and cause your stove to run out of fuel.
This unit is also available in bronze or charcoal finishes to match your existing home decor. The stove is covered by a one-year warranty on all parts and services. It is important to note that using corn or other type of biofuels in this stove could be a violation of the warranty. Use only premium wood pellets.
2. The Hearth & Home Store Outdoor Heater
Pellet stoves are a secure efficient, easy and convenient way to warm your home. The stoves produce heat through the burning of pellets, which are tiny chunks of biomass derived from agricultural residues or wood byproducts. The pellets are stored in a hopper that is connected to the burner chamber of the stove. A fan or blower distributes heat throughout your living space while exhaust systems take out combustion byproducts and let them go out to the outside.
Pellet stoves are less difficult to maintain than wood stoves, and do not require regular maintenance of a chimney or venting system. However, just like all heating appliances, they do require regular inspections by a professional and maintenance to keep them operating at optimal efficiency. Professional maintenance includes cleaning the exhaust system, burners and the ash compartment. It also involves checking and fixing any problems that may occur.
This pellet stove is one of the most technologically advanced models we've reviewed. It comes with WiFi and a touchscreen that lets you to alter the settings or create an heating program with your smartphone. It also comes with a 66-pound hopper that can provide up to 22 hours of continuous burning which means you don't need to worry about constantly refilling the stove.
When choosing a stove, make sure that the BTU output (British Thermal Units) corresponds to your space and requirements. A stove with a BTU rating of up to 60,000 can easily heat a home that is average in size, whereas an appliance that produces 30,000 BTUs is perfect for homes with a total of 1,300 square feet.
3. The Hearth & Home Store Pellet Stove
For those who prefer a more hands-off approach to heating, pellet stoves could be ideal. These stoves burn sawdust that's been compressed and dried to create an uncluttered flame with no creosote. You place the pellets in the hopper and set the desired temperature; the stove will automatically start to burn. The pellets are continuously fed into the stove's chamber of combustion through a motor-driven auger, while the blower pushes heat into the room.
If you make use of your pellet stove often, the hopper can hold up to 120 pounds of pellets. Based on the amount of heat you require, it may be necessary to refill this hopper at least once or twice per day. To ensure that the process is more efficient choose a model with a large hopper and an automatic feed system that fills the hopper without the need to fill it manually.
These stoves are smaller than wood-burning stoves. This is great news for those who have limited space in their homes. They are also smaller in dimensions and require a smaller hearth making them ideal for those who live in a log house or with a small area like a basement or three-seasons room that is not connected to the central heating system.
Pellet stoves are an excellent alternative to traditional fireplaces since they emit 50% less carbon dioxide and lower the cost of energy. They're also a better option for those who wish to not have the hassle of lighting the fire and aren't afraid of cleaning and replacing more delicate components as opposed to their wood-burning counterparts. But, they do require a certain amount of maintenance and upkeep. This includes regular cleaning of the venting system, heat exchanger, ash pan, and glass, as well as regular servicing to ensure that your unit is in compliance with all safety requirements.
4. The Hearth and Home Store Pellet Stove Freestanding
Pellet stoves are similar to wood stoves in appearance and function, but they make use of sawdust as a biomass fuel instead of logs. good pellet stoves are available as freestanding stoves as well as fireplace inserts that are able to heat a single room or a large living space, based on the layout of your house.
Look for a pellet stove that is certified by the Environmental Protection Agency for its efficiency and safe burning. Also, make sure it's UL (Underwriters Laboratories) or ULC (Canadian Underwriters Laboratory) certified for safety. Dealers can ask to suggest models that will work in your space. However, you should always visit the website of the manufacturer for reviews and ratings.
In contrast to oil or gas stoves, pellet stoves make use of tiny wood pellets that you can buy in 40-pound bags. The pellets are put in a hopper and fed into the combustion chamber by an electric auger. As the flame heats air, it blows exhaust through a flue pipe that is blown out of a sidewall or into your chimney. These units offer an even, controlled source of heat than gas stoves and last for up to 10 years when you follow proper cleaning and maintenance.
Because the pellets are compact and small they have a higher efficiency than traditional wood stoves which can consume up to one gallon of fuel every hour they're operating. Pellets are also carbon-neutral. They emit the same amount of carbon dioxide as they absorb when growing.
The top pellet stoves come with automated features that allow you to set a temperature without having to manually check the stove. Some have built-in alarms that tell you when it's time to fill up with fuel or to clear the ash. They can also help lower your heating bills by delivering a steady stream of heat for up to 24 hours.
5. The Hearth & Home Store Pellet Stove Wall Mount
If you're looking for a compact pellet stove, check out this Cleveland Iron Works model. It's a compact footprint which saves floor space and its 28-pound hopper will last for around 35 hours before you need to refill it. This model can produce 24000 Btu which can heat up to 1,000 square feet. The model comes with a smartphone control and remote, so you can operate it from any location within your home.
The efficiency of pellet stoves that are mounted on walls is dependent on the size of the blower and hopper. Try to find an energy rating between 70 and 83 percent. (This indicates the percentage of the fuel that actually heats your home compared to the amount emitted by combustion or via venting.)
While pellet stoves do not require the same amount of electricity as gas heaters do, you will have to connect them to operate their automated controls and the blower fans that keep the fire burning. There are models that have batteries backup systems or manual ignition options. They may be operational in the event of a power outage.
While they're not able to replace central heating systems, pellet stoves are ideal for providing supplemental heat between seasons or in homes with limited ductwork. They emit less creosote, and are more carbon-neutral, than wood-burning stoves or fireplaces. You'll save money on your utility bills and help in green energy initiatives if you choose an efficient model.