Pellet stoves: some tips to make a choice
A number of householders, who are looking for cheaper and more efficient fuel to heat their homes, come to conclusion that wood pellets may be an appropriate choice. In this case, special pellet stoves are required.
They are considered to be cleaner than ordinary wood stoves or fireplaces, since they do not produce any smoke and do not pollute air. What is more, pellet stoves make it possible to consume less fuel while heating the whole house, in comparison with wood stoves and fireplaces. Consequently, it is necessary to choose that model of pellet stove, which is the most appropriate.
Size of pellet stove
First of all, householder should define, which amount of heat house requires, as different stoves are provided with different heating capacities. The point is that there is no use, for instance, to produce more heat that building requires, as it is a waste of money. However, that stove, which is too small, is to consume more fuel without providing the house with a sufficient amount of heat during the cold days.
In this case, householders should keep in mind that the best choice is a stove, which creates 2,500 Btu/h for every 100 square feet to heat. It is enough to keep the house warm. That is to say, that the use of pellet stove, which fulfills this demand, does not lead to overspend.
Which type of fuel does this pellet stove require?
Though all models of pellet stoves are to combust pellets, there are different types of pellets, which may be used. For instance, there are pellet fuel grades: premium and standard. The main difference between them is the content of ash. That is to say, that premium-grade pellets produce less ash than standard-grade pellets do.
Those pellet stoves, which are to combust low-ash fuel, will operate inefficiently on condition that standard-grade pellets are used. In this case, it is necessary for householders to make sure that appropriate type of pellets are available in their area. The best choice is to purchase the pellet stove, which is designed to combust standard-grade, as the premium-grade pellets are not always available to buy.
Top or bottom fed pellet stoves?
Pellet stoves use two types of automatic pellet-feeding systems: top-fed and bottom-fed. Top-fed stoves are considered to be more reliable, as they have lesser chance of fire burning back into the hopper. However, firebox grade in such stove often becomes blocked up with ash. That is why top-fed stove requires low-ash premium-grade pellets.
Bottom-fed stoves may combust standard-grade pellets, as they are enabled to push ash into the ash pan. It means that they are cheaper to use. However, such stoves are not as efficient as top-fed stoves are. That is to say, that householders should choose the stove according to their financial possibilities.
Two basic models of pellet stoves
There are two basic models of stoves available, including fireplace inserts or freestanding units. The first one is an appropriate option on condition that there is an existing fireplace in the house. In this case, a pellet stove insert may be used in connection with existing fireplace, which will prevent householders from excessive use of fuel. Otherwise, a freestanding model is more worthwhile.
Pellet stoves electrical requirements
The motors of pellets stoves are driven by electricity. That is why those householders, who live in area with frequent power outages, should purchase pellet stoves provided with battery backup units. It will give an opportunity for stoves to keep run their motors on condition that power outage happens.
In summary, pellet stoves are designed to heat buildings by combusting pellets. They are cleaner and more efficient in comparison with ordinary wood stoves or fireplaces. In this case, householders should take into account some characteristics of pellet stoves to make a right choice. That is about model and size of stove, electrical and fuel requirements.
