Pellet Stove FAQs

Unless you live in a warm, tropical climate, you have to think about how you are going to heat your home. There are many options these days ranging from gas heat to electric heat. Depending on what you use, will depend on how much a month you are going to pay for heating costs. You also need to consider the environmental impact of your heating needs. If you live in a rural area where the electricity can sometimes go out during a winter storm, you need to make sure you have a backup source of heat. One solution is to try out a pellet stove. If you have never heard of this type of stove, this article can help you out. It may be the information you need to help you make your heating decision.

What is a pellet stove?

A pellet stove is a stove that burns small pellets that are made of wood or other biomass material. It is a great way to heat an area because the pellets burn hot and the stove is equipped with fans to help even distribute the heat throughout the area. Most stoves are set up so that a hopper feeds in the pellets a little at a time so you have a flame that is constantly burning unlike using coal or cords of wood.

How much does a pellet stove cost?

A pellet stove is going to range from around $1000 and upwards depending on the model, the size and where you purchase the stove from. If you want a large stove that will be supplying the primary heat, you are going to need to take a look at the BTU's. A BTU is a British Thermal Unit. It is a measure of heat that something produces. If you have a large space, you need more BTU's. If you have a smaller space, you will not need a large stove so you will save money. In comparison to heating and cooling units that run on electricity, you will definitely be saving money. The same thing goes for coal burning fireplaces.

How much does the material for a pellet stove cost?

The pellets for a pellet stove are going to range in price. If you live in an area where pellet stoves are not popular, you may have some trouble finding materials. But you can always turn to the internet. The average price for a ton of pellets is around $150.00. You can find them for less if you live close to a pellet manufacturer and you haul the pellets yourself. If you have to have them shipped in, you can expect to pay more. You will definitely still pay less for pellets than coal, electricity, fuel or cords of wood. And you will be able to store them much more efficiently.

How do I care for my pellet stove?

Pellet stoves have a lot of intricate parts so you will have to maintain these parts if you want to have a stove that is in good working order. The first thing you should do is always keep the flue clean and free from accumulated debris. You may have to hire someone to do this for you if you are afraid of the mess. And be warned: it can be a huge mess cleaning a stove. If the place that you purchased your pellet stove offers a maintenance contract, definitely take it out. It will save you a lot of time and energy later should something go wrong or if it simply needs routine maintenance.

More about pellet stove

wood pellets

There are effective substitutes for non-renewable energy sources, including bio fuels that are made from biodegradable material such as manure and plants. However, many feel that the best alternative is wood pellets, as they are simply made by such routine activities as saw milling or any cutting or transforming of wood.