What Is Pellet Stove Furnace? History Of Pellet Stove Furnace
Pellet Stove Furnace Pellet stoves can be used as a second heat source or, if you have proper venting, a primary heating option. They are available as freestanding models as well as fireplace inserts. They can provide the appearance of an old-fashioned wood-burning fireplace. The auger transports the pellets from the hopper to the combustion chamber, where they are burnt and generate heat. Sensors monitor the flame and can adjust the speed of operation to maintain the desired room temperature. 1. Energy Efficiency Pellet stoves burn a renewable non-toxic, non-toxic fuel that is made from compressed sawdust and wood chips. They also contain bark, and other materials that are typically placed in landfills but which can be turned into a sustainable and clean source of heating. They can help homeowners cut down on their energy use and therefore greenhouse gas emissions. Many people who use pellet stoves report that they can recoup their initial investment in only a couple of years, by reducing their heating bills. Pellets are stronger and more compressed than natural wood, making them more efficient for burning. They also produce less creosote than traditional wood-burning fires. They are also packed in plastic bags that seal out moisture, and require less frequent cleaning. Pellet stoves, as with other heating systems, need to be properly vented and sized. A qualified technician can assess your venting requirements and space to ensure the best results. In the process of installation the hearth is constructed according to your specifications, and the vent is installed through an opening that is cut into the siding of your home. The vent can be positioned through a sidewall or roof depending on your preference and the local laws. After the hearth and vent are complete and the stove is ready to be connected and turned on. Some manufacturers provide remote controls that make starting and maintaining the fire simple while others come with additional sensors that monitor combustion, airflow, flue temperature, and pressure. If the system determines that it requires more or less pellets, it signals the auger to speed up or slow down accordingly. All stoves have a hopper for storage that holds from 35 to 130 pounds of pellets until they're required. Hopper capacities determine how often the stove will need to be refilled and larger hoppers allow for longer periods between refills. A grille draws fresh air out of the room and then passes it over an exchanger for heat, which then is able to blow heated air into the living area through convection. A grate or an auger distributes the pellets, and an under-sink pan is used to collect any burned ones along with combustion residue. While pellet stoves are more efficient than wood-burning models, they're not as efficient as natural gas furnaces or electricity-powered heaters. Electric components that drive motorized components of the stoves require an electrical supply. This could cause a problem in a power failure, although backup systems such as batteries and generators are available. 2. Low Maintenance Pellet stoves can be extremely efficient, however they require some care to function properly. Cleaning your stove's exhaust vent and the stove will stop the accumulation of harmful creosote, which can cause an explosion, fire, or damage to your stove or house. A pellet stove burns compressed natural wood particles or other materials (like nutshells, corn kernels or small pieces of wood scraps). An electric-powered auger will feed the pellets from a fuel tank into the burner, and into the combustion chamber. The speed at which pellets are fed into the burner is controlled by the thermostat you set. This lets the fire remain roaring or modulate lower and even go out according to the temperature you set. When the fire is out the ash is then thrown into an empty ash tin beneath the burner, which can be easily removed and then disposed of. Pellets are created from the waste products from lumber processing that could otherwise be thrown away. They are renewable and release far less particulates into the air than traditional wood-burning stoves which results in a clean burning heat source. The amount of carbon monoxide, carcinogens, and other harmful chemicals produced by pellet stoves is also significantly lower than that of modern wood stoves that are EPA-certified. Because of Best pellet stoves do not need to be vented through chimneys like traditional wood stoves but should be properly vented through a wall or another external structure. Pellet stoves have flue ports that open at the top or rear of the appliance and are connected to a vent pipe that extends outside of the home. One disadvantage of a pellet stove is that you have to purchase or store enough pellets to last through the winter season. Pellet stove owners typically use three tons of wood pellets per winter, at a cost of $200 per ton. The cost can be high, but they are less expensive than buying firewood and then hauling it away for the wood-burning fireplace or stove. Make sure that you purchase enough pellets to ensure that your stove will last throughout the coldest winter months and that you have a suitable location to store them (preferably dry, cool and away from the ground). 3. Reduce Carbon Footprint Pellet stoves generate heat using renewable biomass fuel, which reduces the dependence on fossil fuels that are finite. This reduces carbon footprints as well as diversifying energy sources for homes. Even the newest woodstoves that are EPA certified emit significantly less than pellet stoves. The emissions from pellet stoves also are considerably lower than ones from gas furnaces. Pellets are made from sawdust or bark, as well as other wood remnants. They can also include soybeans, corn or other agricultural waste. When they are burned, they release fewer particulates (leading to respiratory issues and allergies), carcinogens, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen oxides. The feed system is the main difference between pellet stoves and wood stove. Pellet stoves come with hoppers that hold the pellets. When the thermostat or sensors indicate that the room needs heating, the furnace turns and the pellets are pumped into the combustion chamber where they burn and generate heat. The air that is released from the combustion chamber flows through a heat exchanger which transmits the heat to the blower and then out into the room. This process creates very low emissions, and creosote does not created. After the hopper has been empty, a cyclone action takes away the ash and puts it in an ash pan. The stove is equipped with a fan that circulates the clean, heated air throughout the room. Most pellet stoves require only minimal maintenance and have a large viewing area for you and your family members to relax and enjoy the flames. The quality of pellets is the main element that influences the emissions of pellet stoves. The poor quality pellets will result in more emissions. When selecting your pellets ensure they are certified as meeting certain standards and do not contain other ingredients such as petroleum-based or urea-based substances. Also look for a company that offers a guarantee and will repair or replace components in the event of a malfunction. If you're looking to take the greener route certain states permit homeowners to get a tax credit when installing pellet stoves. This is a great opportunity to offset the initial costs of this type stove and make installation more affordable. 4. Reduced Noise Pellet stoves emit less smoke and exhaust in comparison to fireplaces that burn wood. A fan is employed to spread heat more evenly across the room. This feature is one of the reasons why pellet stoves require less maintenance than traditional wood stoves. While wood stoves need to be frequently cleaned of dust and chemicals pellet stoves require an specialized metal vacuum cleaner for regular cleaning. Many manufacturers have designed their stoves in a way that they are easy to set up and operate as well as maintain. They also make their appliances in a wide range of styles that will match your home's decor. Some models include a WIFI app, programmable thermostat and remote control. The majority of pellet stoves have an enormous fuel hopper that can hold 35 to 130 pounds of pellets. The pellets are then delivered to the combustion chamber through an auger. The output of heat and how hot the fire will get is determined by the speed at which the pellets are fed to the burner. The hopper can be filled with either hardwood pellets (from dense wood species such as oak and hickory) or softwood pellets (from pine and fir). Many stoves can also make use of alternative biomass pellets such as those made from corn or switchgrass which are an environmentally friendly option. best rated pellet stoves produce less smoke and require less maintenance due to the fact that they burn a more clean fuel than fireplaces that burn wood. They also don't require chimneys, making them a more appropriate choice for new constructions or retrofits. Pellet stoves do not require regular cleaning of creosote or other chemicals like wood stoves. They only need periodic inspections to ensure the proper operation and maintenance. Depending on the model, this might include a periodic inspection and cleaning of the accumulation of ash or “clinker,” as well as the motor and fans. Your appliance dealer can provide the proper procedures for your brand and model. He can also assist you to identify the right fuel for your stove, and give information regarding storage and safety.