Pellet Stoves Are a Good Alternative to Wood Stoves
Pellet stoves are distinctive in look and are available in freestanding models or as inserts that slot into a fireplace. They require less space than wood stoves, however they still require proper installation and ventilation.
Select a pellet stove that fulfills your heating needs. Consider the BTU rating of the stove which is a measure of how much heat it produces.
1. The ComfortBilt XXV
The ComfortBilt XXV pellet stove is an excellent model built to last and delivers the best performance and value. It is small enough to heat a small home or sunroom with ease thanks to its highest BTU/Hr rating of 26,224 and 81% efficiency. This model has an efficient hopper capacity of 25 pounds, allowing you to keep your space warm for a long time. The programmable thermostat ensures that the room temperature is maintained and pellets are used efficiently.
This popular pellet stove made by ComfortBilt features a sleek and modern design with large windows that enhances the look of any home. Its superior engineering, dependable performance, and consistent high-quality reviews have earned it from customers across the country. This model is specifically designed for the highest quality wood pellets that generate the most heat per pounds. It can provide heat to up to 2,800 square feet under moderate temperatures and is EPA and CSA Certified to comply with all federal emission regulations.
One of the best features of this model is the ability to choose between manual and weekly mode for the fire settings. If you switch between manual and temperature modes too frequently, it may cause problems with the stove's operation. It could cause the feed auger to stop, and the fans to stop and starve the fire and make your stove run out of gas.
This model is also available in bronze or charcoal finishes to match your existing home decor. The stove is covered by a one-year warranty on both parts and services. It is also important to remember that using corn or any other biofuels in this stove could be a violation of the warranty. Make sure to use only premium wood pellets.
2. The Hearth & Home Store Outdoor Heater
Pellet stoves provide a convenient, efficient and safe way to heat your home. They burn pellets, small and compact pieces of biomass material that are made from wood byproducts or agricultural residues, in order to generate heat. The pellets are stored in a hopper, which is connected to the burner chamber of the stove. A blower or fan spreads heat throughout your living space while exhaust systems remove combustion byproducts and vent them out to the outside.
As opposed to wood stoves and pellet stoves are typically more easy to maintain and don't require the constant attention of a chimney or venting system. However, like all heating appliances, they require regular inspections and maintenance to keep them functioning at their peak efficiency. Professional maintenance involves cleaning the burners, exhaust system and the ash compartment. It also involves identifying and fixing any problems that might arise.
This pellet stove is among the most technologically advanced models on our list. It has WiFi built-in and a touchscreen that lets you adjust the settings or even create a heating program using your smartphone. It also comes with a 66-pound fuel hopper that can provide up to 22 hours of continuous burn which means you don't need to worry about filling up the stove.
When selecting a stove make sure that the BTU output (British Thermal Units) matches your living space and needs. A stove that has a BTU rating of 60,000 or more can easily heat a home of average size, while an appliance that produces 30,000 BTUs is ideal for homes with a total of 1,300 square foot.
3. The Hearth & Home Store Pellet Stove
Pellet stoves are ideal for those who want to heat their home without a lot of effort. These stoves burn sawdust that's been compressed and dried, resulting in a clean fire with no creosote. The pellets are loaded into a hopper and set your desired temperature; the stove will automatically light. The pellets are continuously fed into the chamber of combustion through an auger driven by motors, while the blower pushes the heat into the room.
The hopper on a pellet stove can accommodate anywhere from 40 to 120 pounds of pellets and, depending on the temperature you'll probably need to refill it every day or at least once when you use it heavily. To make the process more efficient, look for a model with a large hopper and an automatic feed system that fills the hopper without needing you to fill it manually.
These stoves also feature a smaller footprint than wood burning stoves which is a plus when you're short on space in your home. They are also smaller in dimensions and require an a smaller hearth, which makes them perfect for those living in a log house or in a smaller space like a basement or a three-seasons room that isn't connected to the central heating system.
Pellet stoves are an excellent alternative to traditional fireplaces because they generate 50% less carbon emissions and can help you cut down on your energy bills. Pellet stoves are also a great option for those who do not want to go through the stress of lighting a fire and aren't afraid of replacing or cleaning more delicate parts. But, they do require a certain amount of maintenance and upkeep, which includes regular cleaning of the heat exchanger, venting system as well as the ash pan and glass, as well as regular servicing to ensure that your appliance is in compliance with all safety standards.
4. The Hearth & Home Store Pellet Stove Freestanding
Pellet stoves are similar to wood stoves in design and function, but they make use of sawdust as a biomass fuel instead of logs. They are available as freestanding stoves and fireplace inserts that can heat one room or a huge living space, based on the layout of your house.
Look for a pellet stove that has been inspected by the Environmental Protection Agency for its efficacy and safe burning. Also, ensure that it's UL (Underwriters Laboratories) or ULC (Canadian Underwriters Laboratory) certified for safety. Dealers can ask to suggest models that will fit your space. However, you should always check out the manufacturer's site for reviews and ratings.
Unlike gas or oil stoves Pellet stoves make use of tiny wood pellets that are available in 40-pound bags. The pellets are put in a hopper and fed into the combustion chamber using an electric auger. When the flame is heating the air, it releases exhaust out through a flue pipe that runs along a sidewall. These stoves provide an easier and more consistent source of heat as compared to gas stoves. They can last up 10 years if well maintained and cleaned.
They burn more efficiently because pellets are compressed and small. Traditional wood stoves can use up to a gallon per hour. Pellets are also carbon neutral. They emit the same amount of carbon as they absorb when growing.
The top pellet stoves come with automated features that allow you to set the temperature and then monitor the stove without having to intervene. Some have built-in alarms to indicate that it's time to add fuel or clean the ash. They can also help lower your heating expenses by providing an uninterrupted 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, look into this Cleveland Iron Works model. The compact design saves space, and the 28-pound hopper is able to last for 35 hours. This model produces 24000 Btu which is enough to heat 1,000 square feet. This model has a smartphone control and remote, so you can control it from any place within your home.
Like free-standing pellet stoves, the energy efficiency of a wall-mounted unit is dependent on the hopper capacity and the blower fan's size. You should look for an efficiency of 70-83 percent. This is the percentage of fuel that actually heats your home, as opposed to what you lose through combustion or venting.
Pellet stoves consume less electricity than gas heaters however, you must plug them into an electrical outlet to power their automatic controls and blower fans to keep the fire going. There are models that have battery backup systems, or manual ignition options. They may function in the event of power outage.
While pellet stoves modern 're not able to replace central heating systems, pellet stoves are ideal for supplying heat in between seasons or in homes with limited ductwork. They emit less creosote, and are also carbon neutral, than wood-burning stoves or fireplaces. If you choose a high-efficiency model, you'll reduce your utility bills and encourage green energy initiatives.