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 in freestanding units as well as fireplace inserts that give your home the appearance of a traditional wood-burning fireplace.

The auger transports pellets from the hopper into the combustion chamber in the combustion chamber, where they are burned and generate heat. Sensors monitor the fire and can adjust its speed of operation to keep the desired temperature of the room.

1. Energy Efficiency

Pellet stoves use a non-toxic, renewable fuel that is made from compressed sawdust and other materials. They are typically removed from landfills, but can also be used to provide a clean, efficient source of heat. They help homeowners reduce their energy consumption, and consequently greenhouse gas emissions. Many pellet stove users report that they recoup their initial investment in a couple of years, by reducing their heating costs.

Pellets are highly compressed and are more dense than natural wood, making them more efficient to burn. They also produce less creosote than traditional wood-burning fireplaces. They are also packaged in plastic bags that block out moisture, and require less frequent cleaning.

Pellet stoves, as with other heating systems need to be sized and vented properly. A professional technician will be able to determine the space requirements and venting requirements to achieve the best results.

During installation, the hearth is built to size and the vent is inserted through a pre-cut hole in the siding of your home. The vent can then be run out either a side wall or the roof, based on your preference and local regulations.

After the vent and hearth are finished and the stove is ready to be connected. Certain manufacturers offer the option of a remote control to make it simple to begin and keep the fire burning, whereas others offer additional sensors that check airflow and combustion, flue temperatures, and pressure. If the system determines that it requires more or less pellets, it will signal the auger to speed up or slow down in line with the need.

All stoves have a hopper for storage that holds from 35 to 130 pounds of pellets until needed. Hopper capacities affect how often the stove needs to be filled with more hoppers, allowing for longer periods between refills. A grille draws fresh air out of the room and passes it over an exchanger for heat, which then is able to blow heated air into the living space by convection. A grate, auger or other device distributes the pellets, and a pan below is used to collect any unburned ones as well as combustion remnants.

Pellet stoves are less energy-intensive than wood-burning models but not as efficient as natural gas or electric furnaces. The electric components that drive their motorized components require electricity which could cause problematic during an power outage, even though backup systems are readily available like batteries and generators.

2. Low Maintenance

Pellet stoves can be extremely efficient, but they require some care to function properly. Cleaning your stove and exhaust vent on a regular basis will prevent the buildup of harmful creosote. This can cause a fire or explosion that can damage your stove and/or house.

A pellet stove makes use of compressed natural particles (such as nutshells, kernels of corn, or small pieces of scrapwood) made from wood or other materials. The pellets are introduced into the combustion chamber through an auger that is powered by electricity. The thermostat you choose controls the speed at which pellets are delivered to the burner. The fire can continue to roar or reduced or even snuffed out depending on the temperature you set. The ash will be collected in an empty ash tray underneath the burner. This can easily be removed and disposed.

Pellets are created from the byproducts of lumber processing which would otherwise be discarded. They are renewable and release much less dust 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 released by pellet stoves is also significantly lower than that of modern wood stoves that are EPA-certified.

These appliances are not required to be vented via chimneys, as is the case with traditional wood stoves. Instead, they must be vented correctly through a wall, or another exterior structure. Pellet stoves have flue ports that open at the top or rear of the appliance. They are connected to a vent pipe that extends outside the home.

A pellet stove has one disadvantage that you must purchase or store enough fuel pellets to last for the entire winter season. On average, homeowners of a pellet stove use three tons of pellets throughout the course of winter at $200 per ton. The costs can add up but they're cheaper than purchasing firewood and transporting it to the wood-burning fireplace or stove. You should purchase enough pellets to ensure that your stove will be able to run through the coldest winter months. Additionally, you will need to have a place to keep the pellets (preferably cool and dry).

3. Reduced Carbon Footprint

Pellet stoves produce heat using renewable biomass fuel, reducing the dependence on fossil fuels that are finite. This reduces carbon footprints and diversifies the sources of energy for homes.

The emissions of pellet stoves are significantly lower than woodstoves, even newer ones that are EPA-certified. The emissions of pellet stoves are also considerably lower than those of gas furnaces. Pellets can be made of sawdust, bark, and other lumber remnants. They may also contain corn, soybeans or agricultural waste. When they are burned, they release fewer particulates (leading to respiratory problems and allergies) as well as carcinogens, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen oxides.

visit between wood stoves and pellet stove is the feed system. Pellet stoves have hoppers that contain the pellets. When the thermostat or sensors signal that the room is in need of heating, the furnace turns and the pellets are pumped into the combustion chamber where they burn and generate heat. The air from combustion chamber is then pumped through a heat exchanger which transmits heat to the blower. This process results in very low emissions and no creosote accumulation.

After the hopper has been empty, a cyclone removes the ash and deposits it in an ash pan. The stove also contains a fan to circulate the warm, clean air throughout the living area. Most pellet stoves require only minimal maintenance and have a large viewing area for you and your family to enjoy the flames.

The most significant factor affecting emissions from pellet stoves is the quality of the pellets. 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 products. Look for a company that has a guarantee and will repair or replace parts in the event of a problem. Some states offer homeowners a tax credit in the event that they decide to go even greener. This is a great option to help offset the initial cost of this type of stove and makes installation more affordable.

4. Reduced Noise

Pellet stoves produce very little smoke and exhaust in comparison to wood burning fireplaces. They also use an electric fan to distribute the heat more evenly across the space. This is the reason pellet stoves need less maintenance than wood stoves. While wood stoves require regular cleaning of particulates and chemicals to avoid deterioration, pellet stoves can be cleaned by the use of a vacuum cleaner made of metal.


Many manufacturers have made an effort to create stoves that will be simple to set up and to operate as well as maintain. They also design their appliances with a variety of styles that will match your home's decor. Some models come with a programmable thermostat remote control, as well as WIFI app so you can monitor and manage your stove from anywhere in the world.

Most pellet stoves come with an enormous fuel hopper, which can hold anywhere from 35 to 130 pounds of pellets. The pellets are then fed into the combustion chamber using an auger. The heat output and the level at which the fire is will depend on the speed at which pellets are fed to the burner. The hopper can either be filled with hardwood pellets, made from dense wood species like hickory and oak or softwood pellets. Many stoves can use biomass pellets made of switchgrass and corn. This is an environmentally friendly alternative.

Because pellet stoves burn such a clean fuel, they emit less smoke than traditional wood-burning fireplaces and require fewer maintenance. They don't require chimneys and are an ideal choice for retrofits and new construction.

Unlike wood stoves, which need to be kept regularly cleaned of creosote and other chemicals, pellet stoves require periodic inspections for proper operation and maintenance. Based on the model, this could include a periodic inspection and cleaning of the accumulated ash or "clinker," as well as the motor and fans. Your appliance dealer can explain the correct procedures for your particular brand and model. They can also provide details regarding storage and safety, and assist you in locating the appropriate fuel for your stove.