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What, How, Why and Which
What is a pellet stove?
A pellet stove is not just like a conventional wood stove but with a hopper feeding in pellets instead of logs. It has a "burn pot", as opposed to a grate or flat base. The burn pot is ignited by an electrical "igniter" and the pellets are fed in electrically. There will also be other electrical components including fans, thermostats and controllers. Models vary.
- A pellet stove is a modern wood-burning device that uses compressed wood pellets as fuel.Â
- It operates by automatically feeding pellets from a storage container into a burn pot, precisely controlling heat output and efficiency.Â
- Pellet stoves can be either boiler models (for whole-house heating) or space heating models (for individual room heating).Â
How do they work?Â
- Wood pellets are stored in a hopper and fed into the burn pot by a motorized auger.
- The pellets are ignited, and air is drawn in to sustain combustion.
- A blower fan often aids in the process, and a controller regulates the heat output, temperature, and air supply.
Why?
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Efficiency:
Pellet stoves can achieve high efficiency ratings, some models exceeding 90%, meaning more heat output for the fuel used.Â
Automation:They are fully automatic, requiring minimal manual effort to operate.
Clean burning:Pellet stoves burn cleaner than traditional log burners, producing fewer emissions.Â
Environmental friendliness:Wood pellets are a renewable resource, making them a more sustainable option.Â
Ease of use:They are easy to use and control, often with remote controls or smartphone apps.
Things to consider:
- Cost:Â Pellet stoves are generally more expensive than traditional log burners.Â
- Space:Â They require storage space for pellets and may need a chimney or flue connection.Â
- Electricity:Â They require a power connection for their automated functions.Â
- Pellet quality:Â Using the right type of pellets is crucial for optimal performance and stove longevity.Â