What's better a wood stove or pellet stove?
The average lifespan of a wood burner is between 20 and 25 years compared to the 15- to 20-year average lifespan of a pellet stove. Also, since pellet stoves require electricity to operate, they will stop working in the event of a power outage.
What are the disadvantages of a pellet stove?
ConsIt's expensive to maintain compared to firewood and needs more upkeep than a fireplace.The fan makes low, mechanical noise.Aren't as visually appealing as watching a fire in a fireplace.It needs a backup system like batteries or electricity to run in case of a power outage.
How long will a 40 lb bag of wood pellets burn?
24 hoursA: According to the Pellet Fuels Institute, a 40-lb bag of pellet fuel can provide up to 24 hours of solid heat.
Do pellet stoves use a lot of electricity?
Do Pellet Stoves Use A Lot Of Electricity? Pellet stoves can use on average just over 100W of energy during normal use but up to 500W during ignition of a fire. A pellet stove can use on average 1kWh of energy per day if used for 8 straight hours.
Can a pellet stove heat an entire house?
Pellet stoves in the form of hydro pellet stoves, ducted pellet stoves or pellet boilers/furnaces can be used to help heat a whole house. It may also be possible to heat a much of a home if a large air-heating pellet stove is installed in the middle of an open-plan house.
How much is a ton of pellets cost?
between $180 and $250 per tonAfter installation, you'll need to buy the pellets to keep your stove fueled and burning - most homeowners using pellet stoves need between two and three tons of pellet fuel per year, and with pellets costing somewhere between $180 and $250 per ton, you might pay up to $750 each year for pellet fuel.
Do you need a chimney with a pellet stove?
Venting: Unlike wood stoves, pellet stoves do not need a chimney and can be vented out through a side wall. This allows for more flexibility on the installation and also reduces the overall installation costs. Many homeowners are able to install pellet stoves themselves as well.
What are the pros and cons of a pellet stove?
Pellet Stoves: 25 Pros & Cons (Explained With Pictures)ProsConsAutomated firesSizeEase of useNeeds electricityHigh efficiencyMaintenance requirementsClean burningFuel availability & cost9 more rows•Apr 12, 2021
Do pellet stoves make house smell?
Pellet stoves shouldn't really have a noticeable odor, even when burning pellets for a long time. They work in a sealed environment—the air in the stove vents directly outside without ever entering the room itself.
Is a pellet stove worth the money?
Yes and yes. Burning wood pellets can replace your electric furnace, and provides as much heat as you want or can afford. And while it's less efficient than an electric furnace, it's as or more efficient than other common heat sources like oil, natural gas, propane and coal. That was simple.
How much does it cost to run a pellet stove per month?
$35 to $45 per monthPellet Stove Cost Per Month While a pellet stove costs between $1,040 and $3,090, it only costs $35 to $45 per month to run your stove. A pellet stove is generally used on top of a home's heating system. Much like a fireplace, stoves are best used for heating a single room.
Can you leave a pellet stove on overnight?
Although it can seem unusual to leave a fire burning in your home without you watching over it (as commonly required or highly recommended with other forms of fireplace such as open wood burning fireplaces) it can be fine and very safe to leave a pellet stove unattended.
What is the difference between wood stove and pellet stove?
Differences Between Wood Heat and Pellets. Both types of stoves produce a comfortable dry radiant heat. A wood stove burn must be maintained to keep the heat constant . A pellet stove operates when the hopper is full of fuel, or pellets, and the stove can be thermostatically controlled.
Which is better: pellet stove or fireplace?
A pellet stove is more efficient than an airtight stove or fireplace insert. Check BTU ratings when choosing a stove—the higher rating is better. In the event of a power outage, a pellet stove, which requires electricity to operate, will shut down.
What kind of fuel is used in a wood burning stove?
There are two types of fuel when it comes to wood-burning stoves: firewood and wood pellets. There is, of course, the traditional wood-burning fireplace, but when it comes to wood fuel, this is just the beginning of the options. Compared to the traditional wood heat stove or fireplace, the pellet stove is a different breed altogether. There are important comparisons to note before making your buying decision.
Why is it important to select a stove size?
It's important to select a stove that's properly sized to fit the space you're hoping to heat. If your wood heat or pellet stove is too large for the space , you'll end up running the appliance with a low smolder to avoid overheating the space. A stove that's too small won't make a dent in the chill.
What was the first pellet stove?
Pellet Stove. The first pellet stoves introduced to the market were boxy and looked more like simple unattractive wood burners. However, their designs have been improved and, in many cases, the average consumer would have difficulty telling them apart from a wood-burning heat stove.
How long does a wood stove last?
A wood heat stove can last between 20 to 25 years. There are fewer components in this type of stove, and it does not run on electricity.
How much smoke does a wood stove produce?
The Environmental Protection Agency requires that wood stoves produce no more than 4.5 grams of smoke per hour, 1 but the newest stoves will produce no more than 2 grams of smoke per hour. Older stoves released up to 30 grams of smoke per hour.
Which is better, pellet stove or wood stove?
Pellet stoves are generally regarded as the better option for those who like to live green, but there are pros and cons to both models when it comes to their eco-friendly aspects. Pellet stoves are very efficient, requiring less fuel to produce the same amount of heat as wood stoves. They also have very low emissions.
Why are pellet stoves better than wood stoves?
This is mostly because pellet stoves have more components, including electrical parts like wires, switches, and motors that are more prone to breaking. Wood stoves are simpler in construction, with fewer things that can go wrong.
Why is it important to maintain a wood stove?
Whether you are buying a wood or pellet stove, maintenance is essential to prevent anything from going wrong. Stoves are big investments, and it makes sense to maintain them properly.
How much does it cost to install a pellet stove?
The base costs for both wood and pellet stoves are similar, but the installation and general running costs vary. For a pellet stove, expect to pay around $1,500 to $3,000 in materials, and another $500 to $1,000 for installation, leading to overall costs of approximately $2,000 to $4,000.
Why do people prefer wood stoves over pellet stoves?
Many people prefer the appearance of a wood stove over a pellet stove purely because they see the wood logs burning, providing that classic, rustic look that so many people associate with a stove.
How many square feet does a stove heat?
A stove rated 60,000 BTUs (British Thermal Units) can heat a home of around 2,000 square feet. Since both wood and pellet stoves come in dozens of designs and sizes, you can usually find the right one to heat your home.
What to know when buying a wood stove?
One of the most important things to keep in mind when buying either a wood stove or pellet stove is choosing one that is an adequate size to suit the space you want to heat . A stove that is too large will be too powerful and quickly overheat the room, while one that is too small will not be strong enough to warm it up.
Who Can Install My Pellet Stove Or Wood Stove?
Both free-standing wood-burning stoves and pellet stoves can be installed by anybody without prior training or expertise . A wood stove requires a chimney to operate, though this can be replaced by any type of vertical venting through a roof. Pellet stoves are more versatile and can be vented vertically or horizontally through a sidewall.
How much does a pellet stove cost?
Generally, pellet stoves cost between $1500 and $3000 for the unit and materials and an additional $500 to $1000 for installation. That’s an overall upfront cost of between $2000 and $4000.
How many BTU per hour for a pellet stove?
Most pellet stoves are capable of burning wood pellets to produce between 40,000 and 50,000 BTU per hour- enough to heat 2,000 square feet. That’s roughly a single story of a mid-sized two-bedroom home, or an entire apartment or mobile home.
How much electricity does a pellet stove use?
One downside to a pellet stove is that the vast majority usually require an electrical power supply to operate, using around 100w of electricity per hour. This is only around the same as you use to power your TV, but it isn’t great if you’re planning off-the-grid heating, or you want to provide heat in a home where you can expect a regular power outage.
How much smoke does a pellet stove produce?
Burning wood on a more traditional wood stove produces around 2 to 7.5 grams of smoke per hour, but pellet stoves produce less than 1 gram of smoke per hour . In effect, pellets use less wood than firewood logs to burn for longer, more efficiently, with lower emissions.
What is the best stove for the environment?
Pellet stoves have even higher efficiency ratings, and some new models can burn at around 90% efficiency. As a result, there are fewer particle emissions and harmful gasses released into the environment. They’re regarded by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as the cleanest solid fuel residential heating appliance.
How much does a cord of firewood cost?
Firewood is measured in ‘cords’, and a cord of firewood will also cost around $250 but will burn for a shorter time, with less heat, than wooden pellets, so the running cost of a wood-burning stove is higher than that of a pellet stove.
What to know when choosing a wood stove?
I know its tempting to go out and get the biggest wood heater available but this is actually a very bad move to make.
How long can a pellet heater run without electricity?
It depends on the size of the UPS you choose, but a good one will keep your pellet heater going for about an hour without mains electricity. Our recommended UPS is the CyberPower PR1500LCDRTXL2U.
What is the cheapest type of heater to buy?
Inserts are the cheapest type to buy and the cheapest type to install – as long as your existing chimney is suitable for the heater
How often should I clean my chimney on a wood stove?
The wood stove has fewer maintenance tasks, but I would argue that its yearly chimney inspection and 2-3 times yearly chimney clean means that a wood stove actually requires slightly more maintenance than a pellet stove.
What are the variables involved in a wood stove?
The variables involved in a wood stove mean that giving an exact efficiency number is guesswork at best. The actual heat output is unpredictable and depends on the type of wood fuel used, the amount of air allowed into the fireplace itself as well as numerous other factors.
Do pellet stoves need electricity?
Pellet Stoves Require Electricity. Pellet stoves actually do require a constant electrical power source to run. So if you are in an area where power frequently goes out, or you don’t have access to the power grid then a pellet stove may not be suitable for you.
Do pellet stoves cost the same as wood heaters?
When it comes to actually buying the pellet stove or wood heater, the costs are very similar when you compare the advertised heat outputs and efficiency of each model.
Differences Between Wood Heat and Pellets
Key Features
Appearance
Sizes
- It's important to select a stove that's properly sized to fit the space you're hoping to heat. If your wood heat or pellet stove is too large for the space, you'll end up running the appliance with a low smolder to avoid overheating the space. A stove that's too small won't make a dent in the chill. A rule of thumb is that a stove rated at 42,000 BTu (British Thermal Units, which is a basic measur…
Repair and Maintenance
- Wood Heat
When considering which type of stove to buy, it is important to assess the upkeep of each. A wood heat stove will need more maintenance than a pellet stove. For example, before heating season, a home with a wood heat stove should have a chimney sweep and inspection to make s… - Pellet Stove
Although both the pellet stove and the wood heat stove require regular cleaningand removal of ash, the ash volume is less with a pellet stove, as are the emissions. It's recommended to remove unused pellets at the end of a season to prevent rusting of the appliance's interior. You'll also ne…
Energy Use
- Wood Heat
If firewood is readily availableand economical—and you don't mind the splitting, stacking, and wood/bark mess that comes along with burning wood—a traditional wood heat stove may be cheaper to install and operate. It's even cheaper if you salvage free firewood. A traditional wood … - Pellet Stove
A pellet stove is more efficient than an airtight stove or fireplace insert. Check BTU ratings when choosing a stove—the higher rating is better. In the event of a power outage, a pellet stove, which requires electricity to operate, will shut down.
Installation
- Wood Heat
Installation guidelines and codes are similar to either type of wood-burning appliance. However, there are differences in connections (and connection costs). Wood heat stoves usually require a full insulated chimney system that must extend above the roof peak. - Pellet Stove
Though pellet stoves are usually a little more expensive to buy than a wood heat stove, they are generally much easier, and less costly, to install. Some pellet stoves need only a direct-vent or smaller chimney system, which is cheaper and easier to install. This reduces connection costs.
Cost
- Initial costs for a wood stove or pellet stove are quite similar, as far as the main unit is concerned. It's a matter of choice as to the style and design that appeals to you and choosing a size of stove adequate to heat your living area. The costs can differ in terms of firewood and pellets, and what's available to you in your area. Unlike wood heating stoves that can burn firewood and wood scrap…
Lifespan
- A wood heat stove can last between 20 to 25 years. There are fewer components in this type of stove, and it does not run on electricity.
The Verdict
- If you are looking for an all-around budget-conscious way of adding extra heat to your home and you have a source for plenty of firewood to burn, a wood heat stove may be perfect for your needs. As an important bonus, you'll be able to heat your home (and probably cook a little) if you have a wood heat stove, even if the electricity goes out in your area. However, if you expect that …