In recent years, a beneficial trend has emerged in the form of 'green homes'. With the effects of climate change becoming more apparent, such as melting polar ice caps and significant weather changes, it has become clear that we need to take better care of our environment. One of the easiest ways to start is by making our homes more energy-efficient. According to research, turning our houses into energy-efficient units requires some changes, but they are not difficult to make. One such change is upgrading heating facilities, and pellet stoves have quickly become a popular solution among environmentally conscious homeowners.

What Is a Pellet Stove?

A pellet stove is a specific type of stove that uses wood or biomass pellets to generate heat. It is primarily used in residential spaces but can also be used in industrial settings. When the burner is continuously fed with fuel, the stove produces a consistent flame that requires little to no adjustment. The use of pellets allows these stoves to achieve an energy efficiency factor of more than 90%.

The first miniaturized pellet stove appeared in the 1980s in Washington, derived from the idea of using pine sawdust in the form of Presto-Logs back in the 1930s at pine mills in Lewiston, Idaho. Modern pellet stoves are constructed from steel or cast-iron pieces, with stainless steel encasing the circuitry and exhaust areas. They can be either freestanding units or inserts into existing stone fireplaces. Some pellet stoves are also compatible with other types of fuel, such as sunflower seeds, wheat, corn, or cherry pits, although manufacturers often recommend using a special corn and pellet mixture designed for this purpose.

Corn Stoves: A Variation of Pellet Stoves

A variation of the pellet stove is the corn stove, which uses whole corn kernels as a combustion source instead of pellets. Corn stoves also feature an additional metal stirring rod in the burn pot and may come with an ash removal system. Both pellet stoves and corn stoves offer excellent energy efficiency.

Pellet Fuel

Pellet fuel is typically sold in 40-pound bags at an average price of $3 per pound. Experienced wood pellet stove users recommend that beginners purchase pellets by the ton to ensure a consistent supply throughout the winter. An average-sized house typically requires 2 to 3 tons of pellets per year, which costs approximately $200 per ton, making it a cost-effective heating solution.

It is important to note that most pellet fuels have a moisture content between 5% and 10%. Some types may also contain petroleum or non-petroleum lignin, which is used as a lubricant during the manufacturing process. However, the majority of pellets are additive-free. When purchasing pellets, it is crucial to check the quality by examining the bag for dust and dirt, as these debris can form clinkers in the stove. High-quality pellets should have less than half a cup of dust at the bottom of a standard 40-pound bag. Pellets can be purchased from specialized suppliers, local tree nurseries, or stores that sell home and garden products.

Pros and Cons of Pellet Stoves

While pellet stoves have been highly praised, there is still some debate about whether they are the best heating solution available. To help you decide if a pellet stove is the right choice for you and your family, consider the following pros and cons:

Pros

Pellet stoves and pellet bags are usually small, making storage easy and minimizing disruption to your home's design or limited space.
They are very easy to use, requiring only the loading of pellets and lighting of the flame. Smaller models may only need to be fed once a day.
Pellet stoves produce very little smoke and ash due to the use of pellets, making them extremely convenient.
Pellets are inexpensive, which can drastically reduce your heating bills.

Cons

While pellets are affordable, the stove itself is expensive, typically costing between $1,700 and $3,000, plus installation costs.
Pellet stoves are usually manufactured in colder regions, such as the Pacific Northwest, which may require long-distance travel or shipping to obtain one, adding to the overall cost.
If you live in a small house or apartment without a barn, garage, or storage space, you may need to make frequent trips to the store for pellets.
Pellets may not always be readily available, especially in regions with fewer trees, as they need to be brought in from elsewhere.
Pellet stoves run on electricity, which means they will not function during a power outage unless you have a backup generator, which is an additional cost.

Pellet Stoves vs. Wood Stoves

Although pellet stoves and wood stoves may seem similar, they differ in several ways:

Pellet stoves are more efficient than wood stoves, requiring far fewer pellets to operate than the amount of wood needed for a wood stove.
Wood is much more expensive than pellets.
Wood stoves produce 75-80% fewer BTUs than pellet stoves.
Unlike pellets, wood must be purchased in bulk and requires ample storage space.
Wood stoves produce significantly more smoke and ash than pellet stoves, which are nearly zero-maintenance.
Pellet stoves rely on electricity and may fail during power outages, unlike wood stoves.

Best Pellet Stove Brands

According to online reviews, some of the best pellet stove brands include:

Harman Pellet Stoves
Whitfield Pellet Stoves and Parts
Breckwell
Englander
Lopi

Other notable brands include St. Croix Stoves, Maine Stoves, WoodMaster, Avalon Fire Styles, Lowes, Enviro, Napoleon Fireplaces, and Accentra pellet stoves. Pellet stoves can also be purchased at local Home Depot stores or on eBay.

Factors to Consider When Buying a Pellet Stove

Decide in advance on the type of pellet stove you want (stand-alone, insert, modern, or regency).
Research the ratings of the specific model you are interested in.
Inquire about the price, installation cost, and who will be responsible for the installation.
Ask the seller about troubleshooting and available support.
Consult the stove's manual for any unclear information and prioritize safety.
Look for top deals, sales, or clearance events, as pellet stoves can be expensive.
When considering a used pellet stove, thoroughly check for issues with venting, hot air direction, or pellet burning.
For small homes, consider a window stove for safer venting and furnace operation.

Conclusion

Pellet stoves offer an eco-friendly and cost-effective home heating solution. While there are many models and designs available, finding the perfect pellet stove becomes easier once you understand how they work and consider factors such as your home's square footage, budget, and pellet availability in your area. By choosing a pellet stove, you can contribute to a greener planet while enjoying efficient and convenient home heating.