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November 30, 2011
Heating your home with wood is a wise choice, both for the environment and for your wallet. But how can you decide between pellet stoves vs wood stoves, to ensure you are installing the best heating appliance? Compare the benefits of these models and consider the ease of use, affordability and reliability before making your choice.
Pellet stoves are eco friendly, using wood byproducts to provide dependable heat in any location and circumstance. Wood stoves are also good for the environment and burn a renewable resource. Since wood pellets help avert industry waste from filling up the landfill, they are considered a greener product.
Both types of stove are easy to use. Fuel can be stored up and bought for an affordable price. Wood pellets come in bags, making them a slightly cleaner choice, but firewood is more easily sourced out and can even be acquired from your own land.
Both pellet stoves and wood stoves are reliable and the latest models are highly efficient and clean. You might pay slightly more for a pellet stove model, but it depends on the manufacturer and style.
Consider personal tastes when comparing pellet stoves vs wood stoves. Either way you will enjoy comfortable, convenient and extremely reliable heat all season long.
November 19, 2011
The newest pellet stove on the market is now available. The Manchester Pellet Stove from Hearthstone appears to be a winner. With cast iron construction, the largest flame viewing area available, high efficiency rating and fully automated this is a pellet stove that is worthy of consideration if you are in the market for a full featured pellet appliance that can heat up to 2,000 square feet. The Manchester is available in Matte Black and Brown Enamel finishes.
Heats up to: 2000 sq ft (185,8 sq m)
Burn Rate Range: 1.8 to 6.0 lbs per hour
Size: 15,300 to 51,000 BTUs
EPA Rating: 1.3 grams per hour
Efficiency: 87%
Hopper Capacity: Up to 50 lbs.
The Manchester Pellet brings you the convenience of a hardworking, technologically advanced and EPA certified clean pellet burning, together with HearthStone’s high-end aesthetic design in cast iron.
The Manchester Pellet has one of the highest heat output capacity in the market -up to 51,000 BTUs- and it is also one of the cleanest burning – with an EPA emission rating of 1.3 grams/hour- and most efficient pellet stoves in the industry –up to 87%-. It also features 169 square inches of viewing glass to enjoy one of the largest pellet flames in the market.
The Manchester Pellet is able to heat up to 2,000 square feet and has a capacity for up to 50 pounds of pellets in its sealed fuel hopper. Its operation is quiet and fully automatic, and the variable heat settings can be managed through the programmable, thermostat-ready controller. The fan and the auger speeds are electronically operated. All the controls are conveniently located for easy access.
November 14, 2011
With the ever rising cost of heating oil and the environmental concerns of various heating methods, homeowners are looking for long term, affordable solutions. We need heat in our homes. And we need that heat to be dependable and affordable. Pellet stoves offer an eco-friendly alternative that is reliable and simple to operate. But the question of long-term affordability remains. Will the initial investment of a pellet stove be recovered by fuel savings?
Pellet stoves are low maintenance heating appliances that run on widely available and cost efficient fuel. Pellets can often be sourced locally, cutting down on travel costs, and can be purchased in bulk or bought as needed. As heating oil costs continue to rise your monthly heating bill will keep going up. Consider the current cost savings of using pellet stoves – comparing today’s heating oil prices with the cost of pellet stoves. Your stove should be able to pay for itself in a few years, depending on the model purchased.
But those savings increase as the cost of heating oil increases. The payback schedule shortens, and eventually you will begin to pocket those savings while enjoying the satisfaction of heating with wood pellets. Pellet stoves may require a substantial investment in the beginning, but as those savings increase over time and your stove remains dependable and affordable, you’ll appreciate the value of this alternative heating appliance.
October 21, 2011
Are you looking for a dependable and affordable way to heat your home this winter? The Heatilator Eco Choice Pellet Stove PS50 is an ideal choice that will allow your family to comfortably live green. This pellet stove features an oversized hopper that stores up to 80 pounds in pellets, as well as an ash pan that is easy to clean.
The PS50 boasts a traditionally simple appearance, with a clear glass viewing door and a rectangular pedestal base. It will heat up to 1,130 square feet of living space and can be easily installed by your local technicians.
Pellet stoves offer homeowners an efficient, environmentally friendly and inexpensive method of heating. With renewable resources and a well designed heating appliance, your family can rest easy and enjoy green living. The Heatilator Eco Choice Pellet Stove PS50 is the ideal model to keep your home warm all season long.
September 12, 2011
As the heating season rapidly approaches many homeowners are looking at alternatives to oil and gas heating. Wood burning is a well-established practice with many options available, but pellet stoves are becoming more popular. These three reasons display the convenience of this hearth option that many are leaning toward.
1 – Automatic Operation
Fill your pellet stove with fuel and forget it. This heating appliance will work on its own with no worries, feeding the fire enough fuel to maintain efficiency and your specified level of heat.
2 – Source and Store Fuel Easily
Pellets are very easy to keep around your home. Stored in bags that can be stacked, this fuel is relatively clean and safe from animal infestation. Once you have found a local source of affordable and dependable pellets, the supply is generally steady and purchasing enough to get through the heating season is simple.
3 – Straightforward Venting
Similar to direct vent gas fireplaces, pellet stoves can be vented through a double-walled stovepipe directly out of your home. There is no need for a traditional chimney, making installation a breeze.
September 8, 2011
If you are considering the merits and wisdom of installing a new pellet stove this year, the question of fuel is bound to come up. Many pellet stove manufacturers and retailers tout the convenience of multiple fuel options, but which is best? And how can you find out what type of fuel is readily available in your area?
There are three basic types of fuel that most pellet stoves can burn:
• wood pellets – made from wood byproducts
• corn pellets – shelled corn not used in food or animal feed
• hulled wheat – not generally recommended, but possible as a last resort
Most experts would agree that wood pellets, even lower quality brands, produce less ash than corn pellets. This will create more maintenance and mess in the long run. Even though corn produces approximately the same BTU as the average wood pellet, the larger quantity of ash makes it less efficient and more costly to run over time.
If corn pellets are more easily accessible in your area – and you are sure that your pellet stove model will operate efficiently burning this fuel – by all means stock up. But if you have a source for good quality wood pellets, this fuel is generally the best choice for most of the major manufacturers and pellet stove models.
August 23, 2011
You are planning to make a wise move and purchase a pellet stove. Besides which make and model will suit your home and lifestyle, you will need to consider where to install a pellet stove. The installation location is key to creating comfortable efficiency while using this hearth appliance.
Read the owner’s manual thoroughly to understand the various clearances that apply. The pellet stove will need to be installed a certain distance from combustibles, as well as from doors and windows. Those specifications will be stated in the manual.
Consider choosing a spot that has a well-supported floor; either a stone or concrete pad or a bulked up timber frame will work well. Venting is another factor. Also consider how easily you will be able to load and clean the stove in your chosen location. Can you safely bring in the fuel and store the pellet stove accessories? If not, consider a spot where you can.
There are many factors to think about when deciding where to install a pellet stove. Consider the stated clearances, floor support, venting and general operations. This should help you to make a good decision, allowing you to look forward to a more comfortable home.
May 22, 2011
Many homeowners with an existing masonry fireplace are not fully enjoying their hearth. The mess and inefficiencies of the design are often too much to handle. They may still appreciate the traditional appearance, but long for an easier, more affordable and environmentally friendly way to heat their home. The good news is that pellet stoves can be installed into an existing hearth as a fireplace insert, giving the space new life and your home a new source of efficient warmth.
How Are Pellet Stoves Installed Into Existing Hearths?
Much like a wood or gas stove would be installed, pellet stoves are incorporated into the hearth using the existing chimney system. If necessary, a flue liner will be installed into the chimney. A stovepipe will then connect the pellet stove to this liner, creating a sealed path for the emissions to travel.
If you do not have the space in front of your fireplace for the pellet stove to sit safely, a solid pad can be installed with tiles. It’s important that your new hearth appliance be installed with non-combustible materials surrounding it. This may include stone, tiles or specialty building products and the configuration must follow local building codes.
What Are Pellet Stoves?
Pellet stoves run on bagged fuel that is made from wood byproducts. The fuel is easily stored in your home and the appliance is extremely clean burning. Operation can be almost completely automatic and this stove runs for long periods of time using a fully loaded hopper.
Homeowners love the efficiency of pellet stoves, as well as the affordability of the heat they deliver. Due to the consistent increases in the price of oil, pellets are receiving more attention. They are cheaper than many other heating fuels, including oil and natural gas, and just as convenient to operate once you get the hang of it.
Any Way You Install Them…
Pellet stoves make sense. They can be incorporated into your existing masonry fireplace or installed as a stand-alone configuration in your living space. Easy to operate and low maintenance, pellet stoves are environmentally friendly because they divert byproducts from being dumped in the landfill. They also operate with fewer emissions and deliver enough dependable heat to keep your family warm all season long.
Do you love the look of your old fireplace, but cringe at the mess of operation? Pellet stoves are an excellent option that deliver reliable, clean heat. Call your local stove shop today to get a price on installation and have a look at the models available in your area. You can have it both ways with pellet stoves and professional retrofit installations.
March 3, 2011
You’re a wise and economical shopper that wants only the best for your family. The advantages to pellet stoves are attractive and you’re considering an installation. It’s important to look at all of the pros and cons of using a pellet stove to be sure this hearth appliance is right for you.
Pros
• environmentally friendly because it burns wood byproducts
• better for air quality because it produces very few emissions
• easy to operate, clean and maintain
• affordable
• fuel can be sourced out locally, reducing the environmental impact even more
Cons
• uses electricity for operation, which means it won’t run during a power outage
• could potentially be difficult to source out good quality pellets
• requires regular maintenance of both the stove and the chimney
Most would agree that the benefits far outweigh the disadvantages. And pellet stoves are an excellent choice for many homes across the continent. Think it through and visit Fireplace Village to have a look at the various hearth models to choose from.
February 21, 2011
Pellet stoves are an excellent investment in your home for many different reasons. These units use environmentally friendly fuel, operate in a highly efficient manner and produce dependable heat. But are there any disadvantages or reasons why you may want to opt for another hearth appliance entirely? Maybe, depending on your needs.
Power is necessary for pellet stoves to run, making them virtually unusable in a power outage unless a battery back up exists. This factor makes them less attractive to those in rural locations and may push some potential buyers towards other products, like natural gas stoves, that run no matter the weather. But with a battery backing up the auger and motors, this issue can be solved easily.
Pellet stoves can be installed without a chimney in some cases, although it’s usually recommended that an existing chimney or stovepipe be used. You will need a place to store the pellets neatly and regular maintenance will keep your pellet stove working well for years. This hearth is an investment in your family’s comfort and as long as you have battery backup, the pellet stove is an ultra dependable unit.
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