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January 27, 2010
When shopping for a pellet stove or pellet fireplace insert there are several things to consider. These things include; heating capacity, type of fuel, operation and maintenance, whether it is a top or bottom feed, appearance and style, automatic or manual control, quality, backup power, cost and company. It is important to do your research in order to find the pellet stove that meets your specific needs.
Heating Capacity
The most important part of a pellet stove to consider is its heating capacity. This is also known as its heat output range. The efficiency of the unit depends on the output range. A typical pellet stove has a range between several thousand to 40,000 or more BTUs. The greater the heat output range the better the efficiency of the model. You must look at how you intend to use the stove, the layout and size of your home, how your home is currently heated and insulated and what temperature you prefer during the day and at night. Take note of these details when shopping for a pellet stove.
Fuel
There are different types of fuel available for pellet stoves. Two options are, wood pellets and corn pellets. You must consider the cost and availability of the type of pellets. Another consideration is whether you would like to use standard or premium grade pellets. Different states have different prices for wood, corn and other types of pellets used in a pellet stove. Find out where you can purchase pellets locally and what it will cost.
Top or Bottom Feed
There are two options for feed style. The first is a top feed model. The top-fed model reduces the chances of fire going back into the hopper but the burn area is more likely to become clogged with ash. A bottom-fed model allows the ash to be pushed into a pan once the fuel is delivered. You will need to decide how you want your stove to be fed. Some models offer an option of a chute while others will need to be fed from behind or to the side of the burn box. There are pros and cons to both top-fed and bottom-fed models. Consider what may be best for your circumstances and shop accordingly.
Appearance and Style
There are many choices for the design and style of a pellet stove. They come in styles from modern to rustic and even olde-worlde. Different styles function differently and have different features. Another thing that you will need to consider is whether you are looking for a small fire or one that is “impressive” and pretty to look at. Some pellet stoves allow for simulated logs made from ceramic which help the flame to glow bigger and brighter while others are simply designed for a low, concentrated fire.
Automatic or Manual Control
You must ask yourself whether or not you would like the unit to run automatically or if you are planning on doing the tending of the fire yourself. There are pros and cons to both automatic and manually controlled units. Occasionally manually controlled models will need adjustments while automatic units can make the adjustments in rate of fuel feed and output themselves. There are other features such as automatic ignition and start-up to consider as well. Whether you would like a unit that is manual or automatic is a matter of personal preference and taste.
Quality
Quality is something that must be considered when shopping for a pellet stove. Do you want the bells and whistles or something simple? What it comes down to is getting what you paid for. Watch out for brands that are inferior or second rate that are made cheaply that will rust or burn out quickly. How well your pellet stove is maintained and cleaned will also determine how it will wear over time.
Back-Up Power
Your pellet stove will need electricity to run the motors so it is important to consider a “back-up plan” if there is a power outage. Some models come equip with a back-up battery that will kick in if the power goes out. Another option to consider is a gas-powered generator to back –up the power of your pellet stove.
Cost
How much are you planning to spend on your pellet stove unit? You could expect to pay anywhere from $1,500 to $3500.00 on a pellet stove. You will also need to consider the installation of your stove as well when planning the budget. The price for fuel will also be a factor to consider when calculating the cost. In some places installation can cost anywhere from $350 to $650 and depending on the type of pellets you are purchasing they can run anywhere between $5 and $10 for a standard bag.
Company
Do your research on different companies that sell pellet stoves. Ask about the total package price including the stove, installation, warranties and regular maintenance charges. Finding a company that is reputable will save you problems in the future.
Shopping for a pellet stove requires some time and effort. You must do your research to find the model that works for you. There are several things to consider when choosing the pellet stove unit that you will purchase for your home.
January 7, 2010
Nothing beats the warmth and ambiance of a crackling fireplace. If you are looking at purchasing or upgrading a fireplace, wood stove or fireplace insert (or any hearth appliance) there are lots of choices. Depending on the style and features of your home, your energy needs, design preferences and budget there are many hearth options to choose from.
Masonry Fireplaces
New masonry fireplaces have come a long way since the days when they provided more ambience than warmth. Today’s models are much more energy-efficient and some European models can even heat an entire small home. The cost of a masonry fireplace varies, depending on a number of factors, including type of material used (particularly on the fireplace face, which could be composed of marble, granite, brick, etc.), the hearth (brick, stone, concrete, tile, marble or wood) and other factors such as chimney liners and chimney caps.
Gas Fireplaces
Housed in their own metal casing, gas fireplaces can be installed just about anywhere. Inside the gas fireplace you will find ceramic logs, fiber gas logs or glass or crystal elements and a burner that produces a glowing natural gas-powered flame. These new gas fireplaces are not the old gas fireplaces. The quantity and quality of the flame has been dramatically improved and most now have the look and feel of a traditional wood burning fireplace. Many gas fireplaces now have flames that are difficult to distinguish from wood burning fire flames. Modern gas fireplaces also come with electronic remote controls and automatic fans to better circulate the heat. The new remote controls are relatively sophisticated with touch screens, child safety locks and automated temperature control operation.
There are three different styles of gas fireplaces: the direct vent model, the top vent design, and the vent-free model.
The direct vent gas fireplace uses two vent pipes that lead directly to the outside. One pipe uses combustion air from the outside while the other vents the exhaust gas.
The top vent gas fireplace design can be installed into existing fireplaces and uses the metal or brick chimney as the exhaust vent. The combustion air for top vent fireplaces is drawn from inside the home while the chimney vents the exhaust gas.
The vent-free gas fireplace model uses no exhaust vent. This style includes an oxygen-depletion sensor that turns off the gas if it senses a dangerous lack of oxygen inside the house. While fireplace manufacturers claim that vent-free fireplaces burn clean, are energy-efficient and don’t threaten indoor air quality, be aware that a number of states do not permit the installation of vent-free fireplaces. In the New England states of New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Vermont, Maine and Connecticut installation of vent-free gas fireplaces is permitted. Massachusetts has in the past not authorized the installation of vent free gas fireplaces for safety reasons.
Prefabricated Fireplaces
Prefabricated fireplaces, also known as zero-clearance fireplaces, are highly insulated, so they can be installed within an inch of combustible materials, such as wall framing. They are preferred in new construction because they’re much lighter in weight, are faster and easier to install than standard masonry units, and are energy-efficient. Many newer prefabricated fireplaces are prefabricated from metal and installed in wood-frame walls. They generally have a metal shell and a realistic brick-lined firebox.
Wood Stoves
A wood stove is essentially a metal container for a fire. Made from cast iron or brick-lined, welded plate steel, a wood stove has an inlet for combustion air and an outlet for combustion gases, or smoke. Most modern wood stoves are airtight and allow the amount of combustion air that feeds the flame to be controlled. This control allows a wood stove to burn far more efficiently than a traditional open fireplace.
Wood stoves built during the 1970s and early 1980s offer efficiencies of 50 to 60 percent. Those built since new governmental requirements were put in place in 1988 offer 75 percent or higher overall efficiency; that is, they convert up to 75 percent or more of their fuel into heat. Concern about particulate emissions or air pollution carried by wood smoke have also forced changes in wood stove designs. Although old wood stoves gave off up to 50 grams of particulates per hour in smoke, new certified stoves give off only about 5 grams.
Most new wood stoves are energy efficient, environmentally friendly and come in many styles and colors. If you thought that wood stoves only came in black and belched smoke then think again. The new wood stoves are energy efficient, clean burning and there is a wood stove to fit any home or life style.
Fireplace Inserts
If you have a masonry fireplace but don’t like the associated, draftiness, energy costs or overall inefficiency, you should consider purchasing a fireplace insert, sometimes referred to as a fireplace stove insert. A fireplace insert is basically a wood stove designed to fit into a fireplace. Fireplace inserts are usually constructed of cast iron or steel just like wood stoves.
Installing a fireplace insert will typically require the installation of a chimney liner. The chimney liner essentially narrows and insulates the chimney vent and connects directly onto the fireplace insert creating a closed highly efficient system. No more opening and closing the damper. Fireplace inserts can use various fuel options and are clean burning (minimal smoke and particulate emissions). Fireplace inserts like wood stoves are heavy, usually weighing upwards of 300 pounds. This means delivery and installation are better left to certified installers or professional chimney sweeps.
Gas fireplace inserts utilize natural gas or liquid propane as the fuel source and consist of a gas log set installed into a steel or cast iron stove and are usually sealed on the front with glass. Most gas inserts have fans or blowers that automatically circulate the heat. Gas inserts are available with remote controls, wall switches or wall-mounted thermostats.
Wood-burning fireplace inserts use firewood as the fuel source. Wood inserts come with fans or blowers that automatically circulate the heat. Wood burning inserts would typically include an operable glass door in the front to allow for loading of firewood and flame viewing. Wood inserts vary in size of flame viewing area (the bigger the better) and maximum log length that can be inserted into the stove for burning.
Pellet fireplace inserts use wood pellets or other types of pellets (corn based, soy based, etc.) as the fuel source. Pellet fireplace inserts come with fans or blowers that automatically circulate the heat.
Pellet-Burning Hearth Appliances
Pellet-burning hearth appliances are simpler to operate and more convenient than other wood-burning appliances. In fact, they are almost as easy to use as gas, oil or electric heaters. Pellet stoves and pellet inserts burn wood pellets or compressed wood. Pellet-burning hearth appliances are loaded with pellets through a hopper and the rate of burn is controlled by an electronic circuit board that is typically controlled by burn settings or a thermostat. Most pellet appliances have at least two burn settings and some new models use thermostats to control the fire. They also use a forced-air system to distribute the wood pellet heat. Pellet-burning appliances are highly efficient, clean burning and environmentally friendly.
Pellet stoves burn wood very efficiently and many do not need chimneys. Rather, they can exhaust fumes by venting directly through a wall to the outdoors. Pellet-burning appliances need to be refueled less frequently than most other wood burning appliances. Refueling varies from once a day to twice a week, depending on the model and your heating needs. Most pellet stoves require electricity to operate.
Customizing Your Fireplace
Your fireplace can be customized with a variety of functional and stylistic options.
Gas fireplaces, for instance, feature three different kinds of logs: vented logs that provide a realistic burning wood look with less heat; ventless logs, which produce a yellow flame with a high degree of efficiency; and partially vented logs which provide a middle ground option in warmth, appearance and efficiency. Each type of gas log is available in many different gas log set styles including types of wood (oak, cedar, northern oak, etc.), flame size and color and other unique and interesting styles (camp fire, beach fire, glass, crystal, etc.).
Gas fireplaces, gas stoves and gas inserts can all be used with remote controls, wall switches and wall mounted thermostats.
Other options or accessories for fireplaces include a wide array of hearth rugs, custom glass doors, ash containers and buckets, wood holders, fire starters, flame enhancers, fireplace screens, tools and fireplace gloves. There are many accessories and options available for wood stoves as well. The most popular options include tool sets, hearth rugs, stove scents and steamers.
December 4, 2009
Fireplace Village NH is currently offering outstanding discounts on select hearth appliances, including wood stoves, fireplace inserts and gas fireplaces, as well as floor display fireplace tools and accessories. We are offering a 20% discount on select Napoleon Fireplace wood stoves, fireplace inserts and gas fireplaces. We are offering a 50% discount on floor display fireplace tools ands accessories from Pilgrim. These deals will not last long.
On top of these deals, many of our hearth appliances qualify for a federal tax credit of up to $1,500 on the purchase and installation of qualified wood stoves, fireplace inserts, pellet stoves and wood pellet inserts. The tax credit for hearth appliances applies to the purchase of a 75% efficient biomass-burning appliance. Professional installation of the appliance is also subject to the credit. For more information on the tax credit and how to claim it, see the Hearth, Patio, and Barbecue Association website.
If you live in Keene, NH you may also qualify for rebate vouchers valued at $1,000 for replacement of currently operating non-EPA-certified wood stoves with new certified wood, pellet, fireplace insert stoves. Fireplace Village is a participating dealer in the wood stoves changeout program.
There has never been a better time to buy wood stoves, pellet stoves or fireplace inserts in nh. Fireplace Village is the largest fireplace and stove shop in NH and New England. Stop by one of our New Hampshire locations today or visit us online.
November 10, 2009
Many New Hampshire and New England households use wood as a primary heating fuel, while others use wood stoves, fireplace stove inserts and fireplaces as supplementary heating sources. The New Hampshire Office of Energy and Planning estimates that up to 25 percent of New Hampshire homes heat with wood stoves. Wood is a renewable, carbon neutral resource, unlike fossil fuels such as oil, coal and gas, which are non-renewable. In fact, if firewood is harvested in a sustainable way, woodlots can provide an abundant source of fuel for years to come.
Unfortunately, smoke from wood burning stoves, fireplace stove inserts and fireplaces can be a significant source of air pollution, negatively impacting public health and the environment.
People can reduce the amount of smoke from their wood stoves by choosing low-emission certified stoves, operating them properly, and using good quality firewood. This will improve combustion efficiency, reduce emissions, help protect public health and the environment, and save fuel costs. The smoke produced from wood stoves, fireplace inserts and fireplaces contains over 100 different chemical compounds, many of which are harmful and potentially carcinogenic. Wood smoke pollutants include fine particulates. Breathing air containing wood smoke can cause a number of serious respiratory and cardiovascular health problems. Those at greatest health risk from wood smoke include infants, children, pregnant women, the elderly, and those suffering from allergies, asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, pneumonia, or any other heart or lung disease. Fine particulate matter, the very small particles that make up smoke and soot, may be the most dangerous component of wood smoke pollution.
Pollution from wood stoves is a particular concern in the winter when cold, stagnant air and temperature inversions constrict movement. Communities located in valleys are more strongly impacted.
As wood burning increases on cold, clear, calm nights, smoke is unable to rise and disperse. Pollutants are trapped and concentrated near the ground, and the small size of the particles allows them to seep into houses through closed doors and windows. This has become a serious issue in many areas of New Hampshire ( NH air quality )over the past few years. The air quality on cold, calm nights in low-lying valleys of New Hampshire and New England is periodically very poor. Some NH state and federal EPA computer models have connected 80 percent of the particulate matter in the air in some areas of the state and region to wood stoves, fireplace stove inserts and fireplaces. Smoke from wood stoves and fireplace inserts is generated primarily by incomplete combustion, which can be caused by a number of different factors related to the wood stove’s efficiency. Improving a wood stove’s efficiency will improve the combustion process, and thus reduce the amount of smoke and harmful air pollutants released into the air. A wood stove’s efficiency is affected by both the design features of the stove and how it is operated and maintained. Here are some ways to improve wood stove efficiency, resulting in less smoke and money savings on wood fuel costs. Select a clean-burning stove and make sure it is the proper size.
When buying new wood stoves, make sure you are purchasing a certified clean burning, efficient wood stove, stove insert or pellet stove insert with design features that promote complete combustion. Wood stoves design technologies that are desirable include advanced combustion stoves, catalytic stoves, and wood pellet stoves. Advanced combustion stoves are designed to create the conditions necessary to burn the combustion gases as they go up the chimney. Catalytic stoves contain a catalytic combustor that ignites smoke gases and particles at a lower temperature, resulting in a more complete burn of harmful substances. Wood pellet stoves burn small pellets of compressed wood by-products instead of cordwood. The pellets are fed into the stove through a hopper at a controlled rate, producing a clean optimum burn with low emissions.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency set standards for wood stoves in 1990. Hearth appliances cannot be sold to consumers in the US unless they meet certain emission standards for particulate matter and carry the EPA Emission Certification label ( EPA certified wood stoves, fireplace inserts, pellet stove inserts ). Certified wood stoves reduce smoke emissions by as much as 90 percent, compared with conventional wood stoves, and are much more efficient.
 Clean Burning Wood Stoves Be sure the wood stove you are using is EPA-certified, and if your wood stove or fireplace stove insert is old, consider replacing the wood stove with a cleaner, more efficient certified model. Fireplace Village NH is the largest dealer and installer of certified wood stoves, fireplace stove inserts and pellet stove inserts in NH, VT, MA and ME EPA offers advice to consumers for purchasing woodstoves, ranging from considerations relating to installation, operation and maintenance, to determining the best size stove for your heating needs. A wood stove should be the proper size for the area being heated. A stove that is too large or too small will create more pollution.
 Replace Old Wood Stoves for Cleaner Environment
November 2, 2009
When most people think of a fire in a wood stove , fireplace inserts or fireplace, they think of burning wood. Wood is the original traditional heating fuel. It grows locally, is abundant in most areas and is one of our few renewable sources of clean energy. Burning wood in an energy efficient wood stove or energy efficient fireplace stove insert is also environmentally friendly. Wood is the primary renewable energy choice in NH, Vermont, Maine and MA. As a matter of fact, wood is the top renewable energy source in the US and is the primary heat source for more than 2 millions Americans.
 Energy efficient, clean burning fireplace inserts.
Burning wood in energy efficient, clean burning wood stoves, wood burning fireplaces or wood burning fireplace inserts also makes economic sense. Many people have access to their own firewood. Even when purchased, cordwood can be an inexpensive form of residential space heating. Modern energy efficient wood stoves can heat the entire home.
There has never been a better time to upgrade to a energy efficient, clean burning wood stove, fireplace stove insert or pellet stove. On June 1, 2009, The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued its guidance for the 30% consumer tax credit (up to $1,500) on the purchase and installation of “qualified energy property”. This legislation is effective immediately, and is retroactive to any eligible wood stove, fireplace insert, pellet fireplace insert or pellet stove purchased since January 1, 2009. Additional information is available on the following website: www.irs.gov.
Additionally, if you are a resident of Keene, NH, the City of Keene, NH in partnership with the NH Department of Environmental Services Air Resources Division, is offering rebate vouchers valued at $1,000 to homeowners of Keene for replacement of currently operating non-EPA-certified woodstoves with new certified wood, pellet, fireplace insert stoves. New wood stoves must meet the State of Washington certification standards, which are stricter than EPA’s certification requirements. No other wood stove changeout program has had such a high rebate for all applicants and could well serve as a national model to encourage conversion to clean burning, energy efficient hearth appliances.
Fireplace Village NH is a participating dealer in the wood stove, fireplace stove insert changeout program.
Contrary to conventional wisdom, wood is a smart choice in renewable biomass for energy. Trees are the source of firewood. Trees convert carbon dioxide into oxygen, replenishing the atmosphere. A significant portion of firewood comes from harvesting dead trees. Unlike fossil fuels, there is no net carbon contribution when burning wood, as those same gases are given off when the tree decomposes in nature. Therefore, burning wood does not create new net carbon emissions. Burning wood has become significantly less polluting and more energy efficient. Sophisticated new designs have doubled the energy efficiency of wood stoves. In addition, the amount of smoke emitted by wood stoves has been reduced by an average of 90 percent. All wood stoves and fireplace inserts sold today are certified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as clean-burning. Less smoke means less potentially flammable creosote within their chimney systems; the safety record of wood stoves, wood burning fireplaces and fireplace inserts is the best ever.
July 18, 2009
People use fireplaces in many different ways. For some, the fireplace is a great way to add atmosphere on a chilly night, while for others, it is a fundamental part of their home heating system. If you are interested in using your fireplace to heat your home, then a fireplace insert may be for you.
Fireplace inserts are devices that are installed in conventional, open fireplaces to make them more energy efficient. Inserts fit into the existing fireplace, with some models protruding out onto the hearth. There are a range of fuel options from which to choose when purchasing an insert. The most common are wood-burning and pellet inserts.
Why are fireplace inserts more energy efficient than traditional fireplaces? There are a number of reasons:
- Inserts keep the fire behind closed doors, trapping the heat inside;
- An insert that protrudes out over the hearth radiates additional heat through its top, bottom, and sides;
- Many inserts have blowers, which improve heat circulation and efficiency; and
- Some also feature thermostats and remote controls to ensure that the fire burns consistently at the most efficient level.
Fireplace inserts are available in a range of styles and prices (check out the Jotul C450, above, available in our New Hampshire showrooms!). Good quality, EPA-certified inserts generally cost between $1,200 and $2,200, and installation can cost anywhere from $400 to $2,000+ (for a complete chimney relining). Inserts should always be installed by a professional chimney sweep to ensure that they are vented properly. Installed properly (the addition of an insert may require you to reline your chimney), a fireplace insert can transform the way you heat your home and help you save money on your home heating bills.
May 5, 2009
On February 17, 2009 President Obama signed into law H.R. 1, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). Included in that economic stimulus legislation is a tax credit for the purchase of a biomass-burning stove to help consumers fight rising home heating costs. Consumers can claim the credit on their federal income tax form at the end of the year.
This new credit reduces the amount of tax you owe by up to $1500. Specifically, the legislation provides for a 30% tax credit of up to $1500 total over a two year period (2009-2010) for the purchase of a 75% efficient biomass-burning appliance.
These tax credit provisions are extended improvements on legislation that passed in October 2008. The major changes are: 1) an extension of the credit to include 2010; 2) the increase on the credit from $300 to 30% of the total cost; and 3) the lower heating value (LHV) will be used for the efficiency rating rather than the higher heating value (HHV).
The tax credit went into effect on January 1, 2009 and is valid only for the purchase of a qualifying biomass stove (such as the Napoleon NPS40 pellet stove pictured above) during 2009 and 2010 (prior purchases made between January 1, 2009, and June 1, 2009 are covered if the manufacturer offers a certification statement for the product). The maximum tax credit for the two-year period is $1500. Installation costs are also covered as long as they are required for proper and safe operation of the stove.
For more information on the tax credit and how to claim it, see the Hearth, Patio, and Barbecue Association website at http://www.hpba.org/government-affairs/issues-legislation/.
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