Fireplaces / Stoves Articles

Wood pellet stoves use wood pellets to heat rooms and homes. Pellet stove efficiency is high, and it produces less air pollution than other standard options. In fact, they're so efficient the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certifies wood pellet stoves as the cleanest form of residential heating. All of these cool features make them a popular choice for many homes.

As the name suggests, pellet stoves use wood pellets to heat spaces. Wood pellets are biofuels that contain compressed wood fibers. They're often retrieved from leftover lumber in sawmills. However, pellet stoves can also burn pellets made from other organic materials, like wood chips or nutshells.

Though they look similar to traditional stoves, wood pellet stoves work a little differently. All wood pellet stoves contain spaces called hoppers for pellet storage. Most hoppers hold between 35 and 130 pounds of pellets, which is about a day's worth of heat. A skinny, screw-like device called an auger transfers the pellets into the stove's burn pot, which is where the fire is created. The burn pot mixes fuel and air to build flames and heat the room. Wood pellet stoves also contain ash pots, which collect leftover ash and debris from the burning process.

Unlike traditional stoves, pellet stoves work by using the process of convection. During this process, the air becomes lighter and less dense as it increases in temperature. Hot air rises above the cool air to produce more heat. Pellet stoves have a convection blower, which pulls in cold air from the surrounding room. As the cooler air passes over the fire, the hot air rises and moves across a heat exchanger. This device transfers the warmer air across the room, warming the space.

Thermostats power most pellet stoves. The thermostat level controls the number of pellets that move into the burn pot. And the more pellets you burn, the hotter the room becomes.

How Many Amps Does a Pellet Stove Use?

Most pellet stoves require about 2.5 to 3 amps of electricity. This number represents the maximum amount of amps needed, because manufacturers often rate pellet stoves with more amps than necessary. That way, users have a cushion for electricity requirements just in case they fall short.

Because pellet stoves function through electricity, it's important to have backup sources of energy in case of power outages. Understanding amp usage helps you prepare backup sources like batteries. For example, finding an appropriately-sized battery requires specifications like:

• Battery bank size
• Amps used
• Make and model of the stove
• Average operating input current

Pellet Stove Efficiency: How Much Electricity Does a Wood Pellet Stove Use?

If you're considering purchasing a wood pellet stove, you might question how much electricity it typically uses. After all, utility bills are a significant portion of monthly expenses. Most wood pellet stoves need electricity to run. The electricity powers the fans, controls and pellet feeders, allowing them to function smoothly. They normally consume about 100 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per month, which translates to around $9 per month in costs.

You can calculate your average usage cost by referencing the U.S. Energy Department's table of state costs. They designate the average retail price, which is cents per kilowatt-hour. You can find your state's average retail price and multiply it by your stove's kWh usage.

How Efficient Is a Pellet Stove?

Let's face it — heating your home can be expensive. Efficient heating options warm your home without breaking the bank. The more efficient your heating device is, the less energy it uses. In other words, higher efficiency usually equals lower energy bills.

Efficiency is measured by the annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) rating. This percentage represents how much energy your heating system converts into usable heat. High percentages mean higher efficiency rates. For example, let's say your heater has an AFUE rating of 85%. This metric indicates that the system uses 85% of the generated energy while wasting 15% of it.

Pellet stoves are known to be highly efficient. EPA-certified stoves typically have 70% to 83% efficiency, making them strong alternatives to other options. Their performance is largely due to the wood pellets' design, which is:

• Compact: Wood pellets are compact but contain high amounts of energy. The small size allows stoves to use less energy to burn through them.
• Low-moisture: The pellets also have low moisture contents, which lets them burn hotter. This trait also creates long-lasting and uniform heat, creating more comfort for homes.
• Organic consistency: Wood pellets have an organic consistency that also contributes to their efficiency. Pellets consist of sawdust, wood chips, bark and other natural materials. The organic makeup makes it easier to burn through them. And, pellet stoves produce very little ash and smoke, making them a cleaner choice overall.

What Are the Differences Between a Pellet Stove and a Wood Stove?

Another popular choice for home heating is a wood stove. These systems are also standalone options but use firewood to warm spaces. Both stove types produce dry and consistent heat.

It's easy to get confused about the differences between pellet stoves and wood stoves. After all, they both heat your home and have similar names. But the two options have some crucial differences that set them apart. For instance, they vary by:

• Fuel type: One of the biggest differences between the two is their respective fuel types. Wood pellet stoves use pellets, while wood stoves burn through traditional firewood. You can retrieve firewood in various ways, from purchasing it to collecting it yourself. On the other hand, you have to buy wood pellets on most occasions. The two stoves also differ by fuel storage — you keep wood pellets in a dry indoor space like a garage or shed, but usually store firewood outdoors.
• Fuel cost: Next, wood stoves and pellet stoves have different fuel expenses. Depending on your location and availability, wood pellets or firewood might be more costly than the other. It's also important to consider fuel longevity. Your average usage amount will impact how quickly you burn through resources and can drive up your costs.
• Life span: Both stove types can last around 20 years. However, wood pellet stoves have more electrical parts that could wear down over time. For instance, it uses fans, motors and switches to operate. If one of these parts fails, you would need to either replace it or the entire unit.
• Environmental impact: Overall, wood pellet stoves have a lower environmental impact than wood stoves. Pellet stoves produce less ash and release fewer emissions, making them the greener choice. And, wood pellet stoves are often more efficient.
• Installation method: Wood stoves usually require an insulated chimney system to get rid of the smoke. On the other hand, wood pellet stoves are usually standalone structures and are easy to install. Both options need proper installation methods for safe use. Incorrect installation can lead to fire risks. You normally need a permit for both types before installation to ensure it meets building codes.

What Is the Average Pellet Stove Cost per Month?

Let's take a closer look at other pellet stove costs per month. Breaking down different costs can help you gain a more complete understanding of this investment.

First, you'll face initial costs when you purchase the pellet stove. Your upfront costs will vary depending on the type of pellet stove you choose. For instance, your first expenses depend on factors like:

• Stove type: You can select a freestanding stove or insert one into your wall. Pellet stove inserts are often more expensive because of additional installation procedures, like drilling holes into the wall surface. And, you usually have to connect insert stoves to your chimney, which costs extra. On the other hand, you can place freestanding stoves in any location without extra setup processes.
• Size: The stove's size also impacts its overall cost. Larger stoves emit more heat but typically have higher price tags. Pellet stove size is often measured by British thermal units (BTU). The higher the BTU, the more expensive your stove will likely become. Your stove size should adequately heat your home or desired room.
• Model: You can find many different pellet stove brands and models. All these options vary in price, depending on manufacturer quality, efficiency, market trends and more. Reputable and popular brands will likely have higher premiums than newer or lower-quality ones.

In addition to your upfront expenses, you'll have to pay ongoing usage fees. These are some costs you can face each month:

• Fuel expenses: You need a steady supply of pellets to power your pellet stove. Many different suppliers and pellet types are available, so your monthly fuel costs can vary. Most suppliers sell pellets in large packages, such as 40-pound bags. This size bag is usually between $5 to $9 and is enough to power the stove for about 24 hours. The number of bags you buy depends on your typical stove usage. For example, if you use your stove for five days throughout the month, your monthly fuel expense might be around $35 to $45.
• Usage expenses: Next, you can factor in electricity costs. As mentioned, pellet stoves cost about $9 per month in electricity expenses. This price varies based on your location and typical usage.
• Maintenance expenses: Lastly, your pellet stove needs regular maintenance, which can add to your monthly costs. You need to clean it consistently and remove leftover ash from the ash pot. In addition, many owners hire HVAC professionals to inspect and service the stove once a year. If any stove components break down, you will also have to cover repair costs.

Can You Heat Your Whole House With a Pellet Stove?

Yes, you can use a pellet stove as a primary heat source. Pellets are a renewable resource, so you should have a steady fuel supply for as long as your stove functions. Extremely large houses might require additional heaters to reach a comfortable temperature, but small and average-sized homes can usually heat the entire area with one stove.

Your stove needs proper air movement and ductwork to heat the entire house. You can connect the pellet stove to your pipes and ducts to facilitate heat flow. Once you load the stove with pellets, it supplies consistent heat for your home.

The number of pellets your stove requires depends on your home's size. If you use the stove 24 hours each day, you'll need a consistent supply of bags to maintain warmth. But if you only turn on the pellet stove for a few hours, one bag will last longer.

How Can You Get the Most Out of Your Pellet Stove?

After you purchase your wood pellet stove, you might wonder how to make your pellet stove more efficient. You can maximize your pellet stove investment by following these tips:

• Follow the maintenance recommendations: Your stove will likely come with manufacturer instructions and maintenance rules. For instance, a certain pellet type might help the stove perform at its best. You might also have to clean the stove a specific number of times each month or schedule a visit with an HVAC technician. Follow these maintenance recommendations as closely as you can to ensure your pellet stove can function properly. That way, you're more likely to avoid repair costs.
• Research as much as possible: Finding the best pellet stove for your needs requires research. With so many brands and sizes available, identifying the best fit can seem overwhelming. Researching available options, average costs and other considerations can help you purchase a pellet stove that matches your home specifications. And, it gives you a better idea of how to run the stove once you own it.
• Stock up on pellets: If you're relying on a pellet stove as your sole heat source, it's essential to maintain a sufficient supply of pellets. After you use the stove for a few months or a year, you can understand your home's typical usage. You can estimate how many pellets you usually use throughout the month and buy the correct quantity. It's also a good idea to purchase extra for a backup supply.

Update Your Home’s HVAC With Ingram's Water & Air

A wood pellet stove is an excellent option for heating your home. Its energy efficiency and low overall costs set it apart from other heating choices. At Ingram's Water & Air, we understand the importance of high-quality HVAC solutions. Heating plays a direct role in your home's comfort, and you deserve the best quality possible.

We offer a wide range of heating and cooling units for your home. Our knowledgeable team can help you find the personalized HVAC solution that meets your home's needs. We also offer:

• Product warranties
• Competitive prices
• Free product estimates
• Technical help with unit installation
• Top-rated brands and a broad selection

To get started with Ingram's Water and Air, shop online today.