• By New Dimension Construction
• In Ask Your Contractor, Home Improvement, Improving Energy Efficiency

Wood vs. Pellet Stoves

Heating Stoves: Wood vs. Pellet

Wood vs Pellet Stoves; which is best for your home? One of the most efficient ways to keep your home warm and cozy during the winter is to add a solid fuel space heater as a supplement to your existing heating system. Adding a wood-burning or pellet stove is an upgrade that can most likely pay for itself. Both types of stoves are easy to use and can potentially lower your electric or gas bills in the winter.

A traditional wood-burning fireplace is a great option, but a pellet stove can be a game-changer. Both will produce a comfortable, dry radiant heat. A wood-burning stove, however, requires constant maintenance to keep it going. You can fill a pellet stove early in the morning and leave it for the rest of the day. The pellet stove also has a thermostat you can control and adjust if your house has a draft at certain times of the day.

     Materials

Significant effort is required in running and supplying a wood fire. You need to purchase or otherwise source the wood, store it and split it, and then build the fire and maintain it by hand. Pellets, on the other hand, come in 40-pound bags, each capable of lasting a little over 24 hours, depending on the temperature you set on the thermostat.

     Cleanup

Both options require weekly cleanings and the removal of ash if you’re using the stove often. The ash volume is much lower, however, with a pellet stove, which emits fewer emissions. With a pellet stove, you’ll need to check the burn pot and the pellet hopper regularly. No matter what type of stove you have, it should be cleaned yearly by a professional.

     Safety

Most pellet stoves have an automatic shutdown function. Pellet stoves will automatically shut the feed motor when you open the front door.  It also can monitor the venting system to ensure it’s working properly.

     Life span

The life span of a pellet stove may be shorter than that of a wood stove because of its reliance on mechanical parts, which can break down if not properly maintained. In contrast, a wood stove doesn’t require electricity, so there are no motors, fans, or switches that can fail, giving it a much longer life span than the pellet stove.

A pellet stove is often more efficient at generating heat since it uses a controlled fuel source and is designed to produce almost zero emissions. Wood stoves are designed to be efficient, but depending on the type of wood you use and its moisture content, results may vary.

Another important consideration may be the fact that a traditional wood stove or fireplace will continue to operate during a power outage, while a pellet stove will require a generator.

Final Decision

Both wood and pellet stoves are great supplemental heating options and will save you money on utility bills. The choice may come down to personal preference and the right fit for your home. If you live in an area where firewood is readily available and you can get it cheaply or even gather it yourself, you may prefer a wood stove. If you are looking to minimize the time and trouble in fueling and maintaining it, a pellet stove may be the way to go.

Any questions about this article or a potential remodel for your home. feel free to contact us