Is a Pellet Stove the Best Heating Option?

Heating a house during the winter months with oil heating, electric heating or with a wood stove is an expensive feat. However, pellet stoves have gained a lot of popularity recently because they work quickly, provide a nice accent to any house and are affordable.

How do Pellet Stoves Work?

Pellet stoves burn wood pellets, which are tightly compacted sawdust that is common as leftovers from construction projects. The user places pellets into the stoves hopper, the amount depends on the size of the stove, and the hopper continuously feeds the stove until the desired temperature is reached. Connected pipes blow the air into heating vents in the house, similar to central heating, to circulate the heat into rooms that are not located near the stove.

Are Pellet Stoves Expensive?

When I worked at a local hardware store we had pellet stoves anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000. These numbers vary so dramatically because of the size of the stove. If you have a typical house with 1800+ square feet, then you will need the more expensive model in order to heat the home. However, the stoves have a hidden cost; they require electricity to operate.

Pellets come in 40-pound bags, are those heavy?

The size of the pellet bags is a valid concern for most individuals looking to purchase a pellet stove. Any store selling pellets or pellet stoves should have loose pellet bags. Attempt to lift one of these bags on your own by lifting with your legs and not your back. If the bag is too heavy you can consider using a scooper to refill the stove, but this method is time consuming. Because the stove requires refilling at least one bag per day at a bare minimum, it is important that you are comfortable with the size of the bag.

Size

Some people prefer to heat their entire house with a pellet stove, while others use smaller models to heat the most lived in area of the house. The smaller pellet stoves are good for subsidizing the heating cost of the most used room in the house, often the living room. Small inexpensive models are generally big enough for large rooms, but will not work to heat the entire house. However, larger models (2200 sq. ft.+) are large enough for heating most homes.

Is it worth the price?

Yes. Pellet stoves are an investment for any property. In order to make your money back with reduced heating costs you must purchase the stove, preorder pellets (to get lowest rate) and set a reasonable house temperature. The stoves will pay for themselves within five years with lowered heating bills from electric or oil methods. Another factor to consider is the fact that most pellet stoves are attractive accents for the home, as well as functional.