What Exactly Are Pellet Fireplaces and Stoves?
Thursday, December 31st, 2009
Paul Hundrieser asked:
Wood pellet burning stoves are a new and very popular way as a means to provide heat. Pellet fireplaces and stoves burn pellets as a primary source of heat. Wood pellets are generally made from sawdust, coming from sawmills, recycling centers, furniture manufacturers, etc. However, pellets may also be made out of corn, grass, or other waste products. They are very tightly compacted enabling them to be burned very efficiently and in turn produce a high source of heat. Since the wood pellets are usually varying in size from a half up to an inch, and somewhat lightweight, they are very easy to transport. Pellets can be purchased for about $1.00 per 10lbs. Also, since they are actually made from wood, they are very environmentally friendly.
Pellet stoves are generally freestanding stoves specifically designed to burn wood pellets, however fireplace inserts can be purchased to allow your standard wood-burning fireplace also. You can learn more about the difference between each here. Each pellet fireplace and stove contains a “hopper” which can hold anywhere from 30 to 130lbs of wood pellets. Each stove also has a fan to vent all gases outside. You can even install certain stoves and fireplaces in such a way to replace your old source of heat, whether it is gas or electric, and use them to heat the whole house.
With the cost of conventional utilities such as gas and electricity continuing to go up, Pellet Fireplaces and Stoves continue to gain popularity, and are a much more efficient and environmentally friendly alternative.
Wood pellet burning stoves are a new and very popular way as a means to provide heat. Pellet fireplaces and stoves burn pellets as a primary source of heat. Wood pellets are generally made from sawdust, coming from sawmills, recycling centers, furniture manufacturers, etc. However, pellets may also be made out of corn, grass, or other waste products. They are very tightly compacted enabling them to be burned very efficiently and in turn produce a high source of heat. Since the wood pellets are usually varying in size from a half up to an inch, and somewhat lightweight, they are very easy to transport. Pellets can be purchased for about $1.00 per 10lbs. Also, since they are actually made from wood, they are very environmentally friendly.
Pellet stoves are generally freestanding stoves specifically designed to burn wood pellets, however fireplace inserts can be purchased to allow your standard wood-burning fireplace also. You can learn more about the difference between each here. Each pellet fireplace and stove contains a “hopper” which can hold anywhere from 30 to 130lbs of wood pellets. Each stove also has a fan to vent all gases outside. You can even install certain stoves and fireplaces in such a way to replace your old source of heat, whether it is gas or electric, and use them to heat the whole house.
With the cost of conventional utilities such as gas and electricity continuing to go up, Pellet Fireplaces and Stoves continue to gain popularity, and are a much more efficient and environmentally friendly alternative.
