Pellet stoves have become a popular heating choice in many homes due to their efficiency, convenience, and eco-friendliness. However, like any heating system, they also have some downsides to consider. This article will examine the key pros and cons of pellet stoves to help you decide if one is right for your home.
Page Contents
Pros of Pellet Stoves
Here are some of the main benefits of choosing a pellet stove:
High efficiency
Pellet stoves are extremely efficient at converting the energy in wood pellets into heat. Most models have an efficiency rating of 70-90%, meaning they utilize 70-90% of the energy in the wood. This is much higher than traditional wood-burning stoves which have efficiencies around 50-60%. The high heat output combined with the high efficiency means pellet stoves heat up a space very effectively while consuming less fuel.
Lower emissions
Compared to wood stoves, pellet stoves burn very cleanly and release far fewer emissions. Pellet fuel burns more completely which reduces the amount of creosote and ash buildup in the stove and chimney. The EPA certifies pellet stoves as among the cleanest solid fuel-burning appliances. This makes them a great choice if you want a wood-burning appliance but are concerned about the impacts on indoor and outdoor air quality.
Convenience
Wood pellets are extremely convenient to use compared to traditional firewood. Pellets come in bags and are fed into the stove automatically via an auger system. This means you don’t have to manually add logs throughout the day and can often go a full day between fill-ups. Pellets are also uniform in size and moisture content, so they burn consistently. With a full hopper, some pellet stoves can run 24+ hours without refueling.
Zone heating ability
Unlike central furnaces, pellet stoves are designed for zone heating. This allows you to heat only the rooms you spend time in rather than the whole house. Zone heating can lead to significant energy savings compared to heating unused spaces.
Simple to operate
Pellet stoves are quite simple to operate. Just fill the hopper with pellets, turn the stove on using the control panel, and set your desired temperature. The stove will then automatically light itself and adjust the pellet feed rate to maintain the heat output. This automation makes pellet stoves easy to use without much work.
Versatile installation
Pellet stoves can be installed in many areas of the home – not just fireplaces. Freestanding models can go in nearly any room as long as proper clearance is maintained. You also have venting flexibility – pellet stoves can be vented vertically or horizontally through an exterior wall. This versatility allows them to be added to more areas than traditional wood stoves.
Aesthetic appeal
In addition to their functionality, pellet stoves can also be an attractive addition that becomes a decorative focal point in a room. Stoves come in a wide range of styles – from traditional cast iron box stoves to sleek modern designs with flame view windows. This lets you choose a pellet stove that matches your home’s aesthetics.
Can use renewable fuel
Sustainably-sourced wood pellets are considered a renewable fuel since trees can be regrown over time. This makes heating with wood pellets from managed forests a more eco-friendly option. Using wood waste to manufacture pellets also makes good use of what would otherwise be discarded.
Lower heating bills
With proper operation and well-insulated homes, heating with a pellet stove can lead to lower winter heating bills. The efficiency of pellet stoves means they can sufficiently heat a space using less fuel input. And wood pellets are a less expensive fuel option compared to heating oil or propane. Many homeowners see significant savings on heating costs after switching to a pellet stove.
Cold weather performance
Pellet stoves can provide effective heating even in very cold climates. Advanced combustion systems allow them to efficiently produce heat even when temperatures are well below freezing outside. Automatic operation also ensures the fire keeps burning and heat is consistently produced regardless of weather.
Versatile fuel options
While wood pellets are the most common pellet stove fuel, some models give you additional flexibility to also burn corn, wheat, and even cherry pits. This versatility allows taking advantage of whatever pellet fuels may be most affordable and available in your region.
Long lifetime
A properly maintained pellet stove can function effectively for 20+ years. High-quality steel construction gives pellet stoves considerable durability. Following the manufacturer’s maintenance guidelines will help ensure your stove provides decades of reliable service.
Cons of Pellet Stoves
Pellet stoves also come with some downsides and considerations including:
Higher upfront cost
Purchasing and installing a pellet stove costs significantly more upfront versus a basic wood stove. The starting price for most pellet stoves ranges from $2,000-$4,000. Add in costs for professional installation and venting and expect an initial investment of $3,500-$6,000 depending on stove and setup. This cost is usually recouped over time from fuel and heating bill savings.
Regular maintenance
To keep them operating at peak efficiency, pellet stoves require regular maintenance such as weekly ash removal and periodic cleaning of the burn pot and venting system. You also need to thoroughly clean the stove at the end of each heating season. Pellet stove maintenance is generally quick and straightforward but it does require an occasional time commitment.
Risk of jams/failure
The moving parts in pellet stoves like augers are subject to potential jams or failure which can interrupt heating. Bridged pellets, foreign objects, and component wear can all lead to shutdowns. Higher-end stoves made by reputable brands are less prone to jams but they still remain a possibility. Having a knowledgeable dealer for service is recommended.
Requires electricity
Pellet stoves need a constant supply of household electricity to power the auger, fans, and control board. This distinguishes them from wood stoves which can operate without any electricity. Having a pellet stove as your sole heat source would be risky if you experience frequent electrical outages.
Pellet storage considerations
Wood pellets require proper storage in a dry location away from moisture. The pellets can break down if exposed to dampness. You’ll also need sufficient storage space – either a dedicated pellet bin or room for several tons of bagged pellets. Not having enough protected storage space limits the feasibility of pellet stoves.
Pellet delivery/availability
Unlike gas or oil, pellet fuel isn’t available via pipelines or delivery trucks in all areas. Having a readily available pellet supply nearby is essential to feasibly operate a pellet stove. While availability is increasing in many regions, limited pellet selection remains an issue in some locations.
More airborne dust
The fines in wood pellets create significantly more airborne dust when refueling and removing ashes compared to firewood. This fine particle pollution requires taking precautions like wearing a respirator mask to avoid inhaling the dust while maintaining the stove.
Can be noisy
Pellet stoves require fans to push heated air into the room which can generate noise. How noticeable the sound depends on the stove model and your room layout. But pellet stoves are rarely completely silent and should be considered before placing them in bedrooms or other quiet rooms.
Possibility of smoke leaks
Gaskets and seals degrade over time which can allow small amounts of smoke to leak from a pellet stove. This can lead to additional dust and odors in the house that require vigilance to minimize. Keeping up with all recommended gasket replacements helps reduce this issue.
Pellet Stove Fuel Cost Comparison
One of the biggest considerations when choosing a pellet stove is how much the fuel will cost compared to other heating fuels. Here is a comparison of average pellet prices against common heating fuels (based on 2021-2022 Northeastern U.S. average pricing).
| Fuel Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Fuel oil | $5.50 per gallon |
| Propane | $3.25 per gallon |
| Natural gas | $1.25 per therm |
| Electricity | $0.15 per kWh |
| Premium wood pellets | $285 per ton |
| Standard wood pellets | $245 per ton |
At roughly $4.50-$5.00 per million BTU, wood pellets provide a significant fuel cost savings compared to fossil fuel options. Only electricity and natural gas can potentially beat pellets depending on current pricing.
Pellet Stove Efficiency Comparison
The efficiency rating of a pellet stove determines how much usable heat is produced from burning each pound of pellet fuel. Here is a comparison of the annual average efficiency of different pellet stove types:
| Pellet Stove Type | Average Annual Efficiency |
|---|---|
| Basic pellet stove | 70% AFUE |
| Premium pellet stove | 78% AFUE |
| Top-end pellet stove | 83% AFUE |
As a general guideline, spending more for a premium or top-end pellet stove will provide better efficiency and faster payback through fuel savings. However, even basic models are still highly efficient compared to ordinary wood stoves.
Conclusion
Pellet stoves offer an efficient, user-friendly, and cost-effective way to heat a home using renewable wood fuel. Key advantages include much higher heating efficiency than regular wood stoves, low emissions, ease of operation, zone heating ability, and lower fuel costs compared to fossil fuels. Disadvantages to consider are higher upfront costs, maintenance requirements, the risk of jams, and the need for pellets storage and availability.
Overall, pellet stoves can be an excellent heating system option for many homeowners wanting an eco-friendly upgrade from wood, propane, or oil heat. Focusing on regular maintenance and choosing a high-quality pellet stove model will help ensure years of reliable, cost-effective operation.