Everything You Need to Know About a Free-Standing Pellet Stove
In 1973, the Pellet Stove was invented.
The purpose of the pellet stove is to produce more efficient heat for homes. And they’ve been doing just that ever since! Free-standing pellet stoves are a great alternative to the traditional fireplace with a lot of the same benefits (and a couple of others!). There's nothing better than curling up beside the fireplace during the cold winter. But adding any appliance is a big decision.
It's a good idea to know what a pellet stove is, how they're installed, and how to take care of it before you make your decision. Check out this guide with everything you need to know about pellet stoves.
How It Works
Before you really begin your search for a new pellet stove, you'll want to know exactly how they work. Especially since it's quite a bit different than a traditional fireplace.
A pellet stove has a container on the back that's filled with wood pellets, called the hopper. When it's turned on, it pushes the pellets out into the combustion chamber. The amount of pellets pushed out will depend on the temperature you've set. There are sensors that help to regulate the level of the fire to keep your desired temperature.
All you have to do is make sure the hopper is always full and you're good to go!
Known for Reliability and Energy-Efficiency
When you first think about a pellet stove, often their distinctive look comes to mind. But, they have an even bigger reputation for being really reliable and energy-efficient. This is why they're such a good investment for any home.
Most homes expend a lot of extra energy trying to keep a consistent temperature. Adding a pellet stove to your home makes it much easier to achieve that goal. The stove will only produce heat when the sensors indicate it's needed. This will save you a lot in your monthly energy bills (and in the cost of pellets!).
Their simple design also means that there are fewer breakdowns as well. You'll be enjoying your pellet stove for years and years to come!
Typical Cost Breakdown
The budget is always something to think about before making a decision. While the actual cost of a pellet stove installation in your home will depend on a variety of factors. But it's a good idea to get a general idea of what to expect.
In your budget, you'll first need to put money away for the stove itself. This will include the pellets you'll need to run the stove. Then having it professionally installed and set up will be another line item.
On average, getting a pellet stove is more affordable than a traditional fireplace. This is mostly because there is no need to add a large chimney or flue to your home. The experts taking care of your installation will be able to give you a budget with specific numbers!
Potential Placement Options
A pellet stove is a free-standing piece that isn't built into the wall like other fireplaces. This means that they won't work for every room. The placement of the stove is something you need to consider.
Check out the dimensions of the actual stoves you're considering. then you should add a buffer space around it. This will include the space between the stove and the wall. But it should also include how far away it can be from the furniture and the main walking paths of the room as well.
Each stove will have specific guidelines that you should follow!
Variety of Styles
There is definitely a certain look that comes to mind when you picture a pellet stove. And you may think you're out of luck if that doesn't fit with your personal style. Luckily, that's not the case at all!
There are a ton of options that will fit well with all kinds of interior design.
While you're shopping for a pellet stove, consider the effect you want it to have in your room. It can either stand out as a main focus or blend into the background. This one factor will make a big difference in the one you decide to add to your home.
Getting the Fuel
The thing about a pellet stove is that it's no good without its fuel source. So you have to be sure you have access to it whenever you want to heat your home. The last thing you want is to have it installed only to realize it's not realistic for your home or family.
Getting wood pellets for your stove is actually a very easy process. They can be found at most home stores!
The bags come in a variety of sizes depending on your heating needs. And the best part is, wood pellets are very efficient. This means they burn slowly and the stove only requires a small amount at a time.
Installation Process
After you've picked the pellet stove you want, it's time to start figuring out the installation.
For the most part, pellet stove installation isn't something you want to attempt on your own. It's best to have professionals handle the job to make sure it's done the right way. Anything to do with fire and electricity should be taken very seriously to avoid a safety hazard.
Since a pellet stove doesn't require a chimney or flue, installation goes very quickly. In general, it should be able to be done in just a couple of hours at the most!
Improved Performance
Nothing is worse than not being able to get warm in your own house. Especially during those long winter nights.
When you have a pellet stove installed, you won't have this problem anymore. The heat that is produced from this kind of stove is much more concentrated than with a typical wood fire. So you get a stronger blast of heat as compared to it trickling out of the fireplace.
This improved performance means that the heat is much more reliable. You can be sure that whatever temperature you set it to, it will remain there for as long as you have the pellets in place.
Required Maintenance
To keep your pellet stove at a high level, you'll want to keep up with some regular maintenance. As with any machine, it's important to keep it clean so the parts can do what they need to do freely.
Wood pellets are designed to burn efficiently and produce very little ash. So most homeowners find cleaning out the ash pan and burn pot about once a week during heavy burn seasons. A shop vac helps make this job very simple and quick to accomplish.
It's also a good idea to add professional maintenance and inspections. This way the technician can upgrade any parts that are damaged or make any other repairs. The better care you take of your system, the better it will run!
Important Safety Considerations
For the most part, pellet stoves are very safe to have in your home. They are designed to keep the fire contained and burn efficiently so they don't get out of control.
They also emit very little external heat on the stove itself. This means they aren't going to burn anyone who accidentally gets too close or brushes up against it. That makes them ideal for families with small kids or pets in the home. Wood pellet stoves are considered very safe with a low fire hazard level.
Creates a Cozy Environment
We spend so much time in our homes, which is why everyone puts so much effort into making it a comfortable place to be. There are so many memories and sweet moments that can happen when you're all together. Adding in a wood stove can make those moments even better.
Since you can completely customize the heat level, you get the benefits of a cozy wood-burning fire without it getting out of control.
Your family will love the cozy feel of turning on the fire to keep your home warm through the winter. It's an instant mood booster everyone can enjoy.
Add a Free-Standing Pellet Stove to Your Home
Adding a pellet stove to your home can make a huge difference for your family. It can take it from a boring space to something much more interesting!
The best thing you can do is work with the fireplace experts. They can help you every step of the way. From picking out the best option for your house to getting it installed. And they'll continue to help you with any maintenance or repair needs. This way you can feel confident in your choice from the very beginning and all through its life!
Our team can do just that for you! We've helped countless homeowners and are ready to help you too! If you're interested in learning more about our pellet stoves, contact us today!