With the continued use of oil, electric and natural gas, prices have been gradually increasing, which explains why many individuals and families have been looking for an alternative for either their primary or secondary sources of home heating. Gaining in popularity are the specifically sought after pellet stoves. Manufactured as either fireplace inserts or stand alone units, these hot burning stoves have been standing out above all of their more traditional alternatives. As these stoves burn biomass, they have been recognized as environmentally friendly. They come in a variety of styles and sizes, and are sure to fit any room and any budget. You will be able to choose an either top-fed or bottom-fed style, depending on what your preferences might be. Additionally, pellet stoves can usually be found sold at reasonable prices.
If you currently own a wood burning fireplace, you will need to bear in mind the kind of mess this can create. Carrying cumbersome loads of wood into the house is not only messy, but can also sometimes be quite strenuous and inconvenient. It might therefore be easier for you to replace your wood burner with a pellet stove that will only burn biomass. New pellet stoves burn lightweight pellets, which are made of corn and wood shavings. As these tend to burn and produce far more heat than a traditional fireplace, it might then take less time for you to heat your home. Burning pellets is also considered by many as a cleaner means for heating your home, however, you might still find some residual ashes or clinkers that you will need to remove about once per week. This will nonetheless amount to less work than removing ashes at each use for a wood-burning stove.
Available in a variety of styles, sizes and price points, there are many to choose from no matter how tight your budget might be. You will easily be able to find pellet stoves that will fit any existing fireplace. Simply have an installation contractor build the stove in for you. Due to the specific design and complex nature of a pellet stove, it will be highly recommended to purchase a maintenance and service agreement from the manufacturer. Then you will be able to have peace of mind that should anything go wrong, you will simply be able to make a phone call and have a licensed professional make the adjustment or required repair. Check out all the available options today, and find out for yourself what so many families have already discovered. A pellet stove can indeed be the best choice for an alternative source of heat.
Showing posts with label pellet stove. Show all posts
Showing posts with label pellet stove. Show all posts
Monday, 11 January 2010
Wednesday, 29 July 2009
Should You Buy A Used Pellet Stove?
Right off the bat, it's easier to buy a used pellet stove than a new one simply because you have fewer choices. But lack of choice doesn't have to mean lack of quality. I'm sure the owner of the used pellet stove you're looking at believed it was the best possible choice at that time.
Whether you're looking for a used, or even a new pellet stove, the information that follows will make you a smarter consumer.
Visit Your Local Building Department
Installing a wood or pellet stove usually requires a building permit. While you're picking up your permit application, tell the person helping you the type of heating appliance you plan to install and ask what kind of additional documentation, if any, is required. This is especially important if you own a mobile or modular home.
When I talked to the City of Quincy building department, they said a product brochure with clearance and venting information would be helpful. You can get all this information by visiting the stove manufacturer's website, downloading the owner's manual and printing it out.
Choose Your Fuel and Stove Size
If you live in the Corn Belt, the choice of fuel is obvious. If you live in the Northeast, the fuel of choice is wood pellets. Since fuel corn is "imported" to the Northeast, the price of wood pellets is competitive with corn. Wood pellet fuel is also becoming a common commodity in home improvement stores as more home owners in this region purchase wood pellet stoves.
You don't need a big stove to save big. Most of the used corn and wood pellet stoves I've seen produce 35,000-45,000 btus - enough to heat a typical 1,200 square foot ranch or the main living areas of a two story home.
If you can get a good deal on a larger, 50-60,000 btu stove, one of these will work great too since these high output models come equipped with 5 heat settings ranging from a low of 8,000 btus for chilly days, to max power for the coldest weather.
Look for These Features and Extras:
Electronic ignition
Just because you're buying a used pellet stove doesn't mean you should return to the dark ages of pellet stove heating with gel starters. Frankly, I wouldn't buy a stove without electronic ignition.
Large hopper capacity
A standard size hopper holds 40 pounds of pellet fuel. This is enough fuel to heat your home for 20-30 hours. A larger capacity hopper, although not necessary, adds convenience by requiring less frequent fillings.
Heat output controls
During the months that transition in and out of the heating season, you won't need the full heating capacity of your pellet stove. A heat output control will ensure maximum comfort from minimal fuel. Heat output controls can take the form of a thermostat, hi/lo blower, or variable speed auger that controls the rate pellets are fed into the burn pot.
Air washing system
Believe it or not, the #1 complaint people have with pellet stoves is dirty viewing glass. An air washing system, now standard on many new pellet stoves, removes the fly ash from the viewing window and eliminates frequent cleaning.
Extras
Many sellers of used pellet stoves include the venting pipe, hearth pad, log set, and any left over pellet fuel in the purchase price. These extras can add up to hundreds of dollars in additional savings.
Where to Find a Used Pellet Stove
Start with craigslist. Since most used pellet stove sellers offer pick up only, craigslist enables you to refine your search by City or State. This is a big time saver. A recent check in the Boston area turned up 12 used stoves within a 50 mile radius of my home.
ebay has plenty of listings too, you just won't find as many local sellers as you will on craigslist. When I narrowed the ebay search results to a 50 mile radius of my zip code using the Search Option function, it returned only 1 seller.
However, ebay will conveniently notify you by email whenever a new listing pops up and it's possible to delay payment for 3 months by using their credit card.
Search tip: A search on either craigslist or ebay will turn up MORE used pellet stoves if you use the term "pellet stove" rather than the narrower "used pellet stove." Also try "pellet", "wood pellet", or the brand name.
How Much Can I Expect to Save?
Generally speaking, the higher the original retail price, the more you will save percentage wise. Stoves that sold for $3,000 new can often be purchased used at savings of 50-70%. Stoves priced new under $2,000 seem to depreciate less.
Delivery
If you choose to pay for delivery, call a shipper like Yellow Truck or a courier service to make arrangements. If you buy from an ebay seller willing to ship the stove, a freight shipping calculator is provided on the sales page.
No matter who ships your stove, make the sure the truck they send has a lift gate so you can get your 300 pound stove off the truck.
Installation
Most cities and towns require a licensed pro to complete the installation. If you're an experienced home owner, finding one shouldn't be a problem. If you're new to home ownership, I recommend a service like Need a Contractor for a list of pre-screened contractors is your area.
Contact the Seller
Don't hesitate to contact the seller with any questions you might have. He or she can be especially helpful in determining whether the used pellet stove for sale is still under warranty.
Whether you're looking for a used, or even a new pellet stove, the information that follows will make you a smarter consumer.
Visit Your Local Building Department
Installing a wood or pellet stove usually requires a building permit. While you're picking up your permit application, tell the person helping you the type of heating appliance you plan to install and ask what kind of additional documentation, if any, is required. This is especially important if you own a mobile or modular home.
When I talked to the City of Quincy building department, they said a product brochure with clearance and venting information would be helpful. You can get all this information by visiting the stove manufacturer's website, downloading the owner's manual and printing it out.
Choose Your Fuel and Stove Size
If you live in the Corn Belt, the choice of fuel is obvious. If you live in the Northeast, the fuel of choice is wood pellets. Since fuel corn is "imported" to the Northeast, the price of wood pellets is competitive with corn. Wood pellet fuel is also becoming a common commodity in home improvement stores as more home owners in this region purchase wood pellet stoves.
You don't need a big stove to save big. Most of the used corn and wood pellet stoves I've seen produce 35,000-45,000 btus - enough to heat a typical 1,200 square foot ranch or the main living areas of a two story home.
If you can get a good deal on a larger, 50-60,000 btu stove, one of these will work great too since these high output models come equipped with 5 heat settings ranging from a low of 8,000 btus for chilly days, to max power for the coldest weather.
Look for These Features and Extras:
Electronic ignition
Just because you're buying a used pellet stove doesn't mean you should return to the dark ages of pellet stove heating with gel starters. Frankly, I wouldn't buy a stove without electronic ignition.
Large hopper capacity
A standard size hopper holds 40 pounds of pellet fuel. This is enough fuel to heat your home for 20-30 hours. A larger capacity hopper, although not necessary, adds convenience by requiring less frequent fillings.
Heat output controls
During the months that transition in and out of the heating season, you won't need the full heating capacity of your pellet stove. A heat output control will ensure maximum comfort from minimal fuel. Heat output controls can take the form of a thermostat, hi/lo blower, or variable speed auger that controls the rate pellets are fed into the burn pot.
Air washing system
Believe it or not, the #1 complaint people have with pellet stoves is dirty viewing glass. An air washing system, now standard on many new pellet stoves, removes the fly ash from the viewing window and eliminates frequent cleaning.
Extras
Many sellers of used pellet stoves include the venting pipe, hearth pad, log set, and any left over pellet fuel in the purchase price. These extras can add up to hundreds of dollars in additional savings.
Where to Find a Used Pellet Stove
Start with craigslist. Since most used pellet stove sellers offer pick up only, craigslist enables you to refine your search by City or State. This is a big time saver. A recent check in the Boston area turned up 12 used stoves within a 50 mile radius of my home.
ebay has plenty of listings too, you just won't find as many local sellers as you will on craigslist. When I narrowed the ebay search results to a 50 mile radius of my zip code using the Search Option function, it returned only 1 seller.
However, ebay will conveniently notify you by email whenever a new listing pops up and it's possible to delay payment for 3 months by using their credit card.
Search tip: A search on either craigslist or ebay will turn up MORE used pellet stoves if you use the term "pellet stove" rather than the narrower "used pellet stove." Also try "pellet", "wood pellet", or the brand name.
How Much Can I Expect to Save?
Generally speaking, the higher the original retail price, the more you will save percentage wise. Stoves that sold for $3,000 new can often be purchased used at savings of 50-70%. Stoves priced new under $2,000 seem to depreciate less.
Delivery
If you choose to pay for delivery, call a shipper like Yellow Truck or a courier service to make arrangements. If you buy from an ebay seller willing to ship the stove, a freight shipping calculator is provided on the sales page.
No matter who ships your stove, make the sure the truck they send has a lift gate so you can get your 300 pound stove off the truck.
Installation
Most cities and towns require a licensed pro to complete the installation. If you're an experienced home owner, finding one shouldn't be a problem. If you're new to home ownership, I recommend a service like Need a Contractor for a list of pre-screened contractors is your area.
Contact the Seller
Don't hesitate to contact the seller with any questions you might have. He or she can be especially helpful in determining whether the used pellet stove for sale is still under warranty.
Wednesday, 4 March 2009
Comparing Wood Stoves and Pellet Stoves
A wood stove is a device, which is normally used in the kitchens for the heating of food, keeping it warm and making it palatable. Some antique wooden stoves can be used for the purpose of heating and cooking even today. Wood stoves are used for household cooking needs as well as for heating purposes.
One of the purposes of a wood burning stove was to enclose the fire so to generate more heat and make the heating more efficient. A wood stove is often used for heating rooms or cooking food.
They are made up of cast iron and other strong metals and are sturdy enough to handle the amount of heat generated. A stove uses other sources of fuel to burn and make heat, many use wood or pellets. Wood stoves are also used to heat homes apart from their cooking function. Some come with glass panes that can handle the heat but adds a nice touch when you see the flame.
It is important to know what types of fuel your particular type of burning stove can use and what cannot be used safely. When purchasing a pellet stove or a wood burning stove, there are many factors to consider before making the purchase. There are a few things to think about before purchasing and installing a wood burning stove in your home. After calculating the installation space understanding how to keep all the combustible items safe you need to hook up the chimney so the smoke is directed to the outside.
Want something different than carrying in wood, cutting wood and storing it, then try out the new pellet stoves, you can store the pellet easily, there is no cutting, no mess, but it gives you the feel of a wood burning stove. When looking at wood stoves and pellet stoves the pellet stoves are a little more expensive but the plus side is that they come ready to use, they are cleaner and easier to use. This is 20% less efficient than wood pellet or corn stoves. Pellet stoves are very easy to use, you don't need to cut wood all you need to do is open the bag of pellets and poor them in, the auger will move the pellets as needed to be burned. Pellet stoves have a mechanical part that feeds the fire when needed; you do not have to go near the hot flame. You can get the pellets anywhere today, most of the major hardware stores carry the easily to carry bags. Stove are cheaper and you can use them with a cheaper fuel source such as pellets, firewood or any other type of materials.
Antique wood stoves are collector’s items that are very valuable to some people. There are many different types of antique wood stoves available. Today you can find the stoves in local household stores, furniture stores and many stores that sell antiques.
Some of the older wood stoves are considered antiques, and many people use these pieces as decoration purposes only. Many antique pieces from the past are available for sale today in different antique shops and on the Internet.
One of the purposes of a wood burning stove was to enclose the fire so to generate more heat and make the heating more efficient. A wood stove is often used for heating rooms or cooking food.
They are made up of cast iron and other strong metals and are sturdy enough to handle the amount of heat generated. A stove uses other sources of fuel to burn and make heat, many use wood or pellets. Wood stoves are also used to heat homes apart from their cooking function. Some come with glass panes that can handle the heat but adds a nice touch when you see the flame.
It is important to know what types of fuel your particular type of burning stove can use and what cannot be used safely. When purchasing a pellet stove or a wood burning stove, there are many factors to consider before making the purchase. There are a few things to think about before purchasing and installing a wood burning stove in your home. After calculating the installation space understanding how to keep all the combustible items safe you need to hook up the chimney so the smoke is directed to the outside.
Want something different than carrying in wood, cutting wood and storing it, then try out the new pellet stoves, you can store the pellet easily, there is no cutting, no mess, but it gives you the feel of a wood burning stove. When looking at wood stoves and pellet stoves the pellet stoves are a little more expensive but the plus side is that they come ready to use, they are cleaner and easier to use. This is 20% less efficient than wood pellet or corn stoves. Pellet stoves are very easy to use, you don't need to cut wood all you need to do is open the bag of pellets and poor them in, the auger will move the pellets as needed to be burned. Pellet stoves have a mechanical part that feeds the fire when needed; you do not have to go near the hot flame. You can get the pellets anywhere today, most of the major hardware stores carry the easily to carry bags. Stove are cheaper and you can use them with a cheaper fuel source such as pellets, firewood or any other type of materials.
Antique wood stoves are collector’s items that are very valuable to some people. There are many different types of antique wood stoves available. Today you can find the stoves in local household stores, furniture stores and many stores that sell antiques.
Some of the older wood stoves are considered antiques, and many people use these pieces as decoration purposes only. Many antique pieces from the past are available for sale today in different antique shops and on the Internet.
Monday, 23 February 2009
The Differences Between Wood and Pellet Stoves
Those looking into buying a stove to reduce their heating costs or add ambiance to their home may be confused about the difference between different types of stoves. Stoves come in all kinds of shapes and sizes and can be chosen to match just about any décor. A stove is also a great alternative to a fireplace and can act as a space heater.
Stand-alone stoves can use gas, wood, or pellets for fuel. At first, the wood and pellet choices may look very similar to a homeowner, but there are major differences between the two. Carefully consider each fuel type before choosing and installing a stove.
What is a Wood Stove?
A wood stove is a freestanding appliance that is used to contain a fire within the home. The stove is designed to allow enough air to keep the fire burning evenly and may have an igniter. They are very similar to traditional fireplaces, but there is no mantel or hearth.
What is a Pellet Stove?
A pellet stove is design to burn small pill-shaped fuel made from wood byproducts. These pellets look a lot like rabbit food. A pellet stove is heats evenly, but lets off little exhaust. They have become preferable for their environmentally friendly fuel and efficiency.
Differences in Design
These two kinds of stoves look the same on the outside, but each of them has been designed to handle their recommended fuel. A wood stove looks like a fireplace firebox from the outside, but on the inside it has special ventilation mechanisms that keep the fire burning well in the small space of the stove. A properly designed wood stove should be able to heat the room without making it uncomfortable.
Some of these stoves use the hot air inside to rotate a ventilation fan above the fire that draws in air. The extra oxygen helps the fire continue burning. Other stoves circulate air around the stove in order to pull fresh air inside. Wood burning stoves also require specific kinds of flues that can handle the build up of carbon and creosote.
Pellet stoves are much different than wood stoves on the inside. The biggest difference is the hopper full of extra fuel that sits above the flames. The pellets are gravity fed into the stove at a constant rate. Most have feeding mechanisms that ensure the right amount of fuel is added to the fire. Pellets stoves also have exhaust fans that remove heat from the stove and bring in air.
Individual Advantages
Pellet stoves have become very popular in recent years because they have many advantages over older stoves. Since pellets are made from sawdust and other filler material, they are more environmentally friendly than any other kind of burning fuel. Using them for heating disposes of materials that would otherwise be dumped with other waste. The pellets also burn cleanlier than other fuels. They do not give off creosote like wood does.
Pellets provide even heat that spreads from the stove. Wood stoves are known to heat the room they are in so well that home HVAC systems shut down, leaving other rooms cold. Since wood burns much less efficiently than pellets, it also has a much higher chance of throwing sparks and starting a fire.
Another advantage to pellet systems is that they are easier to place and install because they can use different kinds of flues and exhaust systems. The stove retailer should be able to advise a homeowner of the best system for their home. Some companies provide home installation services that take the guesswork out of making the system efficient.
Wood stoves are preferable to pellet stoves for those who have lots of wood on hand. Pellets can be hard to come by and usually only come in large quantities, but firewood is available just about anywhere.
Choosing a Stove
Though pellet stoves have skyrocketed in popularity recently, there is still reason for a homeowner to install a wood stove. Those who don’t have the space for a freestanding stove can purchase fireplace insets that utilize the same heating techniques.
Homeowners looking for a stove should ask themselves how much they would like to spend on a stove, what kind of fuel is most readily available in there area, and if the primary purpose of the stove will be heating or aesthetics. The purchase and installation of a new stove can cost a few thousand dollars, so the decision should not be made lightly.
Both varieties of stove will provide warmth during the winter and the kind of comfort that only a fire can provide.
Stand-alone stoves can use gas, wood, or pellets for fuel. At first, the wood and pellet choices may look very similar to a homeowner, but there are major differences between the two. Carefully consider each fuel type before choosing and installing a stove.
What is a Wood Stove?
A wood stove is a freestanding appliance that is used to contain a fire within the home. The stove is designed to allow enough air to keep the fire burning evenly and may have an igniter. They are very similar to traditional fireplaces, but there is no mantel or hearth.
What is a Pellet Stove?
A pellet stove is design to burn small pill-shaped fuel made from wood byproducts. These pellets look a lot like rabbit food. A pellet stove is heats evenly, but lets off little exhaust. They have become preferable for their environmentally friendly fuel and efficiency.
Differences in Design
These two kinds of stoves look the same on the outside, but each of them has been designed to handle their recommended fuel. A wood stove looks like a fireplace firebox from the outside, but on the inside it has special ventilation mechanisms that keep the fire burning well in the small space of the stove. A properly designed wood stove should be able to heat the room without making it uncomfortable.
Some of these stoves use the hot air inside to rotate a ventilation fan above the fire that draws in air. The extra oxygen helps the fire continue burning. Other stoves circulate air around the stove in order to pull fresh air inside. Wood burning stoves also require specific kinds of flues that can handle the build up of carbon and creosote.
Pellet stoves are much different than wood stoves on the inside. The biggest difference is the hopper full of extra fuel that sits above the flames. The pellets are gravity fed into the stove at a constant rate. Most have feeding mechanisms that ensure the right amount of fuel is added to the fire. Pellets stoves also have exhaust fans that remove heat from the stove and bring in air.
Individual Advantages
Pellet stoves have become very popular in recent years because they have many advantages over older stoves. Since pellets are made from sawdust and other filler material, they are more environmentally friendly than any other kind of burning fuel. Using them for heating disposes of materials that would otherwise be dumped with other waste. The pellets also burn cleanlier than other fuels. They do not give off creosote like wood does.
Pellets provide even heat that spreads from the stove. Wood stoves are known to heat the room they are in so well that home HVAC systems shut down, leaving other rooms cold. Since wood burns much less efficiently than pellets, it also has a much higher chance of throwing sparks and starting a fire.
Another advantage to pellet systems is that they are easier to place and install because they can use different kinds of flues and exhaust systems. The stove retailer should be able to advise a homeowner of the best system for their home. Some companies provide home installation services that take the guesswork out of making the system efficient.
Wood stoves are preferable to pellet stoves for those who have lots of wood on hand. Pellets can be hard to come by and usually only come in large quantities, but firewood is available just about anywhere.
Choosing a Stove
Though pellet stoves have skyrocketed in popularity recently, there is still reason for a homeowner to install a wood stove. Those who don’t have the space for a freestanding stove can purchase fireplace insets that utilize the same heating techniques.
Homeowners looking for a stove should ask themselves how much they would like to spend on a stove, what kind of fuel is most readily available in there area, and if the primary purpose of the stove will be heating or aesthetics. The purchase and installation of a new stove can cost a few thousand dollars, so the decision should not be made lightly.
Both varieties of stove will provide warmth during the winter and the kind of comfort that only a fire can provide.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
RSS Feed (xml)
