So You've Bought Pellet Stove Outdoor ... Now What?

Pellet Stove Outdoor Patio Heaters Wood pellet patio heaters are a cost-effective and stylish heating option. They produce less ash, which decreases the chance of blocking or a fire in the chimney. But, like any alternative heating source, pellet stoves have pros and cons that homeowners need to take into consideration before deciding to purchase one. Learn more about these heating devices that are popular. Efficiency Pellet stoves burn solid combustible pellets which are roughly the size of a BB or a rice grain. These pellets are usually compressed sawdust or other wood wastes, though some are derived from alternative biomass fuels such as corn, switchgrass, or other agricultural waste. Most pellet stoves need an hopper that can hold between 35 and 130 pounds of fuel. A pellet feeder puts the pellets in a combustion chamber to be burned and a fan system directs exhaust gases out of a vent pipe. Like other types of heating stoves the efficiency of a pellet stove depends on the way it is maintained and the quality of the fuel used. It is crucial to select only the finest quality pellets, which must have a low moisture content (below 10%) and a high BTU output. Additionally, the feed rate and combustion air settings must be adjusted according to the manufacturer's specifications. A quality pellet stove should have a heat exchanger made of cast iron or stainless steel with an internal combustion fan that pushes the room air across burner area. The warm room air is circulated by the air, expelling the gases that are released through a small chimney or flue pipe which is directed towards an exterior wall or up to the ceiling. A professional installer can help you in selecting the right ventilation system for your home, and in installing it in the correct way. While the EPA has eliminated the default efficiency ratings it gave to stoves in 2015, a few manufacturers still publish verified efficiency on their hangtags for showrooms. These numbers can be incorrect. To ensure you're receiving an accurate efficiency rating, look for an appliance that has an EPA-certified label. It will be printed on a label placed on the back and top of the stove's visible firebox area. Today, the majority of pellet stoves are 70 to 75 percent efficient. Some pellet stoves have a gravity-feeding system which replenishes firewood without electricity. This eliminates the need for cleaning the hopper, and reduces the volume of ash, making maintenance simpler. Convenience Pellet stoves offer a lot of heat and are easy to use. These systems require less maintenance than other heat sources. These systems are an excellent alternative for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint. The pellets are made from wood and waste materials that would otherwise be thrown away. In addition, the pellets are a renewable source of energy and produce very low emissions as compared to other kinds of stoves. The smoke from a stove that burns pellets is able to be emitted through an existing chimney. Pellet stoves can be ducted to your home's heating system to provide a backup source of heat in winter months. One of the biggest benefits of pellet stoves is the fact that they can to burn for up to 12 hours on just one “batch” of pellets. A single stove can provide enough warmth to heat your entire home. They are a cost-effective alternative to traditional fireplaces. The process of combustion in pellet stoves is extremely efficient, and some models have an energy efficiency rating of up to 96 percent. The pellet stoves are able to achieve this because they use fuels that are low-moisture and high-density. Additionally, many models have an automatic fuel feed system that refills the fire without the necessity of electricity. This feature eliminates the requirement for an auger and a blower fan, which could cause many issues in other types of stoves. In addition to the convenience of pellet stoves, the flames can be adjusted using heat settings and fan speed. This offers you a variety of options to fit your preferences. You can also enjoy the flames in the evening without producing excessive heat. Pellet stoves are energy efficient, but they require electricity to run their automated features like the hoppers, fan, and electronic controls. As such, it's important to have a backup heating plan in place for times where the power goes out. Many pellet stoves are equipped with battery backups that keep them running. However it's recommended to have generators available in the event of an emergency. Cleanliness Pellet stoves burn a sustainable fuel – compressed sawdust and other wood waste products – and offer considerable energy efficiency, while reducing heating costs for homeowners. They also produce minimal to no smoke, reducing the amount of indoor and outdoor air pollution, and require little supervision when burning. Pellet stoves also utilize an extremely high temperature combustion process to remove creosote that can clog vents. However, just like any other stove made of wood or pellets the pellet stove needs regular maintenance in order to function effectively and safely. In the majority of owners' manuals, it's recommended that basic user maintenance should be done every week, along with thorough professional cleaning is required after every ton of pellets or wood burned. Wearing cheap pellet stoves and protective clothing is essential when cleaning a stove. This will help prevent dust buildup, and scratches and abrasions on delicate surfaces. The first step of cleaning is to clean away dust and ash from the inside walls of the stove, as well as the vent pipe. Open the ash pan if it is present on the stove. Utilize a screwdriver, or key to unlock it and empty it. Then, if the stove has glass windows, remove them and clean the surfaces. You can also use a glass cleaner on any areas that are stained. Be sure to follow the label instructions. Another essential aspect of the maintenance process for a pellet stove is to prevent the stove from becoming rusty. The wood fibers that are kiln-dried in the manufacture of pellets attract and absorb moisture from the environment and eventually lead to rusting on the inside walls of the stove. To avoid this you must clean out any pellets that aren't burning completely after you've finished cooking, especially during the summer months, when temperatures are hot and humid. Be careful not to overfill your stove with pellets as this can be an ignition risk. It's also a good idea to conduct regular maintenance on the blower fan, if you have one, and ensure that it's in working order. You should also remove any creosote on the stove when it reaches the state of being sticky and tarlike. This chemical is dangerous to inhale and can cause a fire. It is best to clean the stove right away when you spot it. Safety Pellet stoves must be properly installed to guarantee maximum security and performance. During the installation process pellet stoves must be placed at a safe distance from furniture and combustibles objects. They should also be positioned near an exterior wall to allow the exhaust to vent directly outside. If the pellet stove is not vented correctly carbon monoxide can leak into your home which could cause serious health issues. It is also important to keep pets and children away from the hot and smoldering surfaces of your pellet stove. The best method to do this is to install an electric fireplace gate. In addition, you must regularly clean your stove to ensure it is looking its best and stop the formation of combustible buildup. In addition, you should regularly clean the hopper and feed areas of your stove to ensure they're free of obstructions and debris. It is crucial to adhere to the recommended maintenance and cleaning guidelines for outdoor pellet stove safety. Before using your stove, make sure you read the instructions supplied by the manufacturer. This simple step can aid in reducing fire hazards and help avoid costly repairs in the future. Pellet stoves only use a specific type of fuel. It's best to stick with the brand in order to prevent damaging the appliance or causing fire hazards within your home. You should also use only premium pellets, as lower-grade options can produce more smoke and require frequent cleaning. When you purchase a new pellet stove, be sure to consult with an experienced professional for proper installation and ventilation. The installer should be in a position to recommend the best place for your stove and ensure that it is in compliance with local regulations. The installer should also be able install a CO detector within 10 feet from your stove. ducted pellet stove will alert you to any CO leaks that could pose a risk to your family. While discount pellet stoves are generally safer than traditional fireplaces made of wood but they still emit carbon monoxide and particulate matter into your indoor air. Fortunately good ventilation and regular cleaning can help reduce the amount of emissions and safeguard your family's health.