Our Company Blog

What is a Pellet Stove?

It’s not really new, but some might say it’s hot right now. Interest in wood pellet heat is growing once again as oil prices keep hovering above $3 per gallon. While pellet stoves require up front costs and cannot be used as a sole heating source, the savings are substantial and allow consumers to cut their overall energy usage and costs. We urge you to continue reading to see why adding a pellet stove or insert to your home could be a huge money saver in terms of your future heating costs.

Today you can choose from a new generation of wood- and pellet-burning appliances that are cleaner burning, more efficient, and powerful enough to heat many average-sized, modern homes.

Why Should I Choose a Pellet Stove?

In colder climates, heating costs account for approximately one-third of a homeowner’s annual utility bill, which is why many are seeking thriftier ways to stay warm and toasty. Freestanding pellet stoves and inserts that fit inside an existing fireplace are an increasingly popular solution for homeowners. Pellet stoves create a tiny fraction of the ash produced by an older wood-burning stove or fireplace, so cleaning s much less frequent. If used daily, you’d probably find yourself emptying the ashpan once a week.

How Does a Pellet Stove Work?

Pellet stoves and inserts look like traditional wood stoves but operate more like a modern furnace. You need only fill the stove’s hopper with pellets made from compacted sawdust, set its thermostat, sit back, and get cozy. A mechanical auger deposits the pellets into a burn pot, where they are incinerated at such a high temperature that they create no vent-clogging creosote and very little ash or emissions, which keeps both indoor and outdoor air cleaner. The best part is that they are about twice as efficient at warming your home as older wood stoves that have not been certified by the EPA and are vastly more efficient than fireplaces.

Is a Pellet Stove a Good Option for my Home?

Depending on your home’s size and layout, a pellet stove could supplement the current heating system or be used as the sole source. And, despite its workhorse reputation, pellet stoves come in a variety of designs to complement any interior style. Unless you’re comfortable with cutting holes in your house for the venting, however, it is best to leave the installation to a professional. Pipes can run horizontally out an exterior wall, vertically through the roof, or up the chimney if adding an insert.

Pellet stoves are a great way to heat your home. The beauty of a fire, with the added advantages of a pellet stove, mainly better efficiency. With the fluctuating costs of home heating oil, a new pellet stove or insert might very well pay for itself in one winter. Depending on the particular model or style of the unit you select, you could own a pellet stove and the pellet fuel to heat your home for the winter for less than half the price of heating oil.

Whether you prefer the convenience of shopping online or would rather get up close and personal with your potential new pellet stove or insert, Beach Stove & Fireplace has you covered. Want to know more about a product or see and feel it for yourself? Simply call us at (631) 998-0780 or stop in and see us today.

Make Your Wood Stove More Energy-Efficient

On top of staying warm and cozy this winter, many homeowners are looking into how they can make their heating sources more energy efficient.  Switching over can not only save the environment, but keep some cash in your pocket as well.  Today’s models will also be safer for the people inside of your home, as they produce almost no smoke, minimal ash, and require less firewood for use.  The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) places labels on the backs of stoves they believe are energy efficient.  Before deciding on a fireplace or wood stove unit, talk to a professional, as they will know special tips or requirements for the different models.  Beach Stove and Fireplace has a highly informational website to start you on your journey to the right product.

First, wood stoves come in a variety of sizes and the area to be heated should be considered when choosing your model.  Smaller stoves are meant for heating one room or a small cottage.  Zone heating is another common use in larger homes that have central furnaces.  Medium sized stoves are used for heating small homes, mid-sized energy-efficient homes, and somewhat larger cottages.  Lastly, you would need a large stove for large or open plan homes.  If you go out to look at a store for your new appliance, it is recommended that you take a floor plan of your house so that the sales associate can better determine what you will need.

Clean wood burning stoves can reduce your fuel bill and contribute to protecting your health.  The internal design of wood stoves has changed completely since 1988.  This is because the EPA issued new standards of performance and limits in levels of smoke emission.  There are two different types of wood stoves; non-catalytic and catalytic.  Even though both are effective, there are some noticeable performance differences.  Most of the stoves on the market are non-catalytic, however the high-end stoves are catalytic.  Because these stoves are more difficult to operate, people who are prepared to keep the stove properly maintained to assure the highest level of performance should only own them.  As mentioned, any professional would be glad to give advice on which type of stove would be suited for your needs.  For more information on these stoves, check out the different products offered by Beach Stove and Fireplace.