381-8 Old Riverhead Road

Westhampton Beach, NY

Tel. 631-998-0780

Hours: Tues. - Thur. 9am to 3pm / Fri. 9am to 12pm (or by appt.) / Sat. - Mon. Closed

Our Company Blog

If you’re tired of hauling and storing wood, consider a pellet insert

Your wood-burning fireplace is an asset to your home. It adds heat, ambiance, and style, and helps keep your heating bills low. But wood-burning fireplaces are a lot of work: Chopping, splitting, hauling, and stacking wood is time consuming, and it takes a lot of space to store the wood you need to warm your home during the winter. If you’re tired of hauling and storing wood, consider a pellet insert.

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How pellet inserts work

A pellet insert can be placed inside your existing wood-burning fireplace, along with a stainless steel chimney liner. Pellet stoves burn either wood pellets, made of compressed dehydrated sawdust, or biofuels such as corn, cherry pits, or wheat hulls. The pellets are poured into a storage hopper, and then an auger automatically feeds them into a burn pan. The stove’s fans and vents pull in cooler air to be heated and pump hot air back into your home.

Save yourself storage space

One of the biggest advantages of pellet stoves is that the fuel is readily available and easily stored. Pellets are sold in 40 pound bags at most hardware and many big-box stores. Because they come in 40 pound bags, you can buy bags of pellets as needed. With firewood, you either stack what you need for winter, or you have to buy wood one cord at a time. Pellets can save you from finding somewhere to store all of your firewood. One cord of wood occupies 128 cubic feet of storage space, compared with 80 cubic feet of storage space for one ton of pellets, which provides the equivalent heating power. On average, a home with a wood stove or wood-burning fireplace burns three cords of hardwood each year.

Save yourself from hauling firewood

Of course, wood also comes with the hassle of hauling it back and forth from the woodpile to your house, and adding logs to your fire several times a day. Your firewood needs to be stored a distance from your house to avoid attracting pests to your home. Pellets can be stored in your garage or basement, and because pellets are automatically fed from the storage hopper, pellet stoves don’t need to be tended throughout the day. Depending on your pellet insert, one hopper of pellets can heat a home for up to 24 hours.

Save yourself energy

Another major advantage to pellet stoves is their energy efficiency. Pellet stoves are hailed by green-living enthusiasts as one of the cleanest ways to heat your home. Because the pellets are dehydrated, they produce very little smoke when burned, and almost all of the energy from the fire goes back into heating your home. The fuel is considered carbon neutral because the wood or bio-pellets would have released the same carbon into the air during natural composition. And, of course, whether you’re burning wood or biofuel, your pellets are made from a renewable resource.

If you’re interested in freeing yourself from the headache of chopping, hauling, and storing firewood, call the experts at Beach Stove and Fireplace. We can tell you everything you need to know about upgrading to a pellet insert!

By Julie Dismore on November 27th, 2015 | Tagged with: Tags: , , , , , , , | Comments Off on If you’re tired of hauling and storing wood, consider a pellet insert

Weekly Maintenance for Pellet Stoves

So you have decided on a wood pellet stove to warm your home. This is a great idea for a multitude of reasons, but making sure to give your new stove a weekly cleaning will allow it to run smoothly and limit the amount of problems that might come up.

Why are pellet stoves so special?

There is an obvious reason that they are gaining in popularity: they have a great reputation of saving energy and money for their owners. The combination of the traditional wood-burning stove  and the technology to keep you running back and forth to the woodpile, results in a stove that runs off of compressed sawdust and other materials. Not only affordable, the pellets are also putting to use sawdust that would otherwise be disposed of. Not only does it use recycled wood waste materials, the stove itself uses a very particular ratio of fuel to air, which allows for a clean, steady burn that doesn’t emit a lot of smoke and creosote into your chimney.

pellet-stove-maintenance-image-westhampton-beach-ny-beach-stove-and-fireplaceWhat maintenance is needed for the pellet stove?

New Stove:

Pellet stoves are incredibly low-maintenance, but nonetheless need to be kept on a regular cleaning schedule, much like the rest of your home! Unless you are skilled enough to install the stove yourself, hiring a professional to install it may cut down any problems down the road. Once installed, check the stove, and especially the hopper (where the pellets are held) for any foreign objects that might cause the stove to not run properly. Understanding how the stove works will limit issues later on.

For the Cooler Weather:

Now that fall is quickly coming upon us, it is time to catch up on that cleaning schedule. Thoroughly clearing your stove and chimney of debris and old pellets should be done before you light up for the cooler weather. Make sure to give us a call here at Beach Stove and Fireplace to come give your chimney a sweeping and inspection, as well as looking at your pellet stove to make sure it’s running efficiently.

Weekly Maintenance:

Besides just paying attention to how the stove sounds and operates for any signs of problems, a weekly cleaning takes only a few minutes of vacuuming up ash and scrubbing to keep your stove looking pristine. Take out as much of the ash as possible and wipe down inside surfaces. The glass on your stove can be cleaned using a glass cleaner, and any buildup on the glass can typically be removed with steel wool.

With the upcoming cold season approaching us, it is important to keep your pellet stove clean and functioning. Not only is having a pellet stove efficient, but also it will save you time and money to take care of it. If you are interested in one of our custom pellet stoves, have questions about maintenance, or need to schedule your seasonal chimney sweeping and inspection, don’t hesitate to call!

By Julie Dismore on September 5th, 2015 | Tagged with: Tags: , , , , , | Comments Off on Weekly Maintenance for Pellet Stoves

Choosing a Fuel Source: Finding the Right Fuel for Your Needs

When it comes to maintaining and enjoying your fireplace, it’s important to select the fuel source that best meets your needs. There are several options available, all of which offer different levels of effort and maintenance, and ultimately, different benefits.

Being informed is the most important step you can take before selecting the fuel source for your fireplace; here’s the lowdown on the different types of fuel sources available, as well as a few benefits and drawbacks they present homeowners.

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Traditional Firewood

There’s nothing quite like a wood crackling fire. The atmosphere created by burning wood logs in your fireplace is associated with comfort, coziness and relaxation.

The glow and crackle of a fire is something we can all appreciate. No other option offers the signature fireplace experience that is offered by wood logs.

Unfortunately, there are downsides to choosing this fuel source.
Burning wood can create pollution in your home and lead to the formation of creosote in your chimney. Without a professional chimney cleaning on a regular basis, creosote can cause chimney fires.

For many people, the biggest drawback to wood logs is the work of splitting, seasoning and hauling the logs. You’ll also need to create a space to store the firewood that is out of the elements, since moist wood will not burn.

Choosing wood logs can lead to challenges for people who don’t have the time, energy or physical stamina to maintain a supply of seasoned firewood for their unit.

Pellets

An increasing number of homeowners and consumers are choosing pellet stoves to reduce utility costs and supplement the use of their furnaces. These stoves can be freestanding or can function as a fireplace insert, making them versatile as well as efficient. In fact, pellet stoves can heat your home with an efficiency rate as high as 90%.

The fuel for these stoves, pellets, are small pieces of matter composed of things like sawdust, wood shavings, and similar biomass wastes; they are often made using materials that would otherwise have been dumped into a landfill.

Because of the pellets’ consistency, they burn hotter and more cleanly than wood logs. The compression of the pellets during manufacture reduces the amount of moisture inside, allowing the pellets to give off more heat and release fewer particulates than cord wood. Additionally, pellet-burning stoves or inserts allow you to enjoy the ambiance of a traditional fireplace, without the hassle of gathering, seasoning and hauling firewood.

Fireplace pellets are also great for homeowners who do not have a gas hookup or do not want to invest in having one installed.

One of the drawbacks of choosing pellets as your fuel source can be the work of hauling and dumping the pellets (which often come in 40 pounds bags) into the auger; pellets also need to be stored inside to maintain optimum dryness.

Gas Logs

Of all of the fuel-source options, gas logs are the most user-friendly. After all, you can simply flip a switch and enjoy an instant fire.

Additionally, gas logs provide more efficient heating than pellets or wood logs; they also reduce the likelihood of a fire-related hazard in your home, since there’s no chance of a crackling ember escaping the fireplace.

There is also no chopping, storing, seasoning or hauling of firewood as with traditional wood logs. There is no hauling, storing and dumping of pellets for a pellet stove. You also won’t have to clean out ashes after using your unit.

Of course, there are a few downsides to gas logs. Gas units don’t offer the crackling and aroma associated with a traditional wood fire, and many homeowners don’t want to spend money on propane or natural gas.

If these drawbacks don’t bother you, gas logs are still the most practical fireplace fuel source for those who want a low-maintenance, user-friendly experience. For elderly people or those with physical disabilities, transitioning to a gas log fireplace can dramatically reduce the frustration and effort of enjoying a fire.

Beach Stove and Fireplace of Westhampton has professionals on hand to answer all of your fireplace fuel source questions; contact us today!

By Julie Dismore on July 28th, 2015 | Tagged with: Tags: , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Choosing a Fuel Source: Finding the Right Fuel for Your Needs

The Facts About Wood Pellet Stoves

Wood pellet stoves sales are surging according to Consumer Reports. Homeowners are using pellet stoves to supplement their furnace to reduce utility costs. Beach Stove & Fireplace are your local pellet stove advisors.

Wood pellet stoves use pellets which are little thin rods of compressed wood and saw dust. The benefits of burning pellets rather than traditional logs in a fireplace include the ability to burn cleaner and produce less ash and smoke. Pellets are also a more economical and environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuels.

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While watching a fire burn in a traditional fireplace has romantic appeal, if you are looking for an alternative method to heat your home with an efficiency factor as high as 90% you may want to consider a pellet stove. Pellet stoves can be freestanding or a fireplace insert. Most pellet stoves are made from steel or cast iron and the design can be decorative or merely functional depending on their use.

Pellet stoves are self-igniting and turn on and off based on the temperature setting. It is important to burn only high quality pellets in your pellet stove, the higher grade pellet the less ash produced. In addition to wood, pellets can also be grain, corn, or seed. The bags of pellets should be stored inside. Look for pellets qualified by the Pellet Fuels Institute. Click here to learn more about their advice and recommendations.

When deciding on what size pellet stove to purchase, Consumer Reports offers this advice, “Stoves and inserts typically heat 1,500 to 2,500 square feet. Choose one according to the size of the area you’re heating. The heat that these appliances generate is measured in British thermal units per hour. Figure about 25 to 30 Btu/h per square foot, or at least 5,000 Btu/h for a 200-square-foot space. Other considerations include the climate in your region, effectiveness of insulation in the ceiling and exterior walls, height of the ceiling, number and size of windows, and whether the space above and below the room is heated.”

The Anatomy of a Pellet Stove

Pellet stoves run on electricity and require a standard outlet. There is the hopper, the auger system, two blower fans, a firebox, a controller, and several safety features including heat sensors and a vacuum. Operationally, they are very simple; when you put the pellets into the hopper the auger pushes them into the firebox where they are burned. The fan circulates air to keep the flames burning and also forces the warm air into your home. The venting on the pellet stove routes the exhaust out of your home and the waste pan collects the ashes.It is important that when pellet stoves are installed there is an outside air intake to ensure your safety and the efficiency of the stove.

Professional installation is required for a pellet stove. Consumer Reports cautions that your contractor should be certified by the National Fireplace Institute who is not only familiar with fire and safety regulations, but also has the expertise to advise you of the best location for the pellet stove and creates the proper venting. Temperatures can reach several hundred degrees and can pose a huge fire risk if not properly located away from walls, furniture, and secured on a proper base.

The technicians from Beach Stove and Fireplace have installed pellet stoves in all types of surroundings and know the best placement and installation for your safety and efficiency. Our team will work with you to choose the type stove that will deliver the results you are looking to achieve. We’re here to answer any questions, and help you get started on reducing your heating costs. Give us a call today.

By Julie Dismore on May 28th, 2015 | Tagged with: Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on The Facts About Wood Pellet Stoves

Why Shop At Beach?

As a homeowner, you have a choice when it comes to where you shop for additions to your home. When you are ready to invest in a wood-burning stove or fireplace, you want to be sure you are doing business with a trusted company with years of experience. Beach Stove & Fireplace in Westhampton Beach, NY has over 15 years of experience selling and installing wood-burning appliances and our installers are well-educated and certified.

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NFI Certified Installers

The National Fireplace Institute is a professional certification that ensures your fireplace installer is well educated in all heating appliance systems. There are three main certifications including becoming a NFI Certified Gas Specialist, NFI Certified Woodburning Specialist and a NFI Certified Pellet Specialist. You want to hire a company like Beach Stove & Fireplace whose employees are certified in all three categories and have experience installing and maintaining all types of heating appliances.

Our Installers Are Employees, Not Contractors

What makes Beach Stove & Fireplace different from other companies is that our installers are our employees and we take great pride in making sure they are the most educated and experienced in their arena. A lot of our competitors hire subcontractors who come to your home and install your products, which alleviates them of any liability. At Beach Stove & Fireplace we invest in our employees so you can be sure when you purchase a wood-burning appliance from us you are not only getting the best products for your home, but also a certified and educated installer will make sure your appliance is installed correctly and working efficiently.

Unfortunately, a lot of our customers base their choice on which company has the lowest price. Remember, when it comes to investing in quality heating products for your home, you get what you pay for. Invest in products from reputable companies that not only take pride in their products but also take pride in their employees. Beach Stove & Fireplace can recommend the best heating products for your home because we have over 15 years of experience installing these products. Once you purchase your fireplace or stove a professional, certified installer will make absolutely sure it is installed correctly. Our customer service doesn’t stop there. Whether you need a cap for your chimney or a new firebox we make sure you have the best add-ons as well as the best in heating appliance maintenance for as long as you own your product. Come in to Beach Stove & Fireplace and ask about our premium line of heating products for your home today.

All About Pellet Stoves

As fuel costs rise and fall, many homeowners are uncertain about the best ways to heat their homes. With so many options including natural gas, electric and traditional wood-burning appliances like fireplaces and stoves it is no wonder consumers are overwhelmed by their choices. Couple the variety of choices with the growing desire of environmentally friendly choices and it is no surprise that pellet stoves are becoming more popular.

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How Do Pellet Stoves Work?

Rather than burning wood, pellet stoves burn pellets made of compressed sawdust and other unusable particles of wood. The stoves are easily lit and designed to burn freely, without the maintenance of traditional wood stoves. The stove is automatically and steadily fed pellets with little adjustment from the homeowner/operator. Simply pour pellets into a hopper and an electrical element pushes them into a firebox where the pellets are burned. A fan feeds the flame and blows the newly heated air throughout the house.

Benefits Of Pellet Stoves

There are many benefits to investing in a pellet stove. For starters, many homeowners prefer to heat their homes with pellets because they are affordable. Rather than wood that needs to be harvested, chopped and/or purchased, pellets are easily obtained at many supply stores. Additionally, pellet stoves are steadily fed pellets so these types of stoves don’t need to be tended to like traditional fireplaces or other wood-burning appliances.

Beyond convenience, pellet stoves are very efficient. In fact, pellet stoves are built to control the fuel-to-air ratio, so fires burn evenly and last longer. Additionally, because of the automatic feed system, you won’t waste pellets but will instead burn an even fire that maximizes heat output.

Environmental Benefits Of Pellet Stoves

Beyond the convenience and efficiency of pellet stoves there are several environmental benefits to investing in this type of heat. Pellets are made from wood, a renewable material. However, pellets differ from traditional wood-burning appliances because they burn the leftover materials builders can’t use such as sawdust and scraps. By using the parts of a renewable source that are typically wasted, pellet stoves are one of the more environmentally friendly heating options available on the market. Pellets are also considered a clean-burning source of heat, which emits less toxins and carbon monoxide into the environment.

Other Benefits Of Pellet Stoves

  • Pellet stoves have an attractive, sleek appearance
  • Choose from cast iron, stainless steel and other durable, attractive metals
  • Maximize heat output without taking up a lot of space
  • Low smoke output while burning
  • Once installed, pellet stoves are affordable to maintain
  • No chopping wood
  • Wood is difficult to come by in many regions

As with any new heating appliance, you want to purchase from a reputable stove specialist. The experts at Beach Stove & Fireplace in Westhampton Beach, NY have a variety of pellet stoves and inserts you can choose from. Beyond superior products we can also help you install your new pellet stove correctly. Invest in the very best when choosing a pellet stove that will save you money and efficiently heat your home.

By Julie Dismore on March 25th, 2015 | Tagged with: Tags: , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on All About Pellet Stoves

Carbon Monoxide Is Odorless, Colorless & Deadly

Carbon monoxide is one of the most dangerous gasses that people are exposed to…right in their own homes! Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless, and tasteless gas produced as a by-product of your home heating system. When not properly directed outside your home via your venting system and chimney, the gas causes often misinterpreted aliments and can even result in fatalities. That’s why it is so important to have a yearly chimney professional inspect, clean, and make any necessary repairs to your chimney, it’s lining, venting, and masonry. Beach Stove and Fireplace is here to provide those services for you.

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Sign/Symptoms/Warnings of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Many people may not attribute or recognize that the headaches, nausea, dizziness, tiredness, weakness, irritability, and trouble seeing clearly may be caused by toxic fumes leaking into their houses rather than being properly vented outside. And of course, as the concentration of carbon monoxide increases, so does the severity of its effects. According to the Center for Disease Control, over 20,000 people have to go to the emergency room due to the effects of carbon monoxide; 4000 people are poisoned so severely that they need hospitalization; and sadly, over 400 people die each year from toxic gas poisoning.

Causes of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

The most common and frightening reason for carbon monoxide poisoning is accidental exposure. Leaking and malfunctioning fuel burning appliances including furnaces, fireplaces, stoves, water heaters, gas and kerosene room heater all contribute to releasing the toxic fumes into your home and most of the time you don’t even realize it.

Today’s homes are built more airtight than ever in order to be more energy efficient. But, when heating systems are not properly vented outside, there is not enough fresh air in your home to dissipate the toxic gas and you, your family, and pets continue to breathe contaminated air. Those same poorly sealed window, doors, roofs, and attic that once drove up your utility costs also compensated by allowing the toxic fumes to escape.

The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) explains it further, “Manufacturers have designed new, high-technology heating appliances whose greater efficiency helps us save money, conserve natural resources and decrease environmental pollution. However, the new breed of high-efficiency gas and oil furnaces – when vented in to existing chimney flues – often do not perform at an optimum level. The differences in performance create conditions that allow toxic gases to more easily enter home living spaces.”

Preventing Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

According to CSIA, “When gas and oil burn in vented heating systems – in order to produce household heat – the dangerous fumes that are by-products of combustion range from soot to nitrogen dioxide to acidic water vapors. None of these pollutants should be allowed to leak from the chimney into your living space.

In addition to carrying off toxic gases, chimneys also create the draft (flow of air) that provides the proper air and fuel mixture for efficient operation of the heating appliance. Unfortunately, many chimneys in daily use in homes throughout the country either are improperly sized or have conditions that make them unable to perform their intended function.”

Every homeowner should review the guidelines provided by the Chimney Safety Institute of America to learn more about preventing carbon monoxide poisoning.

Yearly Inspections & Cleanings

CSIA, the Consumer Product Safety Commission, National Fire Protection Association, the EPA, and the American Lung Association are just a few of the many organizations that encourage homeowners to have a yearly cleaning and inspection of your chimney, flue, fireplace, and household venting (including your clothes dryer venting) by a trained and CSIA certified technician/chimney sweep.
The consequences of toxic fume poisoning, and fire risks justify the related cost of prevention.

Alternative Heating Choices For Every Home

As a homeowner you have plenty of choices when it comes to how to heat your home. Homeowners make decisions based on cost, environmental footprint and ease of installation. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the choices you have as far as heating your home, here is a basic guide to several alternative ways to heat your home.

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Solar

Solar is a leader in energy production and can provide up to 80% of a home’s basic heating needs just by soaking up the sun’s energy. However, solar is expensive and if you don’t live in an area that is lucky enough to experience a lot of sun then your solar system may not be as efficient as you hoped, making your investment unwise. Before you invest in a complete, active solar heating system do plenty of research.

Pellet Stoves

Pellet stoves burn compressed wood that’s been made into small pieces or pellets. Pellet stoves are growing in popularity because they require little maintenance. The pellets are long burning and don’t need a lot of control or maintenance once they are lit. Pellets are clean burning and when cleaned properly your pellet stove will not produce creosote (harmful residue left behind in many chimneys). After installation, pellet stoves are a viable and affordable way to heat most homes.

Wood Burning Stoves

Wood burners are a classic way to heat your home, and also create a luxurious and comforting atmosphere in your house. The benefits of a wood-burning fireplace include an affordable way to heat your home (assuming you have access to quality wood at a reasonable price) and the ability to choose the style, look and feel of your fireplace. Choose from standard designs or renaissance/detailed fireplaces to completely customize the look of your home.

High-Efficiency Wood Burning Fireplaces

If you love the look of a wood-burning fireplace but are interested in something a little more efficient, a high-efficiency wood fireplace could be the perfect choice. Unlike traditional fireplaces, these act more like wood-burning stoves and provide maximum heat output, low emissions and the capability to heat an entire home.

Gas Heating Stoves

Another interesting choice is the gas-heating stove. This alternative to a fireplace is a stand-alone unit, and appropriate in spaces where a fireplace may not fit. Attractive, gas stoves put out the same warm glow of a traditional fireplace without the installation overhaul (though some installation requirements should be considered. Small and compact, these stoves are a great option if you’re looking for an alternative heating choice.

When you’re researching heating options for your home, it’s important to consider all the options and weigh the pros and cons of every choice. Consider what’s important to you when researching heating choices.

Are You Looking For Heat That Is:

  • Efficient?
  • Affordable?
  • Requires Little Maintenance?
  • Is Attractive Inside The Home?
  • Is Safe?
  • Is A Viable Choice Where you live?

Beach Stove and Fireplace is happy to give you a professional consultation so you can begin your research with experts you can trust. Browse our products and ask us questions about all our heating options. We’re here to help you heat your home.

By Julie Dismore on February 8th, 2015 | Tagged with: Tags: , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Alternative Heating Choices For Every Home

Pellet Stove vs. Wood Stove

With snow already falling in many parts of the country, now is the time to figure out how to stay warm in the upcoming cold months. Effective and inexpensive home heating options are in high demand right now, and many homeowners face the question of which type to choose. For those looking to stoves to heat the home, another question comes up: wood-burning or pellet-burning stove? Both have great advantages with some downsides as well, so you should take into consideration how you intend to use it, the amount of heat you need, the availability of fuel in your area, and other factors.

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How do Pellet and Wood Stoves Work?

Pellet stoves have gained popularity in recent years because they efficiently burn renewable energy. Wood pellets are made by debarking, grinding, drying and compressing wood, and then the pellets are electronically fed into the burning chamber. Wood stoves work just like any other wood-burning unit. Split logs start and maintain the fire and the heat in place of the pellets in a pellet-burning stove.

What Makes Pellets Better?

For one, pellets burn very efficiently, meaning more of the material burns and creates heat. This leads to warmer, more sustainable fires and fewer harmful emissions. Wood pellet fires can burn for as long as 16 hours without requiring a refill, which is ideal for working families who spend long hours away from the home during the day. Compared to a wood-burning stove, pellet stoves are highly efficient.

Another benefit to a pellet-burning stove is purchasing and storing the fuel. First, in the built-up Westhampton Beach area, forests and firewood are harder to come by than in more rural areas, making split wood logs scarce. Wood pellets are ideal options for this situation because they can be shipped into urban areas more easily and economically. Next, wood pellets take up one-third less space than traditional wood. A cord of wood takes up 128 cubic feet, and one ton of pellets takes up just 80 cubic feet. These volumes create the same amount of heat but take up vastly different amounts of space to store. For tight New York homes, this could be a determining factor.

What Makes Wood Better?

Conversely, wood-burning stoves have some advantages over their pellet-burning counterparts. One major factor is that wood-burning stoves do not require electricity to function. In the case of power outages, as is common in winters when ice builds up on power lines, the wood-burning stove continues to run, while the pellet-burning stove simply runs cold. Although battery back-ups can be installed, they only last up to eight hours, making this issue life-threatening depending on the length of the power outage.

Another advantage of burning wood is the cost of the fuel. On average, one cord of wood costs less than $200. Because pellets require significantly more processing, a heat-equivalent amount of pellets might start at $200. The price of fuel, in addition to the price of electricity to run the pellet stove, might make the wood-burning stove more attractive.

For more information and help deciding what type of stove best suits your home and lifestyle, contact Beach Stove and Fireplace of Westhampton Beach, New York. These experts can help you make the most informed decision.

By Julie Dismore on November 14th, 2014 | Tagged with: Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Pellet Stove vs. Wood Stove

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.

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.

 

Component

 

 

Price Range

 

Pellet Stove/Insert

 

 

$1,000 – $5,000

 

Vent Pipe/Chimney Liner

 

 

$200 – $500

 

Labor (depends on job’s complexity)

 

 

$250 – $1,000

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.

By Julie Dismore on May 29th, 2014 | Tagged with: Tags: , , , , , , | Comments Off on What is a Pellet Stove?

Our Location

Beach Stove and Fireplace is located on Old Riverhead Road between Montauk Highway and Sunrise Highway. From Sunrise Highway take exit 63 south, travel 1.2 miles and turn right at the 381 complex (just north of Gabreski Airport)