Pellet stoves use wood pellets as the main source of fuel, which are made of wooden remains and burn more efficiently. Since they are relatively new and not commonly used by a lot of homeowners, you may be unaware of what they exactly are. They are easy to use, convenient, and extremely eco-friendly. Pellet stoves or heaters are available in various types to suit every user’s needs. Consider these pros and cons of a pellet stove to decide whether or not to buy it.
Pros of a Pellet Stove
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Sustainable
When it comes to burning fuel and using energy, sustainability is often a major concern. Since most appliances use non-renewable resources, we need to be careful when using them. Wooden pellets are made of recycled waste such as useless wooden pieces, sawdust, nutshell, and other wooden waste, which is why they are considered a finer fuel source. As compared to gas stoves, pellet stoves emit fewer harmful chemicals and toxins in the air. Moreover, the amount of carbon gases they emit is also less than other types of stoves. This, in turn, reduces the carbon footprint and makes it an eco-friendly option.
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Easy to Install and Use
Unlike wooden and gas stoves that need a chimney system, pellet stoves do not need additional accessories or constructions as they emit a lower amount of gases. A set of air vents are included in most pellet stoves, which further simplifies the installation process. Once you learn how to install a pellet stove with the right instructions, you can easily operate it on your own without the help of an expert. Pellet stoves are extremely easy to use too; you can start one just with the push of a button. More importantly, you are not required to tend to the fire or rekindle it.
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Better Performance
As compared to other stoves, pellet stoves are more efficient and produce better performance. It is known that pellet stoves produce a higher efficiency and heating range by at least 70% to 83%. Since pellet stoves can produce a heating range of up to 56000 BTU (British Thermal Unit) per hour, it is ideal for warming larger rooms. If you own a large apartment or bungalow, consider getting a pellet stove to warm your interior spaces. For this, you may have to conduct thorough research and invest in a pellet stove with a higher BTU range. Furthermore, the tiny pellets used as fuel are easy to transport and stack, thereby making pellet stoves more convenient to use.
Cons of a Pellet Stove
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Can Be Expensive to Operate
While pellet stoves come with a wide range of advantages, they can be a bit hard on your pocket too. Pellet stoves are comparatively more expensive than firewood and charcoal stoves. To effectively cover a space of 1,000 sq. ft, you will need a larger pellet stove with a higher heating capacity, which costs around $1500 to $1700. This can take a significant part of your budget. Depending on the heating capacity and additional features, some models even go up to $3000 or more. For this reason, individuals with an average salary may not be able to afford a pellet stove.
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Needs Electricity or Batteries
Even though pellet stoves are eco-friendly to operate, they may need electricity or batteries to run. This can also be an issue during power outages as you will need a backup generator to keep your pellet stove running. If you live in a remote area that experiences a lot of power outages during the week, a pellet stove may not be an ideal choice for you as they will be less reliable. If you don’t own a backup generator, you may also have to invest in one, which can further increase your budget. Furthermore, make sure that the pellets are certified as they can damage the stove.
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Noisy and Visually Unappealing
Pellet stoves can be extremely noisy and irritating when you need to spend your day in peace. If you are extremely particular about your interior decor, a pellet stove may not serve your needs. Its poor visual appeal and features can lower any interior decor theme, which is why they are often used outdoors.
All in all, pellet stoves are super convenient and easy to use. Their only major downsides are the initial cost and high electricity consumption. If you are open to spending more money in the beginning just to get better performance and convenience in the long run, pellet stoves are undeniably a better choice than firewood or electric stoves. Just make sure that you have enough space to stack the pellets and that the stove comes with a decent warranty.
