The Pellet Stove: A Renewable Source Of Energy

Unlike a wood burning stove, a pellet stove burns processed wood or wood pellets made from recycled sawdust, wood shavings, or corn. As such, pellet stoves have become increasingly popular with people who want to reduce their energy costs. With that in mind, here are four benefits of a pellet stove:

Affordable Fuel

In general, wood pellets are cheaper than traditional fuels such as heating oil, electricity, or propane. According to the US Department of Energy, the average homeowner in the US uses 2-3 tons of pellet fuel. A ton of this fuel retails at about $250. In addition, homeowners who install these stoves are eligible for a tax credit of up to 30% of the total cost of the stove. A Wikipedia entry states that many US states exempt pellet fuel from sales tax. Ultimately, all these savings could translate into a significant sum of money that you could invest elsewhere.

Here Is A Video From This Old House On Pellet Stove Installation:

Renewable Fuel

Unlike heating oil or gas, wood pellets are a renewable fuel. New trees can be replanted in spaces where mature ones have been cut. It is also worth noting that these pellets are a byproduct of the forestry and logging industry. This means you are not harming the environment by burning them in your stove. The opposite is true when you use heating oil or propane. Remember these fuels are not renewable. Furthermore, they generate gases that are not environmentally friendly like carbon dioxide.

Easy To Operate and Smokeless

Operating a pellet stove is very easy. All you have to do is pull out your stove’s hopper and pour in pellets. Most homeowners load pellets once or at most twice every day. Furthermore, since pellet stove do not typically produce smoke, they are more user friendly and carry fewer health risks than conventional wood burning stoves. This is largely because the fire in a pellet stove is contained inside a closed compartment.

A Pellet Stove Is Safe

While a pellet stove is operating, it does not generate a lot of external
heat. This means you can place it near a wall or other household appliances without worrying about fire
hazards such a igniting chairs or melting your entertainment unit.

In conclusion, pellet stoves have become increasingly popular among people who want to cut their energy consumption. This is because pellet stoves are relatively easy to operate, do not generate smoke, use renewable fuel, and use affordable fuel. The DOE recommends buying an EPA certified pellet stove.

R.F. Ohl is a family-owned and operated business for over 30 years. We deliver competitively priced, high quality home heating products in northeastern Pennsylvania. Call us today to speak to one of our friendly and professional staff members.