How to choose

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ENJOY THE SAME COMFORT FOR ABOUT HALF THE COST WITH PELLET HEAT.

Take control of high heating costs with a cheaper energy alternative to heating oil. Switch to pellet heat and you’ll be surprised by how much money you can save. Additionally, pellets are eco-friendly and energy ef� cient. So you can

help the environment while you stretch your budget.

WHICH HEATING BILLWOULD YOU CHOOSE?

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For a full listing of our “how to” series, visit our website at www.montrosepress.com

a wood or pellet stoveA

pellet burning appliance is a heating appliance that burns compressed wood pellets, biomass pellets, or with some appliances, even other renewable

products such as, corn, sunseeds or wheat, creating a reliable and efficient source of heat for your home. Most modern pellet appliances are self-igniting and can be controlled by thermostat, either a standard wall mounted thermostat or a remote control thermostat.

A pellet burning appliance automatically feeds fuel from the hopper into the burn-pot where a precise amount of fuel is combined with just the right amount of air to create an efficient, constant flame. The appliance has a heat exchange system which transfers the heat from inside the appliance into the room using a convection fan. Most pellet appliances have multiple heat levels to control heat output.

Most of today’s pellet appliances require only very basic daily & weekly maintenance. As with any solid fuel burning appliance, additional monthly and/or annual maintenance may also be required. Pellets burn very clean and create only fine fly-ash as a byproduct of combustion. The grade of pellet fuel affects the performance and ash output. Super premium grade pellets produce less than .5% ash content, premium grade less than 1% ash, and standard grade pellets less than 2% ash. Pellet appliance users should be aware of the extra maintenance required with a lower grade pellet, and that inconsistent pellet quality can cause decreased performance & added maintenance.

Unlike wood burning appliances which operate exclusively on a principle of chimney draft (hot air rising inside the chimney which causes air to then be drawn into the appliance), a pellet burning appliance utilizes a powered draw (a blower moves air through the firepot & up the chimney). Because pellet appliances have powered exhaust system, they have the advantage of not always requiring a

vertical rise to vent, although a three to five foot vertical run to induce some draft is recommended to prevent leakage in the case of a power outage. Like a modern gas appliance, pellet appliance can be vented horizontally through an outside wall and terminated below the roof line, making it an excellent choice for structures without an existing chimney. If an existing chimney is available, manufacturers urge use of a correctly sized stainless steel liner the length of the chimney for proper drafting. Modern building techniques have created tighter sealed homes,

forcing many pellet appliance manufacturers to recommend their models be installed with outside air intake. This ensures the appliance will run efficiently, and prevents potential negative pressure within the home.

Wood burning appliances are another option to help reduce heating costs plus they provide a cozy and warm atmosphere. Modern wood appliances are designed much differently than their older predecessors. Many people don’t realize that many of today’s modern models burn so efficiently and clean that they can be used in large cities like Denver and Seattle during “No Burn” days. Older models simply allowed air into the firebox toward the bottom of the appliance which was used for combustion and smoke was immediately exhausted out the top of the appliance. Designers eventually realized the dirty smoke being exhausted contained significant amounts of energy that was being wasted. They devised ways to re-ignite the smoke before it exited the appliance. This is done by what’s referred to as “secondary burn” systems that inject heated combustion air into the smoke in various parts of the appliance causing the

smoke to re-ignite. This process not only cleans the exhaust but also burns the wood

much more efficiently providing more heat per pound of wood. Another benefit is less

maintenance because there’s much less creosote build-up in the pipe, as well as less smoke staining of the glass door.

The re-burning smoke affect can also provide a beautiful swirling fire that will fill the entire firebox at times.

The wood burning appliances’ exterior is usually made of steel or cast iron. Some models will have additional air intakes to help start the initial fire or after adding wood to a burning fire. Cast iron wood burning models will usually emit heat over a slightly longer period of time because of its mass. While steel wood burning models are a generally less expensive option, both cast and steel

options generally have the same efficiency, and both may have the

option of a blower. Many cast iron models are also available in unique porcelain color

finishes that will compliment room colors. Proper venting configurations for high

efficiency wood burning appliances are very important in order for them to draw correctly. Draw, or draft, is simply the amount of hot air rising up the chimney, which in turn pulls air into the appliances to fuel the fire. The heat of the smoke and gases create the draw. The hotter the unit becomes, the stronger the draft. All models require specific minimum chimney heights because more height also creates stronger draft. Offsets, elbows and location in the home are all factors that can affect the draw.

Different wood burning models require different options for dealing with ash. Some are designed for simply shoveling the ash into an approved ash container, while others have grates in the floor that allow the ashes to drop into an ash pan that’s attached to the bottom of the appliance.

Whether choosing to purchase a wood burning or pellet burning appliance, most manufacturers strongly recommend having the appliance installed by a certified professional to ensure proper and safe operation for years to come. When connecting to an existing chimney system, it is recommended that you have a certified chimney professional perform a Level II Chimney Inspection per N.F.P.A. standards to ensure the existing chimney is in safe operating condition.

Wood burning appliances are another option to help reduce heating costs plus they provide a cozy and warm atmosphere.