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About pellet stove venting and
features
Pellet stoves are power vented so they can be installed
almost anywhere in the home.
The stove may be vented through the wall, ceiling, or
through a pre-existing chimney. The only real requirement is that
installation must allow for at least three feet of vertical chimney.
Smaller than traditional chimneys, pellet stove chimneys are usually
three or four inches in diameter and lined with stainless steel.
Pellet stove features
Pellet stoves rely on one of three ignition systems.
The standard way to light a pellet stove involves a specially prepared
starter gel and a match. Pellet stoves that are self-starting are also
available, that utilize a push-button ignition system. Fully automatic
pellet stoves with a thermostat that helps the stove cycle on and off
depending on the desired heat levels are also available. Some pellet
stoves come with self-cleaning glass, burn pots, and extra-large
pedestal ash pans, as well as back up battery power sources. Pellet
stoves are available that are extremely attractive.
Trimmed in either gold or black, with porcelain or cast iron finishes.
Installation of pellet stoves
Your family’ safety should be your highest priority, and to that end, it
is recommended that you contact and hire a professional installer to
install your new pellet stove.
Professional installers know which building permits you are likely to
need in your area, and how to install your new stove for maximum
efficiency and safety.
Maintenance of pellet stoves
Even though pellet stoves are relatively simple to maintain, certain
actions must be taken regularly to ensure safe and reliable operation.
The ash drawer and burn pot must be emptied and cleaned regularly for
safe performance. In addition to regularly scheduled professional
service inspections every year, the fuel hopper, ash traps and glass
must be cleaned as well. Chimneys and vents should be inspected and
cleaned yearly by a chimney sweep that has been certified by the Chimney
Safety Institute of America.
Fuel sources
Pellet stoves generally rely on one of two fuel sources, premium and
standard. With consistent use of premium grade pellets, one will
experience significant decrease in the need to perform maintenance on
your stove. The biggest difference between premium and standard pellets
is in their content of non-organic ash. A third alternative are pellet
stoves that can utilize fuel made of corn.
Cost
Aside from the cost of the pellet stove, one needs to take into account
the cost of the chimney and of professional installation. While
generally more efficient than other types of stoves, you still need to
budget funds for fuel and for yearly maintenance.
Resources:
pellet stoves guide |
pellet stoves sites |
pellet stoves recommend
pellet stoves sources |
