Why is Pellet Stove Maintenance So Important?
Pellet stoves have remarkably high efficiency ratings of up to 86%. They’ve actually been deemed smokeless heating appliances by the EPA because of the small amount of emissions created when the fuel is burned. A pellet stove is an excellent heating appliance that can significantly reduce heating costs. Homeowners should be aware, however, that pellet stove maintenance is important. Professional upkeep is what ensures that pellet stoves deliver optimal performance year after year. Below, learn more about pellet stoves, their benefits, and why pellet stove maintenance is essential.
Pellet Stove Basics
Pellet stoves were born of innovation, and they are very unique when compared to other solid-fuel heating appliances.
Pellet Stove Fuel
The fuel used in pellet stoves is what sets them apart the most. Small, highly compacted pellets made of wood waste are burned in pellet stoves. The extremely low moisture content in the 1” to 1 ½” pellets contributes to the burn efficiency. Instead of chopping, hauling, and storing firewood, all you need for pellet stove fuel is a dry place to store 40-pound bags of wood pellets. The pellets are poured into hoppers and are fed into the stove at the rate you set. There’s no need to tend the fires in pellet stoves. You can enjoy up to 36 hours of hands-free operation and radiant warmth, depending largely on the size of the hopper. Simply pour more pellets into the hopper to keep the wood-fueled fire going.
The Quality of Pellet Fuel
The quality of the pellets you purchase contributes to the longevity of your pellet stove. According to the EPA, it’s best to use premium grade wood pellets made from woodchips and sawdust, which produce ash content below 1%. Standard grade pellets produce between 1% and 3% ash content and typically contain bark, which is the ingredient that lowers the quality of pellets. Ashes need to be removed from the pellet stove more often when lower quality pellets are used. Experts say to use only high-quality wood pellets.
Pellet Stove Service
One of the components of a pellet stove’s operation is that pressurized air is drawn in from the exhaust. As a result, dust, dander, lint, and pet hair are constantly pulled in. The exhaust should be cleaned at least annually to remove all debris. Otherwise, the air won’t be able to circulate properly and efficiency will be reduced. Cleaning is also needed in connection with ash content. The less the ash content in the pellets, as mentioned above, the better. During a pellet stove inspection and cleaning, the various components of the stove are carefully inspected by the technician.
Connections and clearances related to the venting system are checked. In addition, the burn area, hopper, blowers, heat exchangers, and the appliance itself are all cleaned.
Contact Pellet Stove Experts
At Chimney Specialists Inc, we know about pellet stoves inside and out. As sellers of hearth products, including pellet appliances, we can provide pellet stove installation and maintenance to ensure that you get the most out of your efficient heating stove. Learn more about pellet stoves by calling us today! Contact information follows.
Chimney Specialists Inc.
869 Main Street, Highland, WI
Phone: (608) 929-4887 / Toll Free: (800) 395-6660
Dubuque Fireplace & Patio
925 Century Drive, Dubuque, Iowa
Phone: (563) 582-5156
