Sawdust waste, corn or shells – the most energy efficient fuels around
Pellet stoves are similar in look and size to wood stoves, but use sawdust, wood shavings, corn, walnut and peanut shells, and similar biomass wastes that are ground up, compressed and extruded as pellets for fuel. These energy efficient stoves burn very cleanly with less smoke than wood fires. Pellets and related fuels turn wastes that would otherwise be dumped at landfills into energy, lessening our dependence on oil, and cost less than wood.The pellet stove’s fire is controlled with the rate of feed. Pellets delivered at one pound per hour produce a gentle, glowing fire that will last a long time. At five pounds per hour, a pellet fire blazes. Room air is drawn in by a fan, blown across the heat exchanger, then the warmed air is returned to the room. Depending upon rate of burn and size of hopper, most stoves will operate for from one to two days on a single load of pellets.
Unlike wood stoves, pellet stoves rely on convective, not radiant heat; so most pellet stoves don’t get too hot to touch -- an important consideration for families with small children. This also means they can be placed closer to walls (most have a minimum clearance of three inches to side walls, one inch to back walls). They do, however, need to stand over a minimum 3/8-inch-thick non-combustible floor such as tile.
One very important factor is that pellet stoves require electricity to operate. If you live where power outages are frequent, either opt for a conventional stove, or add on a gas-powered generator. Some stoves have back-up battery units.
Mt. Vernon Advanced Energy fireplace insert
Enjoy the inviting warmth and look of a traditional fireplace with the energy efficiency of a pellet stove. Convert a drafty fireplace, or install the insert directly into a framed opening in a wall or into a cabinet mantel. The Mt. Vernon AE has a powerful engine that can softly and quietly heat a home day in and day out. The versatile insert burns a wide variety of biofuels, including wood pellets, corn, sunflower seeds and wheat. The Mt. Vernon AE Insert makes all the adjustments for the best burn possible. Price: $3,194 - $4,087
www.quadrafire.com
Vermont Classic Cast Pellet Stove
Breckwell has earned a reputation as the most “bullet-proof “ brand. They have a stellar record for safe, reliable performance. Every stove is assembled with skill and commitment.
The SP400 features: “Hot rod” automatic firestarter, digital, one-touch control with diagnostics, 81 percent fuel efficiency, heats up to 1,500 square feet, is EPA-exempt and has a limited five-year warranty. Price: $1,807
www.barbecues.com
Whitfield Pellet-burning stove
Whitfield introduced the world’s first residential pellet stove in 1984, and prides itself in producing “state-of-the-art technology inside and a work of art outside.” Attractive, freestanding stoves deliver a high degree of efficiency and comfort, with exceptional fuel capacity—a single load of pellets provides up to 41 hours of heating. Pellets burn completely, so more heat is generated from every pound of fuel. With the largest ash pan available, it requires emptying only two to three times per year. Price: $2,159
www.zoobler.com
Snow-Flame™ Corn Energy Systems Model 3000
Corn-burning stoves are the most energy efficient heating systems according to comparative research. Snow-Flame Corn Stoves burn with an impressive 98 percent efficiency, are virtually smoke-free.
They are found in all types of settings from mobile homes to mansions and have a patented zero-clearance direct venting system that allows them to be installed in almost any room in a house. Simple to light, they come with a patented thermostatically controlled burning process that allows 48 hours of maintenance-free warmth. Double life warranty.
The Website points out that: It takes more than four million years to create fossil fuels: it takes over 40 years to grow mature trees; it takes only four months to grow a crop of grain. Price: $1,795
www.cornenergysystems.com
