When cold weather arrives and you face the burden of winter heating bills, you might start considering an alternative, more affordable heat source. Stayton Builders Mart, the premier lumber and remodeling materials dealer in Stayton, OR, carries a wide selection of the finest quality wood, paint, and building materials—they can also help explain and provide all you need to know about the convenient heating alternative of pellet stoves. 

5 Things You Should Know About Pellet Stoves

What Is a Pellet Stove?

Although they are similar, a pellet stove is not the same as a wood stove. Instead of burning firewood, it burns small pellets of compressed sawdust. Pellets come in 40 lb. bags and are usually sold by the bag or by the ton (50 bags)

How Does a Pellet Stove Operate?

You load the pellets into a storage hopper on top of the stove. The hopper feeds the stove via a screw-shaped delivery system—sensors in the stove tell the delivery system when to add another pellet, and this keeps the fire small, hot, and burning efficiently enough to heat about 2,000 square feet of space.

Can You Install a Pellet Stove Yourself?

You can install a pellet stove without the aid of a professional, although the equipment is very heavy and you might need help moving it. Be careful to vent the stove away from doors or windows to prevent carbon monoxide or other gasses from reentering the home.

Does a Pellet Stove Pose a Fire Risk?

You must take care to keep combustibles away from the stove, and place it only on concrete. If you have carpeting or vinyl flooring, a fire-resistant hearth pad is an acceptable and safe base as well.

Does Oregon Offer Tax Incentives for Pellet Stoves?

Oregon offers a tax credit for new stoves installed in residential dwellings. To qualify, the stove must meet efficiency requirements and be listed in the EPA's list of certified stoves.

The professionals at Stayton Builders Mart, the most trusted seller of building and remodeling materials in Stayton, OR, can help you choose a pellet stove for your home. Visit Stayton Builders Marts website for contact information, or call (503) 769-7118 to speak with a friendly expert about your hardware, lumber, or roofing needs.