In the Midwest, temperatures can drop below freezing throughout winter, especially after the sun goes down at night. For a consistent source of heat during frigid weather, many people install wood pellet stoves in their homes. The compact equipment doesn’t take up much space, making it an ideal heating solution for cramped quarters. To determine whether to invest in a wood pellet stove, below are answers to common queries about the appliances. 

Questions About Wood Pellet Stoves Answered

How do the appliances work?

To use the appliance, open the storage hopper at the top of the unit and pour the pellets inside. From there, an electric auger directs the pellets to a chamber where they are burned.

A combustion blower exhausts the fumes out of the house, while a convection blower draws in room air and pumps it out as heat to make a space warmer. Sensors alert the auger when it needs to release more pellets into the burning chamber.

Are wood pellet stoves harmful to the environment?

When compared to wood-burning fireplaces, pellet stoves are a cleaner fuel source. They don’t release high levels of nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and additional toxins that are released in wood smoke. Environmental Protection Agency-certified appliances are in the 70% to 83% efficiency range.  

What’s required for installation?

Be mindful of where you place the equipment. To prevent fires, keep the appliance off of carpeting and rugs; place it on tile or stone flooring instead. To vent out the exhaust, the appliance should attach to the chimney or flue system in the house. 

What are the maintenance requirements?

After installation, the appliances are relatively easy to maintain. You just have to remove the ashes a few times a week. It’s a good idea to invest in preventative maintenance, too.

During service calls, technicians will check the hopper, sensors, auger plate, latches, electrical components, and pressure switches for issues. They will also clean the exhaust pipe and lubricate the motors. These tasks will prevent malfunctions and improve equipment performance.

If you want to use a wood pellet stove for home heating, the professionals at Bethel Feed & Supply Pet & Garden Center are eager to show you options. Since 1984, the company has been the leading provider of pellet, wood, and coal stoves in Clermont, Brown, and Hamilton counties in Ohio. The center also carries shovels to clear snow-covered driveways and garden supplies and field fencing for spring improvements. To ask merchandise questions, call (513) 734-2246 or check out the overview of available products online. Find new merchandise alerts on Facebook.