Pellet stoves cut heating costs

With the cost of heating fuels skyrocketing, many homeowners are looking for cheaper alternatives to get through the winter.

Pellet stoves are gaining interest as a means of using biomass fuels — fuels made from wood waste products. Sawdust left over from lumber manufacturing processes, fruit pits and shelled corn are pressed into pellet shapes with most of the moisture removed. The pellets become an inexpensive, hot-burning fuel that can be used in pellet stoves.

As with any alternative heating system, there are pros and cons.

On the Positive Side

•The pellets themselves are cheaper than other fuels. For example, if you’re paying $2.59 per gallon for propane, that comes to $36.36 per million BTU. Oil at $3.30 per gallon costs $30.66 per million BTU. Pellets would cost $17.15 per million BTU by comparison.

•Pellet stoves don’t need a chimney, thereby saving the cost of have one built or of tying into an existing one. The flue can be run through an outside wall.

•Pellet stoves are safer around children because the outside doesn’t get hot.

•Pellet stoves are “load and go” in that you load the hopper, put the temperature setting where you want it, and you’re done.

On the Other Hand

•Pellet stoves require electricity to run the motor and blower. If you have a power failure, the stove stops working.

•Pellets might not be immediately available in your area. If you pay to ship, your costs will go up. Generally they can be found in building supply stores, stove dealers and garden-supply stores in areas near lumber mills and wood processing plants.

•More maintenance is required for a pellet stove, and generally you’ll need an experienced technician to make service calls.

When choosing a pellet stove, consider the top- or bottom-feed models. With a top feed, there’s a smaller chance of fire in the hopper, but the combustion chamber can become clogged with burned material called “clinkers.” The bottom-feed model is easier to clean as the ashes are dumped into a drawer, but the top feed tends to produce more heat.

As with any major purchase, do your homework. Check the warranty carefully, determine what size stove is best for the area to be heated, and consider a maintenance agreement.