Pellet stove Ventilation

June 30, 2008 · Filed Under Pellet Stove Installation · 2 Comments 

What are the purposes of venting systems?

Proper ventialation is an essential for proper appliance performance, dwelling safety, maintenance frequency, and general indoor environment. Pellet stoves appliances will produce little or no visible smoke after startup, but water vapour,exhaust gases and fine ash must be removed safely from the appliance to the outdoors.

The purpose of all vents is to remove combustion by-products during normal pellet stove operation. For most pellet stove designs the exhaust is mechanical by means of blowing the combustion by-products out and pulling air needed for combustion into the fire, nowdays few pellet stoves operate without a combustion air fan and use natural draft both for exhaust and combustion air intake. Protection of nearby combustibles is essential. The minimum clearance between the vent and combustibles, as specified in the vent installation instructions, must be met or exceeded.

What materials and products can be used to vent pellet stoves?
The product specifically tested and listed for use with pellet stoves is PL vent pipe, labeled as tested to UL 641. PL vent pipe is double wall pipesystem with a stainless steel inner pipe that carries the exhaust products is separated from the outer pipe an air space which must be air tight to stop any leaks. Stoves tested and listed requiring PL vent must use no substitute venting materials.

Venting materials and products that MUST not be used to vent pellet stove appliances include:

  • Dryer vent
  • Gas appliance (Type B) vent
  • PVC (plastic) pipe
  • Single wall stove pipe (unless clearly approved by the installation manual and local codes)

Pellet fireplace inserts and freestanding pellet stoves are often vented into existing masonry and factory-built fireplace and woodstove chimneys (Figure 8).


The chimney- should be inspected before installation to ensure that it is clean, mechanically sound, and meets local safety code requirements. The appliance manufacturer’s installation instructions may require relining the chimney with an approved metal liner, pipe, or PL vent. Vents or grilles on the face of factory-built fireplaces which provide cooling air to the outside jacket of the fireplace must not be blocked. Cleanout access for future maintenance should be considered.

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Pellet Stove Starting Operation

June 29, 2008 · Filed Under Pellet Stove Operation · 2 Comments 

Where do we start?

The obvious would be the instructions that accompany the pellet stove appliance, generally operating a pellet stove is not difficult, but it maybe new technology so it calls for some basic knowledge.

Training vides accompany some stoves, and hands on demonstrations are done by many dealers and installers.

How do I start a fire?
Most designs make start up easy by using Small dry pellet fuel and combustion air. Operating instructions provided with the stove give the specific steps to follow.

Manual ignition stoves call for the owner to apply an approved gel or solid starter material (no liquids), light the pellets, and monitor the fire to see that the fire catches and the flame gradually grows. On the automatic ignition pellet stoves, pushing the start button feeds pellets to the burn pot and heats the self-igniter device.


What if the stove doesn’t start properly?
For this a safety device monitors startup and stops fuel feed if operating temperatures are not reached within a specified time period. If startup fails, the operator makes sure that the hopper has fuel, that fuel is feeding, and restarts the stove. Repeated failed lighting cycles indicate the need for maintenance or professional service.

What do I do after the stove starts?
After the initial start up the control panel or air inlet adjustments and a quick performance check, the pellet stove is set to provide hours of even, comfortable heat. Stoves equipped with a remote wall thermostat respond to owner setting and room air temperature by cycling on and off or by cycling from a low to high burn, depending on pellet stove design.

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Harman XXV Pellet Stove

June 28, 2008 · Filed Under Harman Pellet Stoves, Pellet Stove Reviews · 1 Comment 

After 25 years of building stoves, harman stove company have launched their 25th anniversary stove and they believe its the best pellet stove we been waiting for. With the beauty of cast iron finish and combined with the 50,000 BTUs and still being the quiest pellet stove they have produced.

Wth the thing that you expect from a Harman pellet stoves…including automatic ignition, venting choices, automatic temperature control, a large ash pan that’s easy to get to, and the convenience of super easy cleaning.


During the anniversary celebration, the XXV will include special edition features such as the Harman 25th Anniversary Logo in the top casting and the XXV front grille accent. The XXV was specially designed to symbolize everything Harman stands for. Quality. Beauty. Functionality. The XXV. Is there finest creation yet.

Now offering Battery Backup option.

Click here to download a brochure about the benefits of heating your home with a Harman Pellet Stove.

Features Options
Hook and Roller Door Latch
ESP Control
Automatic Ignition
Room Sensor
Large Ash Pan
Air-Cooled Combustion Blower
Harman Quality, Fit, & Finish
Accordion Heat Exchanger - provides greater heat exchange surface in less space
Quiet Operation
Adjustable Feet
Ash Removal Pan With Handle
Automatic Temperature Control
Total Automatic Operation
Patented Pellet Pro Feeder
Patented Pellet Pro Burn Pot
Easy Cleaning
Easy Access Controls
100% Outside Air (Direct Vent)
Top Vent: Gives the wood stove appearance using 6″ pipe
Available colors:
Black
Charcoal
Goldenfire Brown
Honeyglo Brown
Forest Green
Mojave Red
Metallic Blue

Click here for more information on Pellet Stove Reviews or Harman Pellet Stove Reviews

What Size of Pellet Stove?

June 27, 2008 · Filed Under Pellet Stove Appliances · Comment 

There is a wide range of heat outputs for a pellet stoves which will reduce the number of different sizes in the market. Within the range of pellet stove designs choices involve input from different sources. Information from manufacturers is of necessity general in nature given the many variables in climate, home construction, and personal comfort.

The efficency rating and the Btu output can be useful to comare pellet stoves. The overall efficiency is the measure of the percentage of the energy available in th efuel that is delivered as heat and is more imortant than combusion efficency, always refer to a knowledgeable delaer for more information on sizing of pelet stoves.


Bring the following information when seeing your dealer as this will help him select the best pellet stove design for your needs:

  • your intended purpose-primary or backup heat source for the entire house or a selected area
  • house size and layout-sketch with room and house size estimate or building plans very helpful
  • heating characteristics of your home- insulation and tightness of construction
  • your idea of comfort- day and night.

For more information on Pellet Stove Appliances click here.

What information should I know about pellet stove dealers?

June 26, 2008 · Filed Under Pellet Stove Appliances · Comment 

Pellet stoves appliances are not difficult to operate or maintain with a little initial instruction from your pellet stove dealer. Ask what training material and services are available before you purchase. many pellet stove dealers will offer training though stove operation demo’s.

Dealers can provide details of warranty service, including extended warranty plans, as well as regular service. Dealers will discuss a fuel plan with you, telling you where locally available pellet fuels are compatible with your stove and which pellet mills or shops supply them.


Here’s a few questions you could ask:

  • Shopper’s Checklist
  • Fuel requirements and availability
  • Dealer’s owner training program and materials
  • Special features like self-igniter system, remote thermostatic control, glass air wash and imitation logs for fire viewing, ash drawer size
  • Ease and expected frequency of routine owner maintenance
  • Availability and cost of professional service
  • Understanding of heating system requirements and installation plan
  • Backup power or alternate heat source plan (if important)
  • Warranty details
  • Total system and installation cost

For more information on Pellet Stove Appliances click here.

What Pellet stove appliance features should I look for?

June 25, 2008 · Filed Under Pellet Stove Appliances · 3 Comments 

Pellet stove designs come in different sizes,types and apperances these are the key areas when selecting. The choice may then include the considerations of:

  • Performance
  • Cost
  • Convenience.

Operational design convenience is affected by the number of features. Like hopper capacity which can range from 40 to 100 pounds will effect the number of times need fill the pellet stove. The hopper size should match the heating needs and have a reasonable loading cycle.

Manaual control pellet stoves require occasional adjustment of the inlet air dampers as the pellet fuel rate is changed. Pellet stoves appliances with more sophisticated controls are able to monitor burn conditions and make these adjustments automatically.


So depending if you want the ease of automated pellet stove or enjoy the interaction of a manual control pellet stove.

Cerain features the effect ash tolerance and fuel compatibility may influence both convenience and preformance, espically where fuel grade choice is limited, but nowadays newer pellet stoves perform well with most pellet fuels.

Bottom fuel feeding pellet stoves appliances moves ash and clinkers away from air inlets. Whereas specially designed grates in top feed designs either allow heavier ash and clinkers to fall through to the ash drawer, or they rotate themselves to move ashes and keep air inlets open.

In both pellet stove designs, a larger ash drawer reduces ash removal frequency and thus becomes more convenient, and grates which can be dumped without stopping operation add extra convenience. As long as a compatible pellet fuel is available, the issue of ash tolerance is one of convenience and not the acceptability of stove design.

Ease of pellet stove maintenance is enhanced with such features that make routine cleaning tasks easier for the end user. The heat exchanger can be cleaned by simply moving an external rod handle back and forth on some pellet stoves.

Ask your pellet stove applaince dealer to demonstrate the heat exchanger cleaning as well as access to ash traps, receptacles behind the fire chamber designed to separate fly ash from the exhaust. Although pellet stoves are safety tested as a solid fuel heater by an accredited laboratory, stoves safety tested to ASTM Standard E 1509 undergo stringent testing specifically designed for pellet appliances to assure their safety and performance reliability .

Hers’s some other features bring added convenience and enjoyment when using your stove:

  • Automatic ignition. Offers simple, reliable startup. Typically more desirous on stove used intermittently than on one used continuously.
  • Remote thermostatic control. Controls heat output based on room temperature. Ensures even temperature from unattended stove regardless of changes in the weather. Discuss with the dealer the merits of thermostats and stove startup design: automatic ignition stoves cycle on and off according to heat demand; manual start stoves keep fire at low setting and return to high.
  • Large glass view and air wash system. Offers fire viewing, particularly enjoyable in living area installations. Air wash keeps glass clean by directing warm air over the glass during combustion.
  • Imitation log sets (stove manufacturer approved only). Improve aesthetics of the fire. May increase frequency and difficulty of maintenance; ask if removable.
  • Blower quietness. A concern in some areas of the house, depending on room use and personal preference.
  • Backup power source. Consideration for primary heat stoves in areas subject to frequent power outages. Should automatically switch from utility power to battery and back again.
  • Extended warranty for components. Low cost, high value extension of warranty on components (from normal one or two years to as many as five).

For more information on Pellet Stove Appliances click here.

What determines Pellet Stove Location?

June 24, 2008 · Filed Under Pellet Stove Installation · Comment 

The prefered location for a pellet stove installation is a major living area where family gathers and sends long hours and will provide heat flow for other areas too thus gaining maximum enjoyment and heating effectiveness. The professional pellet stove installer will considers the factors that determine whether the location meets the requirements set out by the home owner:

  • Venting. May be limited by factors like obstructions above vertical venting through the ceiling and roof or by the distance to an outside wall for horizontal venting.
  • Outside air for combustion, if needed. Must be drawn from an approved location.
  • Space requirements. Must meet minimum clearances between the stove and combustibles. More space than the minimum required may be desirable to provide room for convenient operation and service.
  • Electrical requirements. Proximity to properly wired outlet.

What are my choices for floor protection?



The floor must be protected according to manufacturer’s instructions. The minimum size of the noncombustible floor protector is clearly specified in installation instructions an must be followed closely. Built in appliances may require additional protection such as an air space between the appliance and the floor protector.

What electrical requirements should be checked?


The pellet stove dealer or installer should check the intended appliance outlet for proper voltage, ground, and polarity. The electrical circuit to be used should have a properly rated circuit breaker.

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Comparing Pellet Fuel Energy Costs

June 23, 2008 · Filed Under Pellet Fuel · 1 Comment 

Before we look at the cost of the pellet fuel, we have a quick look at the prices for pellet stove appliances which can range from about $1,700 to $3,000 for the stove and from $150 to $400 for installation. When we start comparing prices of pellet stoves against those of wood stoves, we can remember that pellet stoves offer a substantial savings as they don’t require installation of a full-height conventional chimney or flue, which is typically the most costly part of some fireplace and wood stove installations.

Now back to the pellet fuel cost we can compare the price to the cost of wood. Pellet fuel are more expensive, at $130 to $200 per ton, compared with firewood, which runs from $100 to $175 per cord. But we can’t just compare like that.


One ton of pellets fuel consists of 50 bags that weigh 40 pounds each. A cord of wood, which measures 4 feet by 4 feet by 8 feet is purchased by volume, which of course includes the voids between stacked logs and the moisture in wood that can’t be converted to heat (20 percent to 30 percent). As a rule of thumb, one ton of pellets is roughly equivalent to about 1 1/2 cords of wood.

We can also evaluate based in the usage. Wood stove users burn from around 3 to 4 cords of wood per year. An average pellet stove appliance will use from 1 to 3 tons of pellets per year. Figuring in the costs above, pellets are often less expensive than cord wood. Of course, other advantages are time, as you save on the stacking and carrying of wood, and you need less storage space too, pellets can be stored in only one-third the space needed for cord wood.

A key factor to the cost of pellets is the location as you will need a supply nearby else you end up playing for transportation. Most of the pellet mills in the United States and Canada are located near lumber mills, furniture manufacturing, or millwork plants so be sure to ask your wood stove dealer about sources and prices.

Looking to buy Wood Pellet Fuel click here at my Store for Pellet fuel

What types of pellet appliances are available?

June 22, 2008 · Filed Under Pellet Stove Appliances · 2 Comments 

Pellet stoves designs come in a wide range of sizes, styles and finishes. Your first choice is the basic configuration of the applicance.

Free Standing Pellet stoves (figure 4)
floor protector can be installed in almost all living rooms, they are installed a specific distance away from. these have a great range of flexibility in the installation, supported by legs and sits on a non-conbustibleconbustible materials but still can be placed closer than typical wood cord burning appliances.

Fireplace inserts (Figure 5)

Firepalce inserts are installed in existing working firepalces, panels are added to fill up the void around the new pellet stove, certsian pellet stoves can only be used with masonary fireplaces, whereas others can be installed in apporved factory built metail firepalces.

Built-in appliances (Figure 6)

Built-in appliances are an excellent choice for homes without an existing fireplace but can give the look of having one. A built in pellet stove can be boxed in with a close clearance to combustible framing, materials like brik can be added around the pellet stove to give appearance of a fireplace.


Pellet furnaces are large units designed to heat an entire house through duct work. They are usually installed in a basement or other non-living area of the house. Like pellet stoves, furnaces require venting to the outside.

Pellet stoves can also be categorised accordling to the deliverly of pellet fuel.

Top feed pellet stoves deliver pellet fuel from a tube or chute above the fire, and bottom feed stoves deliver pellet fuel from behind or beside the burn pot directly to the fire (see Figure 2).

There are many variations within these two categories depending on manufacture, but bottom feed stoves preform better with the wider range of ash content in standard grade fuel because the feeding action moves ash and clinkers away from the burn area thus keeping the air inlets open and will reduce the frequency of cleaning.

To feed pellets stoves do have advantages in overall heating efficency sice thepellet fuel remains in the burn pot and exhaust gases move slower and improves the heat transfer. Special grates or rotating burn pots in some top feed pellet stoves will also reduce maintenance frequency.

If only standard grade pellets are available to you, or if there is a desire to burn a higher ash or special fuel like shelled corn or nut hulls, special attention must be paid to the issue of fuel delivery, ash content, and stove compatibility. Otherwise, design differences are less significant considerations of relative degrees of efficiency and maintenance frequency.

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What does pellet Fuel cost?

June 21, 2008 · Filed Under Pellet Fuel · Comments Off 

The current cost of pellet fuel ranges anywhere from $120-200 per ton and averages $150, but of course this will vary by availablility, region and of course season, as do other heating fuels.

One good advantage with Pellet fuel is they can be stored aeasily as they come in bags, so many consumers will buy in the chea summer season rather than wait to the expense winter season.

The selling price, of course, is only a part of the overall cost. The primary issue is the cost of energy, which is measured in dollars per million British thermal units ($/MM Btu). Pellets purchased at the average $150 per ton and burned in a typical pellet stove cost about $11.50 per million Btu, a figure that is less than the cost of electric heat and competitive with average energy costs of some other fuels.


While tables and charts assume average appliance efficiencies and fuel costs, real world experiences vary widely. The actual cost of heating a home must take into account other factors like your homes insulation and tightness of the home, its size and layout, the level of comfort desired, and local climate.

Other economic factors impacting energy costs, though hard to quantify, are also worth consideration. Biomass pellets reduce the use of dwindling fossil fuels, often imported from foreign countries. Every ton of waste material used in pellets fuel reduces the rising costs associated with waste disposal.

Looking to buy Wood Pellet Fuel click here at my Store for Pellet fuel

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