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Benefits of Pellet Stoves
Pellet stoves are relatively versatile appliances and typically all pellet stoves are now self-igniting and cycle themselves on and off controlled by a thermostat. Pellet Stoves with an automatic ignition can be equipped with remote controls. Recent innovations have created computer systems or “brains” within pellet stoves which run diagnostic tests if an imminent problem has arisen.
A well maintained and clean pellet stove should not create any creosote, the creosote is a sticky, flammable substance that causes chimney fires. Pellets burn very cleanly and create only a layer of fine fly-ash as a byproduct of combustion which is collected within the ash tray. The grade of pellet fuel will affect the performance and ash output.
Premium grade pellets will produce less than 1% ash content, while standard or low grade pellets produce anything from 2 to 4% ash content. When using lower grade or standard grade pellets there will result in extra maintenance.
A pellet stoves typicaly burn wood pellets but now more and more pellet stoves will also burn the likes of shelled corn, grain, seeds and woodchips an exampe would be Quadra- Fire range of products that burns wood pellets and shelled corn.
Pellet stoves venting is nowadays required and needs a certified double walled venting system, normally three or four inches in diameter with a stainless steel interior and galvanized exterior. As pellet stoves have a forced exhaust system, they do not usually require a vertical rise to vent although its recommended to have a three to five foot vertical run to prevent any leakage when theres a power outage. Pellet stoves can be vented horizontally through an outside wall and terminated below the roof line much like a modern gas appliance, making it an excellent choice for structures without an existing chimney. If an existing chimney is available, manufacturers urge use of a correctly sized stainless steel liner the length of the chimney for proper drafting.
A big plus is the fact that in many states in the U.S.A, pellet stoves and fuel are exempt from sales tax.
Wood Pellet Stove FAQ
How do I start my fire?
If you have a manual igniter you need to use a special gel or solid starter material, light the pellet fuel and monitor the progress. If your pellet stoves are automatic then simply add the pellets and push the start button to heat the self-ignite device.
What are my choices of models?
Freestanding or insert pellet stove, with combinations of bottom feed or top feed, and of course there are numerous colors.
What professional should I call if I have an issue?
Of course depands on the issue, but If you are contacting a professional to perform a chimney sweep you should make sure your sweep comes with a complete check of all components in your stove. If you are contacting a professional because the stove is not working corectly, then look though the manual that came with the pellet stove for more info.
What do I do on a regular basis?
Pellet Stove maintainance and Cleaning, You must always keep your stove in good working order, even during the times when you’re not using it. If you’ve purchased a warranty with your stove you can usually get a check up done by a professional for free.
You want to make sure your stove has plenty of ventilation near and around it. Nothing should be blocking the vents or fans, and a good working electrical outlet should be nearby. Check with a professional for the best advice.
What’s so great about wood pellet stoves?
The wooden pellets (fuel) are a biomass product therefore they heat the rooms are eco-friendly and good for the environment. They are made of recycled wood that would normally be left at the local dumpsite. These stoves are cheaper to use than gas and add character to rooms.
Do I need to protect my floors?
Yes. Your manufacturer should be able to give you a list of suitable materials safe to use under wood pellet stoves. Each model is unique and could have varied results, so recommend to ask your professional before purchasing.
How do I shut down my stove?
Thats staright forward, look for the control switch and urn to OFF position according to the operation instructions. The fuel feed then stops feeding the fuel and once it’s cooled all motors and blowers stop operating. Never pull the plug out of the wall to stop operation.
Other factors for Venting System for Pellet stoves
Besides appliance requirements, what other factors may be considered in specifying pellet venting systems?
The following factors may play a role in the designation of the venting system:
- Altitude: Sounds funny but the higher the altitude installations, generally higher than 2500 feet above sea level, may require special venting options to provide adequate combustion air and/or draft.
- House Pressure: Extremely tight house construction or strong kitchen, bath, or other exhaust fans may create a negative pressure within the home that decreases venting effectiveness. May necessitate an approved outside air source.
- Windy Conditions. Unpredictable effects of high winds or prevailing wind conditions may necessitate the addition of vertical venting extending above the roof and/or special termination caps.
- Cleanout and Maintenance: The venting system must be designed with normal maintenance in mind.
How should pellet venting components be assembled and joined together?
Pellet Stove Appliance manufacturer instructions should always be followed closely regarding sealing joints and seams, particularly of pressurized mechanical exhaust vents. It is very important that they be gas tight so that they cannot leak.
Appliance manufacturer’s instructions for pipe sealing which exceed vent manufacturer’s instructions must take precedence.You can get a sense of what heating with pellets involves through an introduction to the principles of operation and the reasons for maintenance that you will come to understand as an experienced operator.
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Pellet stove venting layout
Options for venting layout?
Mechanical Exhaust:
- Sidewall horizontal venting (Figure 9). Is the least expensive venting system. Disadvantage of potential
smoke spilling into the house in the event of a power outage or component failure, or house depressurization , also can leave an ugly black smoke mark on the wall. - Horizontal vent with backup vertical venting (see Figure 10). Preferred horizontal method that avoids venting problems associated with unexpected appliance shutdown. Smoke mark will still occur.
- Vertical venting through the ceiling and roof (Figure 11). Has the advantages of keeping vent gases warm and of providing natural draft to prevent problems in an unexpected shutdown.
- Venting into existing chimney. Stove manufacturers provide recommendations for venting into masonry and factory-built chimneys, which may include partial or full chimney relining and cealing around the pellet stove.
- Natural Draft: All vents for appliances designed without mechanical exhaust fans must meet stove manufacturer’s requirements for minimum draft and must terminate above the roof line.
Vertical (Figure 12) Extends up from the stove and penetrates the ceiling and roof . Horizontal and vertical (Figure 13). Extends from the top or back of the appliance, penetrates the wall, turns up to penetrate the eave and roof.
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Pellet stove Ventilation
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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What determines Pellet Stove Location?
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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