Benefits of Pellet Stoves

September 6, 2008 · Filed Under Pellet Stove Appliances, Pellet Stove Installation · 2 Comments 

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.

Tags: ,

Pellet stove venting layout

July 1, 2008 · Filed Under Pellet Stove Installation · 1 Comment 

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.

Click here for more information on Pellet Stove Installation.

Tags: , , ,

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.

Click here for more information on Pellet Stove Installation.

Tags: ,