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Pellet Stove Inserts

Did you know that pellet stove inserts can often be installed into an existing fireplace? Not only can a pellet stove help to lower your heating costs, it can also circulate the heat more effectively in your home. Is this a good choice for you?

The Pellet Stove Insert is a Great Alternative Source For Heat

Simon Harris

If you own a fireplace and are tired of losing the heat it produces up the chimney it may be time to consider a pellet stove insert to create a more efficient source of heat. These are easily purchased and installed for any existing fireplace. It is designed to provide a better heat source by circulating the heat it creates and does a better job at heating an area than a fireplace alone. The pellets that you will use to fuel your fireplace insert are actually wood waste. These pellets are made from wood scrap and from wood shavings and are formed into pellets. They are not as common as cord wood but you will be able to find these pellets easily. You feed your fire with these pellets which creates a gentle and more efficient heat.

These pellets actually are cheaper than using a cord of wood for its heating value. It is estimated that it costs $14.39 to use wood pellets to produce one million BTU. The cost of using cord wood is $15.83. According to the U.S. Department of Energy the cost of coal to produce the same energy is $5.35 while the cost for natural gas is $19.62. The cost for oil is $22.59 while the cost for propane would be $27.77. It is interesting to note that electric would cost $30.82. The cost is significant but keep in mind that using a pellet stove insert does take extra work. It is not as easy as turning a switch on and off.

The technology of these types of appliances has improved over the last few years. These pellet stove inserts are now manufactured and EPA certified to produce no more than 7.5 grams of smoke per hour. They have been improved greatly over the old 40 grams of smoke per hour. These devices can now be fully automated but it does take electricity to operate them or at least some form of battery backup or portable power generator. You will also have to allow for plenty of space to store your pellets. You will have to supply your stove with with plenty of pellets on a frequent basis to keep the fire going. Investigate the possibilities of using a pellet unit as a great alternative heat source.

Simon Harris writes about Pellet Stoves at http://www.pellet-stove-review.net.