A wood pellet stove is a type of heating appliance powered by burning wood pellets. Whether you opt for a forced air, convection or hydro pellet stove, these appliances can be used as a primary or additional heating system.
Wood pellet stoves are made up of various components:
- a hopper or tank to store wood pellets (with a capacity of 15 to 50 kg);
- a pellet auger used to feed fuel into the burn chamber;
- a heating element or igniter;
- a sensor to regulate fresh air intake and pellet supply;
- a control panel to adjust settings;
- a smoke exhaust system (flue or vent pipe).
Wood pellet stoves can use various types of heating technology:
- convection stoves are often used as additional heating systems, but can be used as the main heat source in single-storey houses measuring under 100 m² as long as the stove is installed in the centre of the house and all interior doors are left open;
- forced-air stoves are work better as a primary heating system, but do require ductwork to distribute warm air throughout the home;
- hydro pellet models version can be coupled with central heating radiators or underfloor heating systems.
The heat output of your pellet stove must be matched to the size of the room or house you are looking to heat. The formula used varies depending on the quality of your home's insulation.
- 100 W/m² for homes with average insulation;
- 60 W/m² for well-insulated homes .
Various features are available to improve pellet stove performance and user comfort:
- energy-saving models work to automatically power off the appliance when a desired temperature is reached;
- an eco mode can be used to keep the home at a minimum temperature (usually factory set to 15°C) while you're away;
- a warning signal to indicate when the tank is almost empty;
- a remote control;
- Wi-Fi control;
- an open door safety system.
In short, your choice of pellet stove depends on whether you want a primary or additional heating system (to use with UFH, etc.), the size of the room you want to heat and any additional features you desire (programming, remote control, and so on).
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