Thoughts on pellet stoves

[Willc]

I found one cheap. Anyone use one? It looks like they have to have 110 power to run. I don't use the heat here much at all so I think a half ton of pellets would last all heating season(not long in NC) .

[sammi_davis]

 They are pretty nice and most will run on a 12v backup . Some of the newer ones will burn corn too . The pellets are 200ish a ton and I would bet two tons would be more than enough for you to make it through the winter .

[Willc]

I am looking for heat for when the power goes out. I know the 12 volt fan on the pop up is a power hog .It looks like the power runs the feed auger and blower. It looks like some models might have a blower to pull in outside air?

[sammi_davis]

I am looking for heat for when the power goes out. I know the 12 volt fan on the pop up is a power hog .It looks like the power runs the feed auger and blower. It looks like some models might have a blower to pull in outside air?

 Yes some do have a blower . I think the 12v will run it 6 hours ?

[Willc]

looking at this for 500
englander 25-PDVC

[redidbull]

I know a couple people that have them and the throw some heat. Jim

[onedesertdog]

We have one. It's one of the better ones out there, it's a Whitfield( Hi Whitfield)

VERY happy with it. It is 87% efficient as compared to a fireplace which is about 27% efficient.
2 speed blower, thermostat controlled(if you want). The exhaust requires only a through the wall piping set up. No up the wall to the roof exhaust pipe.

It's better to have one that has a larger ash box to collect the residue. We have to empty ours about every 3 days or so. Only a small drawer you pull out to empty. You can do it while the stove is running. GREAT flame action, and you can also get(which we have) the ceramic logs to really do it up. We are at 7,000 el. which I thought might be a prob., but it burns so clean and efficient it unbelieveable.
1 40# bags lasts about 3 days, depending on the temp. We turn ours down to the lowest setting at night, and it keeps 1350 sq. ft. quite cozy with temp. down to 20 or so.

I also have a Honda 1,000 gen. for back-up if the need were to arise.

Only 4  things I feel are a drawback, and they aren't major.

1. I wouldn't(although we do) use it as a sole heating source.

2. I find, the blower motor distracting while watching TV. (on a side note), I am 60% deaf in my left ear, and 40% deaf in my right. I also have Tinnitus in both ears. So noises,tv, bother me.

3. Storage for the Pellets is a pain. What used to be $3.25 for a 40# bag of Premium pellets now cost $5.25. UNLESS you buy in bulk.

4. The biggest issue as far as I'm concerned, is watching the wife(tm) loading/unloading the bags.
Her Having to go outside in the cold and get the bags from the storage shed(MUST keep them dry).
                                                         

All in all, I say get one. Especially if you can get good deals on pellets.


Here's a pic of ours. The mantel isn't done yet sorry, and all the wires are gone now.


We are leaving tomorrow btw to go up North. The Pellet Stove will be used.

[ddement]

We have the Quadra Fire castille insert and it does pretty well. We use it during the day even though it is on a thermostat as we just leave the central heat on at night. It heaats pretty good and only needs cleaning every week or so. Pellets are 5 bucks a bag here.