Can you put a pellet stove in a fireplace? Read our in-depth information on insert and freestanding pellet stoves to learn more about their operation, efficiency, and suitability before making a purchase.

Many people in colder regions are looking for cost-effective solutions to keep their homes warm, as heating costs typically make up a sizable portion of annual power bills. Pellet stoves, both freestanding and those designed to fit into an existing fireplace, are becoming a commonplace option. Even though they function more like a modern furnace, they have the appearance of a classic wood stove.

Should You Invest in a Pellet Stove?

Simply load the hopper with pellets (compacted sawdust) and turn on the stove’s thermostat to enjoy a toasty evening indoors. The pellets are fed into a burn pot by a motorized auger, where they are burnt at such a high temperature that they produce little creosote to plug vents and very little ash or pollutants.

The best part is that, compared to traditional wood stoves that aren’t EPA-approved, these are roughly twice as efficient at heating a home.

A pellet stove could be the primary source of heat in a smaller residence or a supplementary one in a larger one. A pellet stove may be a stylish addition to any home, despite its reputation as a hard worker.

Cost of Pellet Stoves and Inserts.

Depending on the model, size, and heating capacity, a pellet stove or insert can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000. The cost of the chimney liner or vent pipe can add $200-$300.

Do it yourself or hire a professional?

If you don’t feel safe drilling holes in your walls, have a professional handle the installation. Pipes can be routed in a variety of directions, including horizontally out an outside wall, vertically through the roof, or even up the chimney if an insert is included. Depending on how complicated the repair is, you should expect to pay anywhere from $250 up to $1,000.

How much mess do we have to clean up?

Cleaning up after using a pellet stove is significantly less of a hassle than after using an older wood-burning stove or fireplace. It is recommended to empty the ashtray once a week if it is used every day.

Does the government offer rebates or discounts on certain purchases?

Several states provide tax credits for pellet stoves, and pellets are exempt from sales tax in New York. For additional information, contact the energy office in your state.

Comparison: Pellet Stoves Vs. Wood Stoves

Inside a pellet stove is a high-tech mechanism with a circuit board, a thermostat, and fans, all of which work together to heat your room efficiently; this is the fundamental difference between a pellet stove and its main competitor, a wood stove. Listed below are some further distinguishing features.

Efficiency

Pellet: Between sixty and eighty percent of the gasoline you use goes toward heating your home.

Wood: Between 30% and 80%

Maintenance

Pellet: When using high-quality pellets, you only need to empty the ashtray once every week. Burn pot debris and unburned pellets need to be scraped out once a week. Before turning on the heat for the season, check and clean the vents.

Wood: Clear the ash every three days at the absolute least. At the beginning of the heating season, it is important to clean the chimney, inspect the stove, and check the door gasket.

Varieties of Ventilation

Pellet: Minimal smoke is produced thanks to a fan that draws exhaust via a vertical or horizontal vent pipe and out of the building.

Wood: A smoke exhaust system that relies solely on gravity and a vertical chimney to vent its noxious byproducts.

Get your hands on some gas today!

Pellet: Pellets can be purchased in 40-pound containers at most home improvement stores, hardware stores, and supermarkets in colder regions. Pellets can be purchased by the ton, which is the unit of delivery offered by retailers.

Wood: Depending on the climate, you could even harvest your hardwood, although it would need to be seasoned first. It is also available in bundles or by the cord from tree service companies or hardware stores.

Combustion oil reserves

Pellet: Pellet bags should be stored inside, away from the elements.

Wood: To keep termites from destroying your home, store your wood in a dry, protected area outside.

Where to Install a Pellet Stove

Security clearances

Pellet stoves produce a lot of heat, and it’s important to keep them at least 36 inches away from any flammable objects and put them in a low-traffic area of the home, especially if you have young children.

Venting

Exhaust pipes can be sealed off directly at the building’s outside, or they can ascend the chimney or roof. Combustion air comes from the outdoors via a second intake line.

Energy source

To power the stove’s blowers, thermostat, and circuit board, nearly all pellet stoves need to be plugged into an outlet. If your stove is your only source of heat, you might want to invest in a battery backup system (for around $300) in case of an unexpected power outage.

Coverings for the Floors

To prevent accidental fires caused by stray embers, pellet stoves should be placed on a hearth made of stone or ceramic tile. The pad needs to be 6 inches wider than the door.

Choosing An Appropriate Stove Size

Generally, 5,000 Btus of firepower will heat 200 square feet, though this varies depending on factors including your home’s layout, insulation, and local environment. Have a dealer come out to your house to measure the area and provide a recommendation on a model that would fit well in your new home.

Be aware, nevertheless, that the stove’s heat will be most concentrated in the rooms immediately adjacent to where it is put. To better distribute the heat, a stove can be placed near a furnace return vent and the furnace fan is turned on to act as a secondary heating source. Warm air can also be dispersed with the help of a ceiling fan whose blades have been turned counterclockwise.

Price Analyses

The cost to purchase and install a new stove to serve as the primary heat source for a 2,000-square-foot home in a cold area is estimated at $3,000, with an additional $980 needed to purchase four tons of wood pellets. Depending on what you’re already using to heat your home, the stove might pay for itself in as little as a year.

• A winter of oil costs $1,857, which is $877 more than pellets. Just four years are needed to recoup your initial investment.
• Electricity prices are roughly $1,326 more expensive per year than pellets. In the third year, you should start seeing a profit.
• Pellets are more cost-effective than natural gas if you use a fireplace or an older wood stove for supplemental heating. The annual cost of natural gas is $623.

Can You Put A Pellet Stove In A Fireplace?

Yes, but you need to take some precautions. First, pellet stoves get very hot, so make sure the surround is made of non-combustible materials like stone, ceramic tile, or metal. Second, because pellet stoves require a fresh air intake, you’ll need to install a fresh air kit that brings in air from outside; otherwise, the stove will pull air (and heat) from your home. And finally, you’ll need to install a special liner in the chimney that’s compatible with the pellet stove. All of these precautions are necessary to prevent fires.

Conclusion

Pellet stoves are a great way to save money on your heating bills and they’re also environmentally friendly. If you’re thinking about installing one in your home, make sure to follow all the necessary safety precautions.