Are you curious about how to convert wood stove to pellet stove? Wood pellets in a wood stove were unheard of until recently. Pellets can only be burned in a dedicated pellet stove. However, because they burned so cleanly, pellet stove conversions became necessary.
The efficiency with which wood pellets burn far exceeds that of traditional firewood, which is best suited for wood stoves. Not to mention, it’s typically larger and may be awkward to work with.
So, if there is a way you can avoid that, you need to know it. Let us explore how you can convert and utilize a wood stove as a pellet stove.
Can Wood Pellets Be Used In A Conventional Stove?
It may sound impossible, but a wood stove can be converted into a pellet stove. That doesn’t mean you have to convert your wood stove to a pellet stove. There’s no need to modify the wood stove’s framework in any way.
Changing the stove’s ignite fuel is a simple task. They are referred known as wood stoves due to their traditional usage of wood for fires. Therefore, wood pellets would be used in stove pellets.
Therefore, if you need to convert a wood stove into a pellet stove, fire it up using wood pellets instead. And is it possible to utilize wood pellets in a standard wood stove? Absolutely. Here is how you can achieve it.
Convert Wood Stove To Pellet Stove
The use of a pellet insert or basket can transform a traditional wood stove into a pellet stove. The Energex Prometheus pellet insert, made in New Hampshire, is the industry standard.
This is the most common method for changing a wood stove into a pellet stove. To burn wood pellets in your wood stove, you will need to purchase an insert in the shape of a basket and place it inside the stove.
The fireplace surface of a standard wood stove isn’t designed to burn pellets efficiently. To prevent the pellets from damaging the surface, an insert made of metal must be used. The insert can be made out of steel or any other heat-conductive and heat-resistant metal.
You may find pellet inserts in retailers both online and offline. However, you must know the size of your wood stove before attempting to burn them. If you want to know how big your stove is, you should first clear it out and then measure it with tape.
If you take your time and measure carefully, installing the pellet insert shouldn’t be too challenging. You need simply watch that it doesn’t touch the woodstove’s sides. After installing it in your range, you’ll need to adjust the vents so that air can flow freely.
To convert the wood stove into a pellet stove, you must first open the flue. You probably didn’t find that to be too challenging. The potentially high cost is the sole potential drawback of pellet inserts.
How Exactly Does The Prometheus Function?
The Prometheus looks like a honeycomb pattern woven into a steel basket. The holes let air through, which helps keep the wood pellets flowing smoothly and cleanly.
Prometheus’s multiple air intake and exhaust ports allow for greater airflow and greater constitution. They range in size from 10 inches up to about 26 inches. This means you’ll need to take stock of your wood stove’s measurements if you’re interested in purchasing one.
The Prometheus can transport up to 30 lb. of wood pellets at once. If you load your stove up with enough pellets, it might keep you toasty for as long as 12 hours.
Is It Worth It to Switch From A Wood Stove To A Pellet Stove?
These days, wood stoves have been around for quite some time. Because of this, they are increasingly commonplace in residential settings. Although they are a great option for home heating, wood pellets have various advantages.
The most noticeable difference is that pellets take up much less space. Since wood pellets are essentially compressed sawdust, they won’t take up as much room as traditional firewood would. A bag is all you need to bring them about, so that’s a plus for portability.
In contrast, if you want to use traditional firewood, you’ll need to keep a stockpile of logs on hand. All the room it takes up is better used elsewhere. Most folks also don’t have particularly spacious dwellings, to begin with.
Wood pellets also produce less smoke and ash than logs when burned as fuel. This is because their makeup often won’t contain a lot of nasties. That makes them cleaner burners, and able to produce heat with less smoke. Therefore, they are less prone to cause environmental damage.
Pellets made from wood are economical as well. For the same amount of heat produced by a stove using firewood, you would only need to consume a fraction of the number of pellets. Their heating efficiency also reduces operating costs and makes them convenient to employ.
Further, the pellet stove is less complicated to operate than a traditional wood stove. Their efficient burning is due in large part to the fact that they are smaller in size.
That wood stove might be replaced with a pellet stove. There is a myriad of methods from which you will profit.
Conclusion
Burning wood pellets in your wood stove is a great way to produce heat while being eco-friendly. Although it might cost more upfront to invest in a pellet insert, you’ll save money in the long run. Not to mention, you’ll be doing your part to help the environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What Is The Best Way To Store Wood Pellets?
A: When it comes to storing wood pellets, there are several important factors to consider. The pellets should be kept dry and protected from moisture, as wet pellets will not burn efficiently and may even be ruined. It is also important to keep the pellets away from any potential sources of ignition, such as a nearby wood stove or fireplace. The storage area should have adequate ventilation to prevent the buildup of combustible gases.
Additionally, storing the pellets in their original packaging or an airtight container can help keep them dry and protect against pests. When selecting a location for storage, avoid areas that experience extreme temperature fluctuations or high levels of sunlight as these can also impact the quality of the pellets. With proper planning and care, wood pellets can provide a reliable source of energy for months or even years.
Q: How Long Do Wood Pellets Last?
A: The lifespan of wood pellets depends on several factors, such as the type of pellet and storage conditions. In general, pellets made from premium hardwoods can last up to two years when stored properly in a dry location. Softwood pellets may have a slightly shorter lifespan, with an estimated shelf life of 18 months under proper storage conditions. However, if wood pellets are exposed to excessive moisture or fluctuating temperatures, they may begin to degrade and lose their efficiency sooner.
It is important to check for any visible mold or dampness before using a pellet, as these can impact burn efficiency and may produce harmful smoke or odors. Overall, properly stored wood pellets can provide efficient heat for up to two years. To get the most out of your pellets, it is recommended to rotate your supply regularly and inspect for any signs of degradation before use.