- Pellet stoves are named after the slender, compact cylinder pellets made of sawdust and recycled wood that are used to fuel them. There are two types of pellets: standard, and premium, which is a bit pricer but produces less ash.
- No. Some stoves can burn only wheat, corn and other pellet materials. According to ConsumerReports.org, "Multifuel" inserts and stoves can burn pellets made from wood and wood alternatives. Warranties are voided if you burn pellets that aren't approved for use in your stove.
- Most pellet stoves use electricity to function. If the power goes out and you're burning pellets, it will get very smoky, very fast. Avoid the problem, especially if it's your main source of heat, by ensuring your stove has a backup power source.
- According to the Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association (HPBA), routine maintenance of a pellet stove is important. Cleaning out the hopper, ash drawer and getting yearly professional servicing to inspect your stove is crucial. "In addition, the HPBA recommends that chimneys and vents be inspected annually (and cleaned as necessary) by a chimney sweep certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America," according to the StaticHPBA.org website.
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