Creative Energy Answers Your Wood Burning and a Pellet Stove Stove Questions
Winter is right around the corner and the Bay Area is already experiencing colder temperatures. Many homeowners are making the switch to central heating stoves to keep their homes warm in the winter because they are energy-efficient, aesthetically pleasing, and oh-so-cozy! Any home can be equipped with a heating stove and if you enjoy the appeal of a burning fire as opposed to a gas-fueled one, a wood-burning or pellet stove is a great option for you. But which stove is better for your needs?
Creative Energy has been the Bay Area’s leading provider for heating stoves for over 40 years! In this guide, we outline some of the biggest differences between wood-burning stoves and pellet stoves to help you determine which is best for your home and lifestyle.
Which is Easier to Use, a Wood-Burning Stove or a Pellet Stove?
Both pellet stoves and wood stoves have their own unique advantages and disadvantages in terms of ease of use.
Wood Stove Ease of Use
With a wood stove, you will need to keep an eye on the fire and periodically make adjustments to keep it burning. Wood can be temperamental to ignite and require additional fuel (more wood) to keep burning at your desired temperature.
However, many owners who prefer the crackling ambiance of a wood-burning fire don’t mind this additional upkeep and enjoy the activity of tending to the fire. In the event of a power outage, your wood-burning fire stove will still function perfectly fine. It will provide heat and light as long as you have wood to fuel it.
Pellet Stove Ease of Use
A pellet stove will provide continuous and automatic heat simply by turning it on. All you have to do is keep the pellet reservoir full, and the electric auger will automatically deliver pellets into the burn chamber. Pellet stoves have sensors that automatically deliver more pellets into the burner to maintain a consistent temperature while in use.
The downside to many automatic pellet stoves is that they are inoperable if your home loses power. The mechanical system used to keep the burn chamber continuously full of pellets does require electricity to operate.
Is a Wood Stove or a Pellet Stove Easier to Maintain?
Some maintenance will be required no matter which type of heating stove you choose. Pellet and wood-burning stoves need to be cleaned regularly to ensure they are operating safely and efficiently at all times.
Wood Stove Maintenance
Like a fireplace chimney, a wood-burning stove will need to be regularly inspected by a certified technician. They will remove any soot or other potentially-hazardous debris that builds up over time, and inspect the components for signs of damage or wear. Cleaning out your stove of any old ash or flammable debris before each use will reduce the risk of accidents as well as prolong the lifespan of your unit.
Pellet Stove Maintenance
As long as you follow all manufacturer recommendations, your pellet stove should be very simple to maintain. Cleaning out excess debris before each use is an easy way to ensure it remains in safe working order for many years. You should regularly check all the components for any signs of damage, but overall the amount of maintenance required for a pellet stove is minimal.
Which is Safer, a Wood Stove or a Pellet Stove?
Fire safety is a huge concern for many homeowners. However, with proper use and care, a heating stove is perfectly safe to use. All fire stoves get hot. Maintain proper distance and adult supervision is always required.
Wood Stove Safety
Wood logs can spark and produce flying embers when burning. If your stove is not properly contained, this could be a big fire risk. Keeping your wood stove door closed while in use. Remove any previously-burned debris in between each use to significantly reduce any danger.
Pellet Stove Safety
Pellet stoves are one of the safest options for heating your home because they produce less smoke, sparks, and embers. But it is important to remember that a pellet stove will always be hot to the touch when operating. Everyone in your household should remain a safe distance from the unit. And of course, small children and pets need to be supervised while it is in use.
Find the Best Stove to Heat Your Home this Winter at Creative Energy
Still unsure if you should buy a wood-burning stove or a pellet stove? Creative Energy offers a full range of wood-burning stoves and pellet stoves. Our experts are here to help you find the best model for your needs.
Contact us online with all your questions today. In addition, feel free to schedule an appointment to visit one of our showrooms in San Rafael, San Mateo, or Concord.