=====[srform] Trying to keep your home warm during the cooler months of the year can greatly increase your utility costs. One option you have is...
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Trying to keep your home warm during the cooler months of the year can greatly increase your utility costs. One option you have is to install a pellet stove in the home. This enables you to warm up the area without making a huge impact on your utility bill.
ImproveNet connects you with local professionals to handle pellet stove installation. Many of these will also take repair jobs.
Large Or Small Pellet Stove?
One of the first things you need to do is determine the size of the pellet stove you need to install. You need to know the square footage of the area that’s being heated by the stove. The heating capability is measured in British thermal units, or BTUs. Pellet stoves with a larger BTU rating will heat larger areas. The same is true for other forms of heating, including natural gas and electric furnaces.
Typically, pellet stoves, including a pellet stove fireplace insert, will range from 8000 to 90,000 BTUs. As a general rule, pellet stoves need approximately 5000 BTUs to heat 200 square feet of space. This is a direct heat source that’s highly efficient.
Average Pellet Stove Cost
The size of the pellet stove and the style will both impact the price you pay for one. If you opt to go with a fireplace insert style, you may find stoves for $1900 to $3400. A stand-alone pellet stove will likely range in cost from around $3100 to $4950.
Be sure that you check the BTUs for the unit you’re considering, as more expensive options aren’t always the best value. You can expect to pay more for pellet stoves that have ornate features than what you’ll pay for one that’s just a simple design.
On top of the cost of purchasing the unit itself, you’ll need to get several other supplies. These include:
- A hearth pad: $40 to $300
- A back-up power supply: $150 to $500
- An ash vacuum: $100 to $200
- A vent brush: $15 to $35
Some models might require you to have a ceiling vent put in. This is going to cost an average of $600 to $800, not including the installation fee.
Because pellet stoves can emit carbon monoxide, which is odorless, you should also invest in a good carbon monoxide detector. The average cost of one is $10 to $15 but might be a bit more for more advanced models. Most homeowners can handle the installation of this on their own. Be sure you mark your calendar to check the batteries on the carbon monoxide detector at least monthly.
Quotes For Pellet Stove Installation
The price of the pellet stove is only one of the costs you need to consider. You’ll also need to pay the installation cost for the unit. While some individuals opt to handle the installation as a do-it-yourself project, it’s best to hire a professional so you know that the job is done properly.
Pellet Stoves As Decor Options
The pellet stove you choose is only one part of your home’s decor. Other areas of your home, such as your kitchen, may also be central style elements. For example, you can take a step back in time if you find a pellet stove and a kitchen stove and oven that have a vintage look. Fortunately, the new options have the full functionality of modern stoves but have the appearance of an older unit.
How To Fix A Pellet Stove Auger
One of the more common pellet stove repair jobs that has to be done is fixing the auger. This is the part of a top-loading pellet stove that enables the pellets to be fed into the stove. When it isn’t working properly, the stove may not produce the heat you need. There’s also a chance that the stove will emit smoke.
Repairing the auger is a job that’s best handled by a professional, since it has a direct impact on the safety of the pellet stove. It’s sometimes challenging to determine what’s wrong with the auger. A professional will have checklists and manufacturer information to help them determine the issue.
When pellets aren’t being fed properly into the unit, the problem might lie with the pressure-sensing switch. This could require a simple cleaning, but it may need to be replaced. Another possible problem that could cause improper feeding is a restricted airflow in the pellet stove pipe vent.
Who Fixes Pellet Stoves?
Pellet stoves should be cleaned weekly to help ensure safety. They also need to be inspected and serviced by a professional annually. ImproveNet can quickly put you in touch with professionals who can install, inspect, or repair the pellet stove you need to keep your home warm and cozy.
