The Safety of Pellet Stoves: A Warm and Secure Heating Solution
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This time of year, many homeowners are considering alternative heating options to keep their homes sufficiently heated and their energy bills reasonable. Pellet stoves have gained popularity in recent years, not only due to efficiency and eco-friendliness, but also for safety's sake. In this post, we'll explore why pellet stoves are considered to be one of the safest heating options available.
Advanced safety features
Modern pellet stoves come equipped with multiple safety mechanisms:
1. Automatic Shut-off: Most pellet stoves have sensors that detect abnormal operating conditions, such as overheating or improper venting. If an issue is detected, the pellet stove automatically stops feeding or shuts off completely to prevent potential hazards. Comfortbilt pellet stoves are equipped with an "overheat sensor" so that if the pellet stove reaches 190 degrees inside of the hopper, the over heat alarm will be engaged and subsequently stop feeding pellets to the pellet stove burn chamber.
2. Pressure Switches: These ensure that the exhaust system is functioning correctly. If there's any blockage or malfunction within the venting system, the pressure switch will cut off the fuel supply. Comfortbilt pellet stoves are equipped with a vacuum switch that will discontinue pellet feeding if there is no vacuum pressure. This prevents any build up of pellets within the burn chamber of the pellet stove.
3. Hopper Fire Prevention: Pellet stoves are designed in such a way that it is extremely unlikely that the fire within the burn chamber could travel back into the hopper where pellets are stored. This design element significantly reduces the risk of a fire "climbing" up to the hopper.
4. Hopper Lid Switch: Comfortbilt pellet stoves are equipped with a hopper lid switch to protect any fingers or appendages from being damaged by the auger. When the pellet stove is feeding pellets from the hopper via the auger, and the hopper fill lid is opened, the switch will be triggered to cease the rotation of the auger.
Regulated Fuel Feed
Pellets are fed into the burn pot at a controlled rate, preventing over-firing and reducing the risk of chimney fires. Comfortbilt has an intuitive controller that has multiple feed rates to keep you warm even in the dead of winter.
Efficient Burning
Pellets burn far more completely than wood which in turn produces far less creosote buildup in your chimney or piping. The presence of creosote buildup is a major contributing factor in chimney fires.
Lower Surfacer Temperatures
Pellet stoves generally have lower external surface temperatures compared to wood stoves, reducing the risk of accidental burns from touching any part of the surface of the pellet stove.
Easy Maintenance
Regular maintenance is key to the safe operation of any heating appliance. Pellet stoves are designed for easy cleaning and maintenance. Part of this regular maintenance is the cleaning of ashes. Many pellet stoves offered by Comfortbilt come with a separate ash pan where most of the ashes end up, making cleanup a less daunting task.
Professional Installation Matters
While pellet stoves are inherently safe, proper installation by a well informed homeowner, or a certified professional is crucial. This ensures that all safety features function correctly and that the stove is properly vented.
Pellet stoves and pellet stove inserts offer a winning combination of efficiency, eco-friendliness, and safety. With their advanced features and controlled burning process, they provide peace of mind along with a warm, cozy home. As with any heating appliance, following manufacturer guidelines for use and maintenance is essential to ensure years of safe operation.
Looking to find the perfect pellet stove for your home? Whether you need a pellet stove fireplace insert or a freestanding pellet stove, ComfortBilt has a variety of options to suit your needs. Compare our full lineup of pellet stoves HERE, or compare our pellet stoves side by side by clicking HERE
