Have you considered making the switch to wood pellet heat, but you’re not sure where to start?
Or perhaps you think about it each fall when the temps start to dip, but it seems too late to make the change?
Now is actually the perfect time to start the process, and there are a ton of associated benefits. Wood pellet heat is an example of “biomass energy,” which is energy produced from organic matter.
Plus, good pellet stoves and inserts add more than just heat to your home. From pellet stove efficiency to available tax credits and heating bill savings, there are numerous reasons homeowners switch to pellet stoves.
Energy Efficiency
A properly maintained and functioning pellet stove is an incredibly efficient heating method compared to oil or other pellet options. A highly rated pellet stove can offer a full day’s worth of consistent heat with one hopper of pellet fuel, lowering your heating costs compared to traditional methods.
The EPA measures pellet stove efficiency and has a list of 100+ pellet stoves that are EPA-certified. Federal tax credits are available for stoves that are at least 75% efficient, per the higher heating value (HHV) of the stove. The credit applies to the tax year in which the stove was installed.
Sustainability
Pellet stoves are a friend of the environment, using biomass fuels for energy, which have extremely low particulate emissions. In fact, burning one ton of pellets (rather than using oil) can reduce carbon emissions by nearly 1.5 tons, according to the Pellet Fuels Institute. Pellet stoves, such as Forge & Flame stoves, are designed to extract the most heat from fuel, and produce lower particulate emissions compared to alternative heating methods such as oil or gas.
Cost Savings
As we mentioned above, pellet stove users also enjoy reduced heating costs. The overall savings depend on your home’s square footage, local climate considerations and stove size. However, studies have shown a pellet stove could heat up to 2,500 square feet for as little as $4 per day. To calculate how much you can save by switching to pellets, visit our pellet fuel savings calculator. What’s more, there’s a federal incentive that permits pellet stove owners to claim a 30% tax credit with a maximum cap of $2,000 per year through December 31, 2032 for stoves installed after January 1, 2023.
Functionality
Pellet stoves are easy to use, and they are automated. They can control temperature with automated pellet feeding systems designed to maintain consistent heat at your set temperature, all without human intervention. Certain models also have automated alerts to remind owners about cleaning and fuel, which increases efficiency and ease of use.
Dependability, Consistency and Longevity
Pellet stoves are incredibly reliable, producing steady, controllable heat over time and providing comfort during cold months. Pellet stoves can last 10-15 years on average. However, proper maintenance and care can extend a stove’s lifetime far beyond this timeframe.
Switching to wood pellet heat offers numerous advantages, from energy efficiency and cost savings to environmental sustainability and ease of use. By investing in a pellet stove, you can enjoy a reliable, consistent, and eco-friendly heating solution that can significantly reduce your heating bills and carbon footprint. Now is the perfect time to make the switch and start reaping the benefits of wood pellet heat.
