Pellet and wood stoves offer a cozy, sustainable, and economical way to heat your home, even during power outages. Whether you’re considering these stoves for comfort, cost savings, or emergency preparedness, here’s what you need to know.

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Benefits of Pellet and Wood Stoves

Reliable Heating: Wood stoves function without electricity, ensuring warmth during outages.

Savings: Users report savings on heating bills—ranging from $50/month to $1,500/year.

Tax Credit: A federal tax credit (26% of purchase and installation costs) is available for qualifying models, dropping to 22% in 2023.

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Key Considerations

Regulations and Space:

• Check local regulations to ensure stove installation is allowed.
• Clearance Requirements:
• Wood Stoves: 3 feet from walls/combustibles.
• Pellet Stoves: Only 2-6 inches clearance needed.

Heating Needs:

• Estimate 20 BTUs per square foot for sufficient heating.
• Larger fireboxes/hoppers reduce the need for frequent refills:
• Wood Stoves: Burn for 10-12 hours.
• Pellet Stoves: Run up to 24 hours.

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Choosing the Right Stove

Certified Units: Look for models certified by the EPA for clean burning and efficiency.

Pellet Stoves:
- Burn recycled sawdust pellets.
- Easy-to-use hoppers feed pellets automatically.

Wood Stoves:
- Use various types of logs.
- Certain woods (oak, maple, walnut) burn more efficiently.

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Installation Tips

• Hire a certified professional installer (e.g., NFI-certified) for compliance with building codes and safety.
• Installation costs: $1,000–$2,000.
• Professional installation may be required for homeowners insurance coverage.

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Safety and Maintenance Tools

Fire-Safe Accessories:
- Hearth rug, safety gate, welders' gloves, and a wood stove fan.

Cleaning Tools:
- Ash Vacuum: Removes fine ash without spreading it.
- Humidifier & Air Purifier: Combat dry air and airborne particulates.

Backup Power: Battery backup or generator for pellet stoves during outages.

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Maintenance Checklist

• Annual Inspection:
• Certified inspector to check venting, flue, and fittings.
• Cost: $200–$500.
• Regular Cleaning:
• Twice a year, clean the stove pipe or flue to prevent creosote buildup and chimney fires.
• Ash Removal: Daily clearing; ashes can be composted or used in gardens.
• Alarm Maintenance: Replace smoke and CO2 detector batteries every 6 months.

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Maximizing Performance

• Read the Manual: Learn optimal loading techniques and temperature control.
• Online Resources: Forums like Hearth.com offer advice and troubleshooting.

With proper planning, maintenance, and safety measures, a pellet or wood stove can be a long-lasting, efficient solution to keep your home warm and inviting.

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