Is Wood Pellet Heating Right for Your Home?

(StatePoint) Wood pellet heating is growing in popularity as more people discover its cost-saving, environmental and efficiency benefits. To understand exactly what wood pellet heating is and whether it's the right fit for your home, consider these answers to commonly asked questions.What is wood pellet heating? Wood pellet heating is a method of warming homes and buildings using small, compressed wood pellets as fuel. Compared to other heating methods, it's an affordable, efficient, and environmentally friendly option.How energy efficient is pellet heating? Due to the low-moisture content of wood pellets and the advanced combustion systems of modern wood pellet stoves, pellet heating can help lower bills and improve energy efficiency. In fact, it's possible to convert almost 100% of the pellets to heat energy with very little waste.How does the cost of wood pellet heating compare to other heating types? Installing pellet heating stoves is generally more affordable than other heating fuel sources. You'll also likely spend less or the same on fuel costs and may become eligible for tax credits. And because fossil fuels and other energy sources are more subject to market price swings, heating with wood pellets can help you predict your winter budget more accurately.Is pellet heating good for the planet? In addition to being energy efficient, wood pellet heating is also a solid choice for eco-conscious households because the pellets are a renewable resource made primarily from recycled or upcycled materials that may otherwise end up in a landfill.Is pellet heating convenient? Ready-to-use wood pellets are found in most gardening and home improvement retailers. You can also arrange for home delivery. Wood pellets can be used in many types of appliances, including stoves, furnaces, fireplace inserts and boilers, making this a versatile heating method. An added bonus is that they are easy to store and take up less room than traditional cord wood. Modern wood pellet stoves auto light, auto feed and can be controlled by a thermostat, remote or smartphone app, providing the conveniences of modern heating, with the ambiance, warmth and beauty of wood-fired heat.What factors should I consider when choosing an appliance? Consider where you'll place it in your home to ensure you have enough room. You should also factor in the size of the space you're heating and your aesthetic needs. Lastly, look for an easy-to-clean appliance that will minimize ash production.When buying pellets, what should I consider? Seek out high-quality pellets that light easily and burn efficiently. Check out the product's British Thermal Unit (BTU) rating, which indicates its energy output. The higher the BTUs, the hotter the pellets will burn. You should also buy pellets that maintain an ash content below 1% of the total pellet weight. And check to make sure the pellet manufacturer is certified by the Pellet Fuels Institute."Switching to wood pellet heat offers numerous advantages, from energy efficiency and cost savings to environmental sustainability and ease of use. Consumers can enjoy the beauty and warmth of wood heat with the ease and control of a modern heating system," says Jonah Levine, director of heating for Lignetics Group, a pioneer in transforming wood waste into premium, environmentally friendly, 100% natural products for more than three decades.To learn more about wood pellet heating, check out the educational resources found at pelletheat.com.Spring may be here, but home heating should be top of mind. If you're considering wood pellet heating, plan now so you'll be ready for next winter.*****Photo Credit: Hearth and Home Technologies