Just like any other heating appliance, safety takes center stage when discussing pellet stoves. How safe are pellet stoves? Pellet stoves are very different from conventional stoves not only in their design but also when it comes to safety. These stoves are safer but there is still a need to be careful when using them. Commonly, pellet stoves are used for secondary heating. In some homes, they are the primary heat sources. Whether you are using them for secondary or primary heating purposes, the risks will be just the same and safety precautions will be necessary.
Most of the fatalities experienced with pellet stoves can be attributed to installation mishaps. For instance, if the hopper isn’t installed correctly, chances are that the pellets will catch fire. This can be quite dangerous as it can bring down the whole house. It is for this reason that the stove needs to be installed by a professional. Preferably, the professional should be certified or licensed to do the installations. Improper installation can result in smoke damage, fire and even carbon monoxide poisoning. This should be avoided at all costs.
Are Pellet Stoves Safe?
Compared to conventional stoves, pellet stoves are very safe. Their safety is pegged to the fact that they do not produce a lot of smoke. The pellets used are very efficient, producing a lot of heat and little smoke. In fact, it can be difficult to realize that these stoves are producing smoke at all. The small amount of gas and smoke produced is vented through a pipe that runs to the outside. This eliminates the need to have a big masonry chimney for the stove.
How Safe Is It To Use Electricity In Pellet Stoves
The use of electricity in pellet stoves is inevitable. This is because the fans need a fan for heat distribution. Electricity is also used in the operation of the auger. Remember that most of these stoves feed the fireplace automatically. This means that the use of electricity to move the pellets from the hopper to the fireplace is necessary. The amount of electricity used is not high and a comparison with electric stoves will show you that only a small amount of electricity will be needed. When it comes to the safety of using electricity in the stoves, no risks have been experienced.
The electricity system is different from the pellet system. The stove is designed in such a way that the electric cords will never get into the stove. This means that the fire produced in the stove will never come into contact with the electric cords. This is vital in the maintenance of the stove’s safe operation. More importantly, the stove can be connected to the regular power outlet. It operates in the plug and play model that doesn’t require you to handle loose wires. This makes the stove safe for use in homes.
Important Safety Tips To Remember When Using Pellet Stoves
- Choose The Right Location For Your Pellet Stove
The installation of a pellet stove needs to be well thought out. You will need to make sure that the stove is located in an area which is well ventilated. It would be wrong to focus on the area that will heat the whole house with ease and forget about your safety. The stove needs adequate supply of oxygen. Otherwise, there will be incomplete combustion, resulting in the production of harmful gases such as carbon monoxide. The location should also take into account that the room will also have some furniture. These stoves produce a lot of heat, especially in the areas surrounding the stove. Placing furniture or other flammable objects near the stove can be a safety risk.
- Watch Out For Carbon Monoxide
Even after the installation of the pellet stove has been done by an expert, you will need to be cautious when operating it. The stove may be properly ventilated, but if the pellets are not of the required standards, carbon monoxide will still be produced. It is advisable that you install a carbon monoxide detector if you will be heating your home with a pellet stove. This detector should be within 10 feet of the stove to ensure that it is efficient.
- Only Burn Approved Substances
One of the reasons behind fatalities experienced with pellet stoves is burning of fuels other than the recommended pellets. Pellet stoves are able to burn a mixture of pellets and other fuels, such as corn, but this doesn’t mean that it should be used to burn anything. Burning other products other than the recommended fuel can result in explosions or the production of deadly gases.
Pellet stoves are generally known to be safe stoves. This is one of the reasons why they have become a darling for many homeowners. However, if not installed, operated and maintained appropriately, they can be a safety threat. They can cause damages and even deaths. It is therefore upon you, the user, to ensure that the stove is managed accordingly. This way, you will always have a safe home for you and your family.