Pellet Stove vs. Wood Stove: Which is Right For You?

When it comes to heating your home in the winter months, there are a lot of different options to choose from. Depending on your specific needs and situation, one type of heater may be better suited for you than another.

In this article, we will be comparing two of the most popular winter heating options offered at AES Hearth & Patio—pellet stoves and wood stoves.

Compared to oil and propane, wood and pellet stoves are more eco-friendly, affordable, and convenient. Both types of stoves would be a great choice—you really can’t go wrong. But, when it comes to personal preferences, they both have pros and cons.

1. Fuel Type

One of the first questions to answer is, “What are pellets made of, anyways?” Pellet stoves burn pellets made of compressed wood or other biomass material. Wood pellets are made primarily from the residuals left over from the sawmilling process when logs are converted into lumber and other high-value wood products. In addition, the wood pellet sector is reducing waste and turning that debris into valuable, low-carbon biofuel.

However, wood is typically more affordable than pellets, and if you live on a property where harvesting your own firewood is an option, a wood stove may be the right choice for you. In addition, if you live in the Cumberland County Area, finding an affordable fuel supplier such as AES, should be an easy task.

2. Efficiency

This brings us to the most important point of this guide: efficiency.

Generally, pellet stoves are more efficient than wood stoves. This is because they use a sealed combustion chamber, which means less heat is lost in the chimney.

According to the Pellet Fuels Institute, pellet stoves heat your home with 83% efficiency, compared to 70% for wood stoves. If you are looking for the most efficient way to stay warm, pellet stoves could be the way to go.

Pellet stoves can regulate the temperature with a thermostat and usually have a BTU rating under 50,000. However, wood stoves offer greater heating power than pellet stoves with BTU ratings above 100,000, offering a warmer feeling heat.

3. Maintenance

Overall, a pellet stove needs less cleaning than a comparable wood stove, because it burns pellets rather than logs. Both types of stoves require regular maintenance and service; however, wood stoves should be cleaned each year and the chimney inspected regularly–a service easily scheduled and provided by one of our service technicians.

So in general, pellet stoves require less maintenance. However, if you have a wood burning stove, and you are a gardener, there are many who prefer to have the residual ash because it works as a fabulous fertilizer!

Which stove is right for you?

Pellet stoves and wood-burning stoves are both common types of heating systems. They can be used to heat your home and provide a cozy atmosphere in the process.

We hope this guide has helped you consider whether to go with a pellet stove or wood stove. Remember that they each have their own benefits and drawbacks, so make sure you talk to our team about your specific needs before making a final decision.

At AES Hearth & Patio, our showrooms boast a range of options that are affordable, energy-efficient, eco-friendly, and stylish. And, with a 26% biomass fuel tax credit for qualifying units installed before December 31, 2022, there’s no time like the present to have a stove installed by an AES professional. Come to our showrooms in Newville or Camp Hill, or make an appointment online to discuss your home heating needs.