In cold weather, heating costs can account for a substantial portion of homeowners’ energy bills. For those who may want to keep their homes comfortable without incurring the additional expenses of central heating, a pellet stove may be a worthwhile investment. Here, the professional heating contractors at Cowles Heating Service in Fairbanks, AK, explain everything you need to know about pellet stoves, including their uses and maintenance.

What Is a Pellet Stove?

Pellet stoves are freestanding heating units that can fit inside existing fireplaces. They have a similar appearance to woodstoves, but they act like furnaces. These units operate by filling the stove’s hopper with pellets made from compacted sawdust and setting the thermostat. Then, a mechanical auger deposits the pellets into a pot, which burns them at a scorching hot temperature.

What Are the Benefits of Using a Pellet Stove?

These heating systems and their bags of pellets are small enough to store inside a home easily. They are also simple to operate; homeowners only have to fill the stove about once a day and ignite the flame. Since the fire is contained inside the stove, it generates little smoke, which keeps the home smelling fresh. 

How Are Pellet Stoves Maintained?

At least once a week, the ash produced by the incinerated pellets should be removed. Also, brushing the soot away from the stove’s interior walls will improve heat transfer. Hardened ash can block airflow, so it’s necessary to regularly inspect the unit to loosen and remove them. Annual maintenance by a pellet stove repair professional should be scheduled even if no problems are immediately noticed. However, if your flame burns orange instead of bright yellow or white, you should quickly contact a qualified heating contractor for repairs. 

Stay warm this winter by contacting the knowledgeable heating contractors at Cowles Heating Service. These licensed, bonded, and insured professionals are dedicated to providing exceptional heating system services to customers within the community, which is why they also have 24-hour emergency heating services. Whether you need pellet stove repairs or a system replacement, they have the expertise to get the job done right. To speak with a helpful staff member about your heating needs, call (907) 488-2277 or visit them online.