Between rising oil prices and growing concern about our individual carbon footprint, over two million American homeowners are opting for alternative home heating options beyond traditional heating oil, gas, and electric, pellet stoves are one of those considerations. However, you may wonder, “Are pellet stoves worth the investment?” The short answer: Yes!
In this blog post, we will cover the ins and out of pellet stoves — exploring benefits, considerations and costs for embarking on your pellet stove journey.
What are Pellet Stoves
A pellet stove is a heating appliance that burns a renewable biomass fuel called pellets. Pellets are uniform cylinders of composite biomass fuel that are loaded into a stove hopper and automatically fed into the stove burn pot creating a steady, warming fire.
Pellet heating appliances are available as freestanding stoves or fireplace inserts, with a wide range of sizes, controls and aesthetics. A freestanding stove is placed on the floor on a non-combustible surface, such as tile or stone. A pellet insert is a firebox placed into an existing fireplace opening, complete with a surround as the finishing touch to cover the opening completely, and a hearth extension to protect the floor.
Is a Pellet Stove Right for Me?
There are many different heating methods available. If you have decided on pellet heat as your preferred heating type, there is a spectrum of brands and models to choose from. While the number of options available may seem daunting at first, remember that your needs and desires will guide you toward the right product to keep your home warm all season long.
For additional information about choosing a pellet stove for your home, visit our blog post: A Complete Guide to Pellet Stoves.
Top 5 Reasons Harman Pellet Stoves are Worth the Investment
Pellet stoves and inserts add more than just heat to your home. Here, we outline the top five reasons why homeowners are loving their Harman pellet stoves.
1. Cost Savings
According to energy.gov, the cost of heating a home accounts for about 42% of the home’s utility bill. So it is no surprise that one of the top reasons homeowners opt for pellet stoves is to save money on their heating expenses, especially if their home is currently heated by heating oil, gas or electricity. To calculate how much you can save by switching to pellets, visit our pellet fuel savings calculator.
Many models of pellet stoves also are eligible for a federal biomass tax credit. From January 1, 2023, through December 31, 2032, taxpayers who install qualifying wood and pellet stoves will receive a 30% tax credit up to $2,000 annually, based on the full cost (purchase and installation) of the unit.
Harman offers a wide line of biomass tax credit qualifying stoves:
- Absolute63 Pellet Stove
- Absolute43 Pellet Stove
- Accentra52i-TC Pellet Insert
- Allure50 Pellet Stove
- P43 Pellet Stove
- P61 Pellet Stove
- P68 Pellet Stove
Read more about the federal biomass tax credit here.
2. Sustainability
Powered by a renewable fuel source, pellet stoves and inserts are a great heating alternative for those looking to minimize their carbon footprint. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, “pellet stoves are the cleanest solid fuel, residential heating appliance,” and all stoves are required to be certified by the EPA in order to be sold in the United States.
Biomass fuels are constantly replenished and reforested and absorb nearly as much carbon as they give off when burned. The result is a virtually invisible carbon footprint. Since pellet stoves release net 0% carbon into the atmosphere, pellet stoves are already saving over 4.5 million tons of carbon emissions. Each installation of a pellet or wood appliance in a single-family home in a cool climate can displace about nine tons of carbon emissions annually.
By heating with a renewable, low-carbon heating solution, pellet stove owners are part of the solution, mitigating the rising levels of carbon dioxide in our atmosphere.
3. Efficiency
All pellet stoves sold In the United States today must be EPA-certified, meeting specific qualifications for emissions and efficiency. Most, according to the US Department of Energy, will likely "be in the 70 to 83% efficiency range." High efficiency is important as it is extracting the most amount of heat from each piece of fuel. When you buy the most efficient pellet stoves, you can qualify for up to $2,000 off your annual taxes with pellet stoves that are over 75% High heating value efficiency.
Moreover, because Harman pellet stoves burn so efficiently, there’s very little ash to clean up.
4. Dependability
A pellet stove is a highly reliable heat source, especially when it comes to longevity. Pellet stoves have a lengthy lifespan, with most stoves lasting 10-15 years before needing to be replaced, some can last even longer when properly maintained, cleaned, and prepared for burn season annually. Furthermore, when you invest in a premium Harman pellet stove, it’s built to last with an uncompromising commitment to quality.
To ensure your stove is in top shape, reference this guide.
5. Engineering Excellence
Harman prides itself on over 43 years of engineering excellence and building an enduring reputation for manufacturing reliable, innovative pellet stoves. With Harman’s cutting-edge technologies, including Pellet Pro and Exhaust Sensing Probe (ESP) your home stays at the perfect temperature by constantly monitoring and adjusting heat levels within one degree of your set temperature.
Moreover, select Harman products include EASY Touch controls and wireless room sensor, putting complete control over your fire at your fingertips. From diagnostics, heat scheduling, and fuel gauges, to alerts for cleaning and adding fuel, Harman’s innovative technology takes the guesswork and fidgeting out of your fire.
Harman products are built to a standard, not a price. From exclusive features such as the flame reactive mirrored glass and intuitive controls to quick and easy maintenance that allows for 24/7 heating, we designed our products with you in mind.
Next Steps
Adding a pellet stove is a smart investment you’ll enjoy for years to come. From cost savings to reliability, plus everything in between, a pellet stove is a sure way to keep your home warm, safe, and comfortable all winter long.
For more information about adding a pellet stove to your home, explore our catalog of blog posts or visit one of our certified Harman dealers.
