There are just a few important things to keep in mind as you choose your pellet stove or insert. Understanding the different types of pellet heaters, along with their features and benefits, will help you find the perfect fit for your home. Size and heat output are also crucial for choosing the best heating solution for your unique circumstances.
What Are Pellet Stoves?
Pellet stoves are free-standing heat sources that use pellets as fuel (rather than wood or gas). Pellets are a renewable biomass fuel made from various materials, including wood chips and sawdust, making them an eco-friendly alternative to other fuel types.
Benefits and Considerations
Pellet stoves are becoming increasingly popular due to their many benefits and flexibility to bring warmth and ambiance to any space that has ample floor protection and proper venting. Here are some reasons why you should consider adding a pellet stove to your home:
- Significantly lower heating costs
- Add new, efficient warmth to your home
- Burn renewable, sustainable fuel
- Create a cozy gathering spot to your home
Here are a few things to consider as you select your pellet stove:
- They require regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance.
- They need electricity to operate.
- They require non-combustible floor protection under the stove.
What’s more, there’s a federal incentive that permits pellet stove owners to claim a 30% tax credit with a maximum cap of $2,000 per year through December 31, 2032.
What Are Pellet Inserts?
Pellet inserts are a convenient way to convert a traditional wood-burning fireplace into an efficient pellet-burning heat source. They are composed of fireboxes placed inside an existing fireplace and completed with a decorative surround to cover the remaining fireplace opening. The pellet vent pipe extends from the back of the insert into the chimney. You can enjoy all the benefits of a pellet stove without replacing your entire fireplace with this simple, yet transformative, home upgrade.
Pros and Considerations
The best pellet fireplace inserts offer several advantages over traditional wood-burning fireplaces, including warmth flowing into your home instead of right up your chimney. They are also an affordable way to update an old fireplace, allowing you to keep the existing structure while upgrading its efficiency and functionality.
How to Determine Which Pellet Unit is Best for You
Now that you know the difference between pellet stoves and inserts, you may wonder how to decide which option best fits your home. There are a few significant points to consider when choosing between them:
Space
If you have an existing traditional wood fireplace, an insert is the best solution— no construction or big renovation projects needed. The pellet insert will simply slide into the current space of your fireplace. In some cases, a surround extension will be installed to seal and cover the perimeter of the insert space. This is to ensure no air escapes and your insert maintains peak efficiency.
On the other hand, if you do not have a current fireplace space, a pellet stove is the way to go. A pellet stove will take up roughly a 3' x 3' area and can be placed on a non-combustible surface in a corner or against a wall. You’ll also need clearance space for the venting out of your home. Luckily for you, our team of expert Harman dealers are here to assist you in finding the best space to showcase your new heating powerhouse. You can sit back and enjoy your new home upgrade in less than one day of installation.
Size and Heat Output
Size and heat output go hand-in-hand: the bigger the heat output, normally the bigger the unit. The right pellet unit for your home comes down to three main factors: the size and layout of the heating space, its insulation efficiency and the climate you live in.
Heat output for pellet stoves and inserts is measured by British thermal units (BTUs). For every square foot of space you want to heat, account for 20 BTUs. Thus, if you are looking to heat a 3,000 square foot space, you will want a pellet stove that boasts 60,000 BTUs. Keep in mind that split levels, drafty doors and windows and where you live can alter this number.
To ensure you are purchasing the right stove for your heating space, please consult one of our certified local Harman dealers. Their experience and expertise will ensure that all factors are considered when finding the right sized pellet unit.
Features
When selecting a pellet stove or insert, you may prefer certain types of controls to ensure you can quickly and efficiently manage your home's heating needs.
Some pellet stoves and inserts come with basic knob controls, while others have smart features that enhance the user experience. Features such as touch controls, smart thermostats and quiet modes all add a higher level of ease so you can spend less time fiddling with your fire and more time lounging by it.
What are the Best Pellet Stoves and Inserts?
While there are many pellet stove and insert options available, Harman's high-quality products have a reputation for durability, style and convenience. From fit and finish to market-leading technology, they are built to a standard, not a price, giving you the most value for your money.
The Harman Absolute and P-series stoves, including the Absolute63 and P61 pellet stove, offer sophisticated and eco-friendly heating power. Pellet inserts like the Accentra52i-TC pellet insert offer a sleek, clean look that never goes out of style.
Here’s how Harman stands apart from other brands:
- The models are extremely efficient, extracting the maximum amount of heat out of each pellet with minimal ash.
- The EASY Touch Control feature is intuitive and easy to operate, making it possible to customize your heating preferences for consistent, comfortable heat at the touch of a button. In fact, Harman products offer the most accurate temperature control in the industry staying within one degree of the set temperature. This accuracy maintains desired heat levels all day, every day by using the scheduling feature and wireless remote sensor.
- The units have large pellet hoppers and ash pans, so maintenance is a breeze. Less filling and sizeable ash pans means less time emptying your burn pot and more time enjoying your fire.
- The patented PelletPro feeder system allows you to burn any grade of pellet fuel for maximum heat.
- The Exhaust Sensing Probe (ESP) technology adjusts heat output to keep your room temperature consistent.
- Harman’s flame-reactive mirrored glass is safe and attractive; providing an elegant style all year round. This is an exclusive piece of glass that magically hides the firebox when the appliance is not on, then transforms to show the fire when it’s burning.
If you’re ready to find the perfect pellet stove or pellet fireplace insert for your home, visit your local Harman dealer today to experience the quality and performance of our products firsthand.
