Why should you buy a stove for heating your home rather than an electric heater? Well, stoves are very powerful and also have a very high space heating capacity compared to an electric fireplace or heater. They are the best suitable for those states or areas where the temperature is below the frozen point where it is not possible to survive without a good heating system.
Anyway, you may still be confused about which type of stove will be ideal for your home since there is a huge variation in the heater stove. We also become confused thinking about Which stoves will be cost-efficient, money savers, long-lasting, safe, and eco-friendly, doesn’t we? Among the different types of stoves, pellet and gas burning stoves are pretty exoteric nowadays. This is the main reason why many readers of our website frequently asked as which stove will be the best selection for them between a Pellet stove and a gas stove. What is the main difference between these two? Today our expert Mohiuddin Shawon is going to speculate on this topic: Pellet stove vs. gas stove: which is the best for our home.
So, let’s dive into our prime topic.
What Is Pellet Stove?
Pellet stove is one of the most environment-friendly stoves that produce heat from burning sustainable energy sources (wood pellets or corn pellets). The best Pellet stove uses minimal pellets and creates huge heat energy that can heat an entire house or apartment! The burning process of a pellet stove is very clean and eco-friendly. Although there are different kinds of pellets available on the market, mainly premium wood pellets are used in this kind of stove.
Wood pellets are cheap and very easy to buy from the local markets or groceries. These pellet stoves are certified by EPA. That means it saves lots of energy (73% to 85%). You can create your home warm, luxurious, and friendly with a pellet stove from Amazon.com
What Is Gas Fireplace Stove?
A Gas Fireplace Stove/Heater is a blazing source to warm your home. Mainly gas stove runs on natural gas or propane gas. Natural gas has been used as a great source of energy and the finest heating source for a decade. Gas fireplaces are perfect for homes, apartments, mobile homes, and small cabins. It has a huge BTU output, which can create enough heat to warm to heat large space. It doesn’t utilize electricity, only needs gas to run the stove.
Gas stoves are mainly made from cast iron. It is very clean since it doesn’t produce ashes like wood or pellet stoves. So, it requires less maintenance.
Pellet Stove Vs. Gas Stove: Which is The Best
It is a tough decision to choose between a pellet stove and a gas heating stove. Both of them have unique features and separate benefits depending on their types and models. However, there are some drawbacks associated with them as well. So, you have to keep in mind what kind of heating solution you need in your house. Here are some points below from which you can understand what your ultimate choice is.
Freedom of Location
Placing a stove in a perfect place is very crucial. It is always wise to place and install a stove where you spend most of your leisure time relaxing like your living room. Both gas and pellet stoves are bulky. So, you need some space place it in a specific room you wanna set it up. That’s why you have to check the dimension of the stove you like to purchase. Also, You have to put your pellet stove in such a place where you can easily fit the venting pipes of the stove. Additionally, you have to ensure that there is a connection of electric outline nearby. In the case of a gas stove, you have to ensure that you have the extra connection of your current gas line in the room where you are able to or wanna place your gas stove.
Price
The price range of a pellet stove differs from model to design. It depends on heating space, BTU, and hopper capacity. Best pellet stoves will give you heat between 35,000-50,000 BTU around 1500-2500 square feet. Most pellet stoves are budget-friendly. The cost of a pellet stove comes around 1000$-3000$.
On the other hand, gas stoves price comes with the range between 1000$-5000$. There are also installation fees and a venting process, which is not very budget-friendly. Gas stoves are not for a small family or those who live in a cabin or other small places.
Cost Of The Ventilation System
The ventilation system of a stove is one of the most important things. To run the stove perfectly, good ventilation is a must need. The ventilation system of a pellet stove is very easy and simple. You have to make a small hole in the wall. Connect a pipe with the stove. By this gasses and smoke will conduct through it in the open air.
To set up a gas stove a chimney is a must thing. Setup a chimney costs you money. You may need the help of professionals to set up the chimney. You can also directly vent the air.
Fuel Cost and Source
The gas heating stove runs on natural gas or propane. Natural gas is a kind of fossil fuel. Natural gas mainly comes from the gas field. These gas fields are under the control of the government of the country. They supply gas through a pipe into houses. The hourly rate of the gas is between $0.10 to $0.50 per hour of use. This can vary if you can’t control the flame of your stove. If you use a propane cylinder you have to buy it monthly. Pellet stoves are less expensive.
Typically, wood pellets are made from wood waste like wood shavings, sawdust, roadside scraps, paper, and other materials. This unit can be controlled thermostatically. Pellets are sold in a 40 pounds bag that costs 4$ to 10$. If you buy a huge amount, the price may become low.
Power Sources
Gas stove mainly runs on natural gas or propane gas. So, the stoves don’t need extra power to run the stove. But some modern gas fireplace stoves available right now need a power supply like electric fireplaces. However, they consume a fractional amount of electric energy.
To run the stove pellet stove needs a small amount of electricity. The hopper, bowler fan, and smart controllers need continual electric supply. We calculated that this may cost you 9$ per month. Also, one may need to buy a wood stove fan to ensure equal distribution of the heat produce by the wood pellet stove. Some of the wood stove fans are heat power fans and others need electricity to operate the fan functionality. If your one is not a heat power wood stove fan, it will definitely can some bucks to run the fan. If there is no electricity, the stove cannot maintain its operation and there will be no heat. So, you should buy a backup power source to continue its operation.
Eco-friendly
Without natural gas or propane gas heating, a stove cannot be operated. It emits less smoke and gases. Though it runs on fossils fuel, which is non-renewable. That’s why it’s not eco-friendly than other alternatives.
Pellets are carbon neutral and eco-friendly. Pellets are made from sawdust and other renewable materials. They produce less smoke and gases, which don’t contribute to the greenhouse gases.
Efficiency Of Stoves
Generally, a pellet bag contains 40 pounds of pellets. Per ton, it can generate 13.6 million BTU, which is more than enough efficiency. Pellet stoves can operate for up to 65 hours. Most pellet stoves are certified by the EPA. The efficiency of a pellet stove is between70%-90%, certified by EPA.
Gas heating stoves can generate 20,000-80,000 BTU per hour. You can also generate more heat by using propane gas. The efficiency of this is good enough to serve. It gives you clean and hot air.
Safety Factors
The previously invented gas stove has many flaws. Modern gas stoves are safe to use. They produce in such a way that nobody can harm it. But you always have looked an eye on the gas line or propane cylinder. If there is any leakage in line, it may cause a massive explosion. Damage your house, life and cost you money.
Freestanding pellet stoves are made of cast iron. The burning section is protected by glass. So, the spark does not come out. Very safe and clean burning. There is no pipeline needed to burn fuel. So, it is very safe to use. Keep in mind to not touch the self-glass in bare hands.
Storage of Fuel
There is no need for storage for a natural gas-burning stove. It comes directly from your house through a pipeline. But you generate heat through propane, you need a propane cylinder. And you have to store cylinders for emergency situations. For this you need extra space in your home and or you can store this in your basement.
The size of wood pellets is very small and cylindrical. They burn very clean and hot air. You can easily store them in your house and don’t need extra space. They don’t bring pets to your house.
Maintenance
GAS STOVE
- Gas stove needs special attention to maintain. The chimney always has to be clean, otherwise, it will not vent air properly. It must be checked annually by professionals. It will cost you money from 75$ to 150$.
- You always have to look an eye on the pipeline. If there is any leakage, you must take the help of professionals. This may cost you money
So, the gas heater needs much more attention and the maintenance is high.
PELLET STOVE
- Ash pan, burn pot and fire extinguisher must be cleaned daily or once or twice a week. The cleaning is very simple to do. No need for professional help. Just take 2-3 minutes in your hand and clean it. But, you must buy a ash vacuum cleaner to perform this maintenance work.
- Always keep an eye on the blower fan as it is the main part of a pellet stove. Check monthly or weekly on motor and blower fans. Instruction and guidelines will be given on the user manual.
- if there is a major problem like heavy sound in the blower fans, it must take the help of professionals. Many companies give 1-2 years of warranty on pellet stoves. So, you can make it free under warranty.
The maintenance of a pellet stove is very simple.
Also Read: https://www.theblazinghome.com/best-fireplace-grates/
Wrap It Up
You should choose the best stove according to your needs. Gas heating stoves and wood pellet stoves will cost you money. Most people said that pellet stoves are budget-friendly and very easy to use. On the other hand, a gas stove is more costly than a pellet stove and needs maintenance fees.
Pellet stoves are good for our environment. It keeps our nature clean and emits a little amount of gas and smoke. It doesn’t help greenhouse gases. The gas stove does not emit any kind of smoke. Pellet stove flame looks natural and comfortable. Some said that they miss the smoke and flame of a real fire in the gas stove. So, you should choose correctly when you buy a stove. In our opinion, pellet stoves are the best for you and your family according to the budget.
Thank you so much for the great article, it was fluent and to the point. Cheers.