When it comes to heating your home, wood-burning appliances have come a long way. Modern stoves are more efficient and safe than ever before, with the two most popular choices being wood stoves and pellet stoves. Both offer unique benefits, but it’s important to weigh the options before opening your wallet.
If you’re not sure which one is best for your home, this guide will show you the differences between wood stoves and pellet stoves and help you make an informed decision that fits your lifestyle, budget, and heating needs.
Purchase and Installation
Both wood and pellet stoves qualify as biomass-fueled stoves. However, even though they’re similar, their up-front costs and installation requirements are very different.
Wood Stoves
In general, wood stoves have more venting requirements and are more difficult to construct than pellet stoves. Additionally, if you don’t have an existing fireplace that can accommodate a wood stove insert, you’ll pay more to install a freestanding unit.
On average, the up-front expense of purchasing and installing a wood stove is about 25% higher than that of a pellet stove. However, the cost of wood is typically cheaper than pellets, so this initial cost may even out over time, especially if you source your own wood for free.
Pellet Stoves
Pellet stoves generally offer more flexibility in terms of installation. Usually, you can vent pellet stoves directly through an exterior wall using smaller-diameter vent pipes. This simpler venting system often results in lower installation costs and more placement options within the home.
Cost of Fuel
Just like with any stove, you’ll need to factor in the cost of fuel before making your decision. Consider the following price points when choosing your stove.
Wood for Wood Stoves
For those with access to free wood, either from their own property or nearby forests that allow tree-cutting, a wood stove can be an economical choice. However, consider the time and physical effort required to harvest the wood. Not every homeowner is suited to the DIY lifestyle.
For homeowners who need to purchase firewood, the cost can vary depending on location. In urban areas, expect to pay more for a cord of wood than in rural regions. According to Angi, a cord of wood costs around $300 on average, with prices reaching up to $500 in certain locations and seasons.
Pellets for Pellet Stoves
Manufacturers make wood pellets from compressed sawdust or small wood chips. Unlike firewood, homeowners have to purchase pellets. The availability and price of pellets can fluctuate based on location, and finding a reliable source may be challenging in some areas.
A ton of pellets typically provides about 75% of the heat energy of a cord of wood. According to Angi, a ton of pellets costs around $350, which is $50 more than a cord of wood. However, the higher efficiency of pellet stoves can help offset this price difference a bit.
Efficiency and Heat Output
Wood and pellet stoves with high thermal efficiency ratings could qualify for a federal tax credit for HVAC equipment, though the heat output of wood stoves and pellet stoves can vary.
Wood Stove Efficiency
New wood stove models must meet strict Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards. New EPA-certified wood stoves burn up to 50% cleaner than older units. A typical wood stove, depending on its size, is rated to release between 2 and 7.5 grams of smoke particulates per hour.
Wood stoves offer a high heat output, but maintaining a consistent temperature can be challenging since it requires regular attention. Also, while wood stoves have a high heat output, pellets often burn hotter and with less smoke.
Pellet Stove Efficiency
One main perk of pellet stoves is their heat and efficiency. They burn compressed wood pellets at extremely high temperatures with minimal smoke—typically less than one gram of particulates per hour.
Additionally, the automated fuel-feeding system in pellet stoves allows for more precise temperature control. This means that pellet stoves can often heat spaces more effectively than wood stoves, despite using less fuel.
Environmental Impact
As homeowners become increasingly environmentally conscious, the ecological footprint of heating systems is an important consideration.
Wood Stove Emissions
While modern wood stoves are significantly cleaner than their predecessors, they still produce more emissions than pellet stoves. The exact emissions depend on the type and quality of wood you use. Some woods produce a lot of smoke, while others burn hotter. Be sure to consider the type of wood you have access to when choosing your stove.
However, wood stoves use a renewable resource (trees), making them more sustainable than using store-bought pellet fuel.
Pellet Stove Emissions
Pellet stoves generally have a lower environmental impact in terms of emissions. They produce less CO2 and significantly fewer particulates than wood stoves. Additionally, since manufacturers make pellets from waste wood products, they can be considered a form of recycling.
However, it’s important to consider the energy used in processing and transporting the pellets. In some cases, this could offset some of the environmental benefits.
Safety Considerations
Safety is important whenever you’re working with fire. Both wood stoves and pellet stoves have specific safety considerations that homeowners should know.
Wood Stove Safety
Wood stoves are generally more of a safety hazard than pellet stoves due to the nature of burning whole logs. These logs can generate sparks and can flare up unpredictably. Also, over time, creosote buildup in the stove or exhaust pipe could ignite, posing a fire risk. To be safe, maintain your stove and get it inspected annually by a chimney sweep for best results.
Pellet Stove Safety
Pellet stoves are generally safer than wood stoves because their fuel burns more consistently, and the fire is entirely enclosed within the combustion chamber, reducing the risk of sparks.
However, pellet stoves do generate very high temperatures, which could be dangerous if children or pets get too close. Additionally, because pellet stoves rely on electricity for operation, they need a backup power source for heating during power outages.
Which Is Better: Wood Stoves or Pellet Stoves?
Both wood stoves and pellet stoves have unique benefits, but when it comes down to it, the best choice depends on your preferences and heating needs. If you have an entire backyard of trees for burning, a wood stove may be your best bet. On the other hand, if you want more consistent heating and safer operation, a pellet stove makes more sense. No matter what you choose, these biomass-fueled stoves offer plenty of benefits during harsh winters. For cozy snow days and relaxing nights by the fire, pick the option that suits you best.
