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WOOD |
COAL |
GAS |
PELLET/CORN |
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Paper, kindling & matches. Building a
wood fire is considered an art form. The family fire
builder earns well-deserved respect.
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Flip a switch on the remote - or turn up
the wall thermostat. The perfect fire solution for those
on the go. |
Wall thermostat controls automatic
ignition system. Unattended operation is possible as
long as pellet appliance is filled with fuel.
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A mix between radiant and convection
heat. Requires some attention to get a steady house
temperature. Area around the appliance is warmer due to
radiant and convection heat.
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Gas appliances, like wood, provide both
radiant and convection heat. Gas appliances can be
operated manually or remotely using a wall thermostat
and a remote thermostat transmitter. |
Pellet appliances heat primarily with
convection heat and then blow hot air through the heat
exchanger out into the home area. Some radiant heat is
delivered off the glass door. |
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Wood fires have their own personality.
They light slowly and steadily, building to engulf the
wood logs. The fire can remain powerful throughout the
burn, or it can be slowed to a mystical flame as the
wood is turned to coal and the smoke is burned. |
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Gas fires are very consistent. They are
usually designed to include partially burned ceramic
logs and glowing coals. Gas flames rise up through the
logs to replicate the look and feel of a wood fire. The
fire can be easily made bigger or small to fit the
desired heat output or visual look. |
The fire of a pellet appliance is
concentrated in the firepot and very active. On low, the
fire typically extends to the top of the firepot
creating a soft glow. On high the fire extends 4 to 8+
inches above the firepot creating a bright, powerful
fire. The fire will light each time the thermostat calls
for heat. |
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Inspect chimney twice a season and clean
as needed. Clean glass and remove ashes from
firebox periodically. When handling wood fuel be aware
that bark and ash get on the hearth in front of wood
appliance. A hearth toolset is often desirable.
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Gas appliances require annual maintenance
by a qualified technician. Clean glass as needed. Change
batteries in remote transmitter and receiver as needed.
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Clean firepot daily, or twice daily as
needed. Empty ash drawer and clean firebox ash weekly or
as needed. Clean ash and dust that collects on and
around the hearth as the appliance is filled, and the
ash is removed. Clean glass as needed. |
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A cord of wood is 128 cubic feet when
split and stacked 4'x4'x8'. A typical 1500 square foot
house heating with wood will use between 2 to 4 cords
per season depending on climate. Plan ahead - gather and
store your wood in an appropriate storage space, and
allow to dry before use. |
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Natural gas is supplied by pipeline to
your house, if available in your area. If not,
propane/LP gas can be delivered to your home and stored
outside in an above ground tank. Gas is plumbed to the
gas appliance and no other fuel handling is required.
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Pellets are normally available in 40 lb.
bags. Corn is typically stored in 50 lb. bags.
Bulk corn can be stored in metal garbage cans with lids.
A ton of pellets takes up approximately 4'x4'x5'. A
typical 1500 square foot house will use 2 to 4 tons per
season, depending on climate. |
