Zero clearance pellet stove in new construction

[derryank]

I'd love to hear what you decided to do, as we find ourselves in the exact same position.... Insert/pellets/stand alone or a gas insert. Thanks

 

[SidecarFlip]

Whatever they did, they did it a while ago, like 2 years ago.

 

[derryank]

Lol....I know. A long shot...but a shot nonetheless.

Its been fun reading these forums/opinions on the what and why of pellet stove installations. I'm planning to go see a few dealers and their(biased opinions this weekend.

 

[SidecarFlip]

I will say, if you have NG, forget pellets entirely.

 

[derryank]

We do Sidecar....why do you strongly feel this way? I'm very open minded, though I was veering toward pellet because of the potential of (3) heating options. NG(forced hot air), Wood and pellet. As I say though, this is only a novice opinion. Thanks for the discussion by the way.

 

[SidecarFlip]

Simply because per BTU realized versus cost per BTU, NG beats the hell out of pellets, always has and always will plus, NG is basically maintenance free and a pellet unit has to be cleaned regularly and there is the mechanical side that also needs to be maintained.

If you want a pellet stove for an ambience / cozy standpoint and not as a mandatory heat source, by all means but it will never compete with NG.

I came close with my propane this year to equalizing on a pellet/corn unit, closer than I've ever come in 30 odd years.

 

[SidecarFlip]

If I was 30 years younger, I'd install a geo-thermal unit, either vertical or horizontal HX and kick the pellet stove out in the yard but the ROI is too long for this old fart

 

[BrotherBart]

If I was 30 years younger, I'd install a geo-thermal unit, either vertical or horizontal HX and kick the pellet stove out in the yard but the ROI is too long for this old fart

Ditto.

 

[derryank]

Now there's something I was only browsing a few days ago. Just began researching this method (Geo) on Tuesday. I've a lot of catching up to do....reading and age.. ha ha. Hopefully you get the humor.

The wife's getting her dream kitchen, and i'm getting the responsibility of keeping my family warm and cool during the fluctuating NE seasons. The geothermal energy options I've read so far are very interesting... and affordable? I think??

 

[SidecarFlip]

Now there's something I was only browsing a few days ago. Just began researching this method (Geo) on Tuesday. I've a lot of catching up to do....reading and age.. ha ha. Hopefully you get the humor.

The wife's getting her dream kitchen, and i'm getting the responsibility of keeping my family warm and cool during the fluctuating NE seasons. The geothermal energy options I've read so far are very interesting... and affordable? I think??

If you are in your 40's go for it. It's (Geothermal) will be the most expensive install but it heats and cools in one unit. Just have it sized professionally by an accredited professional that takes into account things like window area and door sizes. There are quite a few schlock people in the business so go on a good referral and check out the previous work.

Geo is the only way to go for the long run and can be wet (in a pond) or dry vertical (drilled wells) or horizontal (linear drilling). Linear below 5 feet.

My BIL has a 4 ton Carrier plumbed into his pond. He averages less than 100 bucks a month year around for heat, air conditioning and hot water in a 3500 square foot home in Northern Illinois.

 

[derryank]

Mid-thirties Sidecar. I've just been watching a few videos on YouTube about the GeoThermal heat exchange. Definitely interested in this concept. My theory is, would you hire an electrician to build you a mantle piece? Of course not....hire a professional.

We're still in the design aspect of the house, so this is a conversation that I should definitely have with a professional. So much for that pellet stove insert eh??

 

[Bioburner]

Look at the newer insulation types. ICF is being used around here and brings out the electric companies thinking someone is tampering with the meters as the homes use so little.

 

[SidecarFlip]

Mid-thirties Sidecar. I've just been watching a few videos on YouTube about the GeoThermal heat exchange. Definitely interested in this concept. My theory is, would you hire an electrician to build you a mantle piece? Of course not....hire a professional.

We're still in the design aspect of the house, so this is a conversation that I should definitely have with a professional. So much for that pellet stove insert eh??

I'm old enought to be your dad. So, son, get Geothermal and forget about a pellet stove.

 

[derryank]

Ha ha ha. That's awesome

 

[Harvey Schneider]

hire a professional.

A Professional is just somebody who has learned how to hide his mistakes.
Actually the world is full of amateurs masquerading as professionals.

 

[derryank]

Wonderful.... What if they are now licensed having learned from there mistakes? Fun

 

[mik_kane]

I will say, if you have NG, forget pellets entirely.

AGREE!!
If you have NG why bother with pellets? If I had NG my stove would be on CL and I would go with hot water base board heating. Keeps the house at an even heat and you can always zone your house to different temps.

Also don't skimp on the insulation.

 

[Bioburner]

Wonderful.... What if they are now licensed having learned from there mistakes? Fun

Licensing is sometimes a matter of taking a multi question test. I have a pesticide applicators license that one gets by passing a 50 question test and of course giving up $100.

 

[Harvey Schneider]

why bother with pellets

There is always the ecological impact to consider. Renewable resources have almost no impact on carbon footprint.
Sometimes the right thing to do isn't the most convenient or the most cost effective.
Just my opinion. You are welcome to your own.

 

[SidecarFlip]

Licensing is sometimes a matter of taking a multi question test. I have a pesticide applicators license that one gets by passing a 50 question test and of course giving up $100.

I have one as well (Michigan). I think it's more about the fee, than the test here. A 5 year old could pass the test (multiple guess...). They call ours a pesticide/herbicide applicators permit.

Basically lets you purchase and apply chemicals you used to buy over the counter that you cannot now because the gummit regulates them dor the good of the people....lol

 

[SidecarFlip]

A Professional is just somebody who has learned how to hide his mistakes.
Actually the world is full of amateurs masquerading as professionals.

From what I see, there are quite a few that fall in the catergory on this site........ just say'in.

 

[Bioburner]

Its basically a 4th grade reading and simple math test. Mine is up this year and thinking of giving it up as the only thing I use now is 2-4D and malathion.

 

[tjnamtiw]

You missed the point. I am no longer burning fossil fuels so I am no longer releasing CO2 into the environment.

YOU aren't but the people making the pellets are. Diesel engines to run the harvesting equipment release emissions. Diesel trucks to carry the wood to the processor release more. Diesels or electric motors to run the size reduction equipement account for more. Electricity to run all the motors in the pelletizing process comes from somewhere that emits pollution. Burning of some kind of fuel to dry the pellets is releasing CO2. The diesel trucks to drive them to the distributor are. The fork trucks unloading, storing, and loading them are. The truck bringing them to your house are. The electricity to run your stove comes from somewhere.
Ecological reasons fall far short and sure as heck won't save the world one iota. It's a fool's quest at best.

To the OP, get the NG fireplace and avoid all the hassles that show up here every day.

 

[Bioburner]

To the OP, get the NG fireplace and avoid all the hassles that show up here every day.

x2

 

[derryank]

Thanks for the wonderful opinions and discussion. It seems that quite a few have had their stoves, which have not been NG and are recommending that I purchase/install the NG option. Very interesting, considering I came on here to hear feedback from those who have lived it.....what to do...