6 Steps to Ensure Pellet Stove Safety

There are many advantages to using a pellet stove. In terms of price, efficiency, and environment-friendliness, among others, they really do make for the almost perfect home heating device. The key word here is almost since like any other stove, a pellet stove still requires our time and attention on a regular basis. They are not self-cleaning and they are certainly not self-repairing.

However, if you do these maintenance steps religiously, then your pellet stove will surely keep up its optimal performance and ensure the safety in its operation.

If you’re one of the many who are considering buying a pellet stove, then here are few considerations that you must put in mind while you are in the purchasing phase plus a couple of safety tips to follow after it has been installed into your room:

Follow local ordinances

Go to the Inspection Service Department in your town. You will most probably be asked to apply for a permit for your stove’s installation. They might also hand you some brochures and pamphlets regarding ensuring the safety in the operation of your stove. You might also want to schedule an appointment with an inspector to evaluate the setup of your stove.

Choose a suitable place for your pellet stove

You have to know in advance, where you want to place your pellet stove. It is not like a couch or a coffee table that you can easily move around whenever you wish. For venting, you will definitely have your ceiling or wall cut straight through. Be sure that the location that you will choose has a distance of at least three to five feet from combustible materials and furniture, such as curtains and wooden chairs. Moreover, make it a habit to never put gloves or boots on top of the pellet stove.

Avoid buying a first-generation stove

First-generation pellet stoves are nice, but by buying one, you are opening yourself to possible problems that have, in many cases, been corrected by successive models. Don’t be a guinea pig. Choose a brand that has proven itself over the years.

Don’t install your stove by yourself

It is tempting to install the stove by yourself especially if there are detailed steps included in the manufacturer’s manual. However, professional installers have been extensively trained in this matter. They are knowledgeable regarding what areas to seal, how to piece together certain parts, and so on. Should an accident occur, you can use the fact that you had the stove professionally installed for insurance purposes.

Thinking of buying a pellet stove. Take a look at our top recommendations.

Read the manual first before attempting to turn on the stove

You may think that the sales agent and installer have told you everything you need to know about your pellet stove, but it would be wise to go over the manufacturer’s operation manual. The manual will serve as your guide in cleaning, maintaining, and troubleshooting your pellet stove.

Install carbon monoxide (CO) detectors in your home

The pellets that you are burning is made of organic matter and the byproduct of this burning is carbon monoxide. Make sure that your home has CO detectors. Put one within 10 feet of the pellet stove.

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How to Clean a Pellet Stove

If you are using a pellet stove as your home heating device, make sure that you clean it regularly to ensure its optimal performance as well as safe operation. Here are a few tips on how best to maintain your stove.

Burn Pot

To keep its air inlets open and unclogged, clean the burn pot regularly depending on the type and grade of the pellets that you are using. Consult your manual on how often to do this.

The burn pot is responsible for controlling the amount of the fuel and air to enable combustion. When your stove is working well, the flame should be bright yellow or white. On high burn, there may be a gray or white buildup of ash, while there may be a darker ash on low burn. However, if your stove is malfunctioning, the flame is usually orange and smoky. There would also be a build up of a brown gooey substance.

If you are interested in buying a pellet stove then check out our buying guide and reviews of the best stoves on the market

Also watch out for a buildup of clinkers, which are from ashes that have melted and re-hardened. If ash in the burn pot starts melting, it can clog the air holes and ruin the optimal fuel-to-air ratio. This can then cause clinkers to form. By using the rake or ash tool that comes with your stove, you can remove these clinkers even while the stove is on.

Ash Drawer

Before starting a new fire, you have to empty out the ash drawer of the pellet stove. You should also do this occasionally while the stove is in operation. In general, you should empty the ash drawer once or twice per week, depending on the model.

Heat Exchanger

The heat exchanger is located in the combustion chamber. It is the one that is responsible for cleaning the hot air produced in the burn pot and pushing it outside to heat your home. For the optimal release of heat, the heat exchanger’s surface should be cleaned on a regular basis. Again, the frequency of cleaning is based on the model of the design. It may be daily or monthly depending on what is indicated on the manual. In some pellet stoves, this is done simply by moving a rod that rubs against and cleans the tubes inside. In others, professional service is needed.

Ash Traps

These are found at the back of the fire chamber. They prevent the excess ash in the exhaust from escaping from the stove. In some models, they can be easily opened and accessed. Some models, on the other hand, need professional service.

Glass

When the glass has completely cooled, clean it using a glass cleaner.

For less fuss and a great deal more ease of use, why not check out our look at portable infrared space heaters and why they may be the best heating option for you.

Hopper and Auger

Make sure to check for accumulated sawdust materials, which are also known as fines. The pellets in the auger and hopper should also be run out in order to prevent fines from building up and blocking the tubes.

Venting System

Have the venting system of your stove cleaned and maintained by professionals. But you may do so yourself if you’re knowledgeable about it and if you have the right equipment.

Professional Services

Remember, most owners of pellet stoves make use of professional servicing of their heating gadgets on an annual basis. Moreover, pellet stove dealers may offer service plans that are conveniently scheduled and not too costly.

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How do Pellet Stoves Work?

Warm, cozy homes are becoming more difficult to manage and maintain during the cold months with the continued fluctuations in the prices of oil, natural gas, and electricity. But don’t fret. There is another option: pellet stoves.

The pellets used as fuel for these stoves come with a cheap price tag because of the low cost of the raw materials used in making them and the low cost of the manufacturing process. Thus, it does not cost that much to operate pellet stoves. But cost-efficiency is only one feature of these heaters that many people have come to love. They are also environment-friendly hearth products. But we’ve got ahead of ourselves. Let’s take a step back and explain.

What are Pellet Stoves?

A pellet stove is a heating unit that uses electrically-controlled blowers, combustion system, and heat exchangers. In layman’s terms, this means that stoves burn fuel slowly, release as much energy as they can from the fuel source; pellets. The blowers draw in cool air and release it out as hot air due to the heat exchanger.

How do they Work?

To use a pellet stove, pour the pellets into a holding area, which is called the hopper. If the hopper is very big, enough fuel that can burn for several days can be accommodated. Most pellet stoves can produce heat for one to two days on just one loading of pellets.

Within the stove is an auger, which is an automated feeding system. It controls the pace at which the pellets are fed to the fire. For instance, if the rate is one pound an hour, a slow fire is generated, thus heating the room for a long time. If the rate is higher, say, four to five pounds per hour, the fire will be bigger so the room will be warmer.

Some units are self-lit, while some are needed to be manually lit. Regardless of the method of how it is lit, the heat exchanger is heated to about 250 degrees Fahrenheit. The cool air from the room is warmed as it is passed through heat exchanger. The blower then releases back the warm air into the room.

Stove Cost-Efficiency

These heaters are the perfect heating alternative for people that have expensive home heating bills because of the fluctuation in energy prices. In fact, more and more people are installing them in their homes as a secondary heat source in order to help reduce their heating expenses.

The main reason behind this huge savings is the fuel that is being used. They burn cheap pellets that are produced from recycled sawdust. Because of the efficiency of the production process and the low price of the materials used, pellets are very economical. Moreover, the stoves are designed to be extremely efficient at generating heat. They may look like traditional wood stoves but they are actually engineered to burn the pellets in such a way that they squeeze all of the heat of it, thus warming your homes at a low cost.

Thanks to their feature that helps manage the fuel-to-air ratio, an almost full combustion of the pellets is guaranteed. That same feature also helps minimize wood smoke, making them the solid-fuel burning heating products with the least emission. This is very important especially in places where the quality of winter air is an issue.

Environmental Credentials

Nowadays, caring for Mother Nature through using green product alternatives is among the big issues that are being advocated by environmentalists. As such, an increased awareness in how we could go about protecting the environment has prompted a lot of people to evaluate the commercial products that they are using and switch to those that are safer for the earth. Pellet stoves are one of those environment-friendly products.

Use recycled products as fuel

The wood pellets used to fuel pellet stoves are produced from recycled sawdust. This sawdust would otherwise have been dumped in landfills, thus creating more waste that has no other use. It could also have been incinerated in the waste burners of sawmills. Wood is a natural renewable resource. By utilizing wood pellets as your fuel source, in a way you are helping recycling the waste or by-products of forestry activities.

Very little waste from the fuel

Pellet stoves are a clean-burning home heating product. As opposed to wood stoves that produce a substantial amount of soot and ash even just after a use, pellet stoves can burn for several days at a time and still not create as much residual ash as what wood stoves make in one day.

Very easy to clean

Pellet stoves are very easy to clean. They have ash pans that need to be removed and cleaned every few weeks. Moreover, you don’t have to sweep huge piles of ash and bark scraps.

There are some great pellet stoves on the market. Check out our best of post to find out more

Easy to use

The auger that delivers the pellets into the combustible chamber is motorised and delivers the pellets on a consistent and regular basis. This means that your source of heat is steady and consistent for up to three days before you must refill the hopper, which is the holding area of the pellets. These units are not like wood stoves that you have to feed chopped wood every few hours with no guaranteed steadiness of the heat, having volatile hot and cold heating cycles.

Highly efficient

We like efficient heating systems. Pellet stoves are a great example of an efficient home heating product. An average pellet stove has a burning efficiency rating higher than 85%. Because of a pellet stove’s state-of-the-art technology, the fuel-to-air ratio is controlled so a full combustion of its fuel source is guaranteed. It is designed to burn the wood pellets in such a way that it would squeeze all of the heat that it possibly can out of those pellets.

Minimal smoke emissions

Pellet stoves produce minimal wood smoke emissions. Many of the pellet stoves on the market nowadays have no problems in meeting strict air quality standards, both local and federal.

Once you have tried using a pellet stove, you would most probably refuse to go back to using the traditional wood stove. Because they’re economical, environment-friendly, and automated, they provide a convenient way of warming your home.

The post How do Pellet Stoves Work? appeared first on Space Heater Pro.

Best Tower Fan Reviews 2017

Getting the best tower fan can be tricky especially if you have to go through the maze of tower fan brands and models without an informed guide. Tower fans are without doubt very popular devices. This can be easily attributed to several advantages that they have over other types of fans in the market. The main one being that operating at a 90-degree angle, tower fans have a wider area of air distribution.

Of course, the slim design also allows a tower fan to be positioned even in narrow spaces; a great convenience especially if your room is small and squeezed.

When buying these devices some of the key considerations that most informed customers make are: the extent and power of air delivery, ability to fit in narrow spaces, quality of the motor, safety and aesthetic appeal. This brief, but insightful review presents what we have found to be the best fan towers in the market.

Best Tower Fan Comparison Table

Image	Fan Name	Price	Rating	Select
Click for more images	Lasko 2554 42-Inch Wind Curve Fan with Remote Best Tower Fan	$$$	4.3	See on Amazon Read our review...
Click for more images	Lasko 4443 40" Hybrid Fan	$$$	4.3	See on Amazon Read our review...
Click for more images	Hamilton Beach H01TF002 Tower Fan with Remote Control, 35"	$$	4.3	See on Amazon Read our review...
Click for more images	Lasko 4820 Xtra Air Tower Fan with Fresh Air Ionizer	$$$	4.2	See on Amazon Read our review...
Click for more images	Lasko 2551 42" Wind Curve Platinum Cooling Fan	$$$	4.2	See on Amazon Read our review...
Click for more images	Ozeri Ultra 42 inch Wind Fan - Adjustable Oscillating Tower Fan with Noise Reduction Technology	$$$	4.2	See on Amazon Read our review...
Click for more images	Honeywell HY-280 QuietSet Whole Room Tower Fan	$$	4.1	See on Amazon Read our review...
Click for more images	Honeywell Fresh Breeze Tower Fan with Remote Control, HY-048BP	$$$	4.1	See on Amazon Read our review...
Click for more images	Honeywell HYF023W Comfort Control Tower Fan, Wide Area Cooling	$$	4.1	See on Amazon Read our review...
Click for more images	Ozeri 3x Tower Fan (44") with Passive Noise Reduction Technology	$$$	4.1	See on Amazon Read our review...

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Lasko 2554 42 Inch Wind Curve with Remote Review

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4.5

If you are looking for high levels of air delivery in your room, you will find the high-reaching design of this fan quite appealing. The remote control unit that comes with the fan allows you to sit back, relax and enjoy a breath of fresh air; you don't have to control the Lasko 2554 42 manually.

The case is the same when it comes to timing the operation of this fan; the 2554 42 inch has a convenient timer that you can use to set running time from 0.5 to 7.5 hours. The ionization and oscillation feature purifies the air ensuring you get fresh air throughout your room.

This fan takes into consideration that air conditions are always in a state of flux. Thus, it comes with three speeds giving you the option to adjust the speed of air movement in the room. The faux-wood-panelling gives it a fan pleasant appearance so that you would mind seeing it all the time. This tower fan can be used in both home and office environments.

Benefits	Drawbacks
The fan can deliver maximum air movements in your room. It ionizes and purifies the air. Slim. It can fit in narrow spaces and is remote controlled.	Not powerful enough for large areas thus it's only ideal for small rooms. It has an all-plastic panel which makes it less durable than other fans

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Lasko 4443 40” Hybrid Fan Review

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4.5

This, is a product which conforms to its standards, uses patented and fused safety plug. Lasako 4443 40” Hybrid Fan stands at a small height of 40 inches and comes with a remote control.

It has 3-speed settings and a slimmer design that will save space including with maximum power. The oscillation of the fan is widespread for even and better power. During the night, you can benefit from its night light feature.

On the certifications, the tower fan is listed under EFL, and most importantly, it conforms to the standards. The hybrid fan combines the power of a vertical blade fan, which rotates to provide better airflow.

The fan is ideal for larger rooms. By switching off its night light when not in use, you will be able to reduce the energy consumption. It weighs around 14 pounds, and it is very quiet.

Benefits	Drawbacks
It provides bigger cooling power. It is ideal for heavy duty usage. It has a compact design which is also a space saver. It has a perfect oscillation performance	It is a hybrid tower fan and it therefore packs more blowing power. It might be noisy for people who are too sensitive.

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Hamilton Beach H01TF002 Tower Fan 35” Review

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4.5

In case you often have to run your power fan in low light conditions, you might find this to be an ideal device for you. It features a LED light which eases operating the fan in the dark.

The fan has two operating modes namely; natural and normal, that offer a variable air flow in your space. The fan speed can be adjusted at three different levels making it a great choice if you experience changes in the air condition of your room.

The Hamilton Beach H01TF002 is quite quiet; it would allow you to sleep soundly. The good thing is you don’t have to operate the speed settings manually; rather you can make the adjustments from the comfort of your chair, bed or any other location in the room. The remote control unit of the fan takes care of this need adequately.

You can use its three timer settings ranging from 1 to 4 hours to run the fan. In case you have to relocate the device, you will find the inbuilt handle quite handy as you carry the fan around.

Benefits	Drawbacks
The LED light makes it easy to operate the fan in low light conditions. Quiet as it moves air. Has a handle at the back for ease of carrying. It is a remote control enabled facility for ease of operating it	The fan does not have a heater or cooling function.

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Lasako 4820 Xtra Air Tower Fan with Fresh Air Review

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4.5

According to most user reviews, Lasako 4820 Xtra Air Tower Fan with Fresh Air is a great product. Unlike several other competing brands, the product comes with wider oscillation and its 3-speed settings provide the user with full control over its speed.

The fan is easier to use considering its bundled remote control. You can use the remote to access every control regardless of where you are.

Furthermore, the product has a lower noise level, and considering its size, Lasako 4820 Xtra Air Tower Fan with Fresh Air is ideal for larger rooms that require more cool air. Just as most people would expect, the product boasts a programmable timer to allow more convenient shutdown and a carry handle to allow easier movement.

The fan is easier to use. The controls are properly lit and therefore you can use it in any room at any time. And because it has a safety plug, you should not expect any major problems. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using the fan.

Benefits	Drawbacks
The fan will run quietly. It is therefore ideal for offices. Has convenient indicators. Easier to use. Features a properly designed carry handle	It needs some assembly. It might be too large for people in need of compact units.

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Lasko 2551 42" Wind Curve Fan Review

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4.5

If you want a tower fan that will deliver results, but you don't mind having plastic devices in your room, this could be the tower fan for you.

With its 3-speed oscillating feature, Wind Curve profile and 42.5-inch height, you are sure to get high-quality air distribution in your abode. Unlike many other fans in its range in the market, Lasko 255 42" comes with an energy saving timer. This feature enables the fan to automatically shut off when in use for about 7 to 8 hours.

The fan has an ETL listed and patented fused safety plug that gives you the peace of mind knowing that your device is protected from significant changes in power.

At the back of this fan, you find an easy to carry handle to facilitate relocation of the device within the room. Thanks to the remote control function, you are saved the agony of controlling this device manually.

This fan has a remote control storage on the back for easy storage. The ionizer feature does a great job purifying the air in your space. The fan also operates quite silently.

Benefits	Drawbacks
42.5 inch height ensures wide distribution of air in the room. The energy saving timer means lowers power bills. Fused safety plug to protect your device from power surges. The remote control feature makes the fan user-friendly. Remote storage feature ensures you easily access your remote every time you need it.	The remote range can be somewhat frustrating as it needs a pretty straight line from the remote to the fan for it to function properly.

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Ozeri Ultra 42 inch Wind Fan – with Noise Reduction Technology Review

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4.5

The Ozeri Ultra 42 inch Wind Fan provides a sleek, advanced approach to entire room cooling. The manufacturer designed it particularly for 5-star resorts in the warm climatic regions. It is a more effective and cost-efficient way of keeping your guests cool. You can also enjoy the benefits when still in your home.

The tower fan offers excellent cooling abilities to medium and large sized rooms alike. What’s more, it does not take up any excessive space or make higher running noise levels. The almost whisper-quiet motor makes the quality fan nearly invisible.

Apart from blending into almost any room décor or aesthetics, Ozeri Ultra 42 inch Wind Fan boasts cutting-edge engineering that increases expectations of a noiseless fan. What’s more, the fan has three air circulation patterns designed to make a relaxed and more comfortable environment that will help you enjoy quality sleep. The product provides 90-degree oscillation for refreshing breeze at different angles.

Benefits	Drawbacks
It has a slim design that saves space without compromising on power. Sleek advanced appearance designed for upscale décor. 3-preprogrammed settings to allow ease-of-use. Handy remote control that you can use from different distances. Full-range oscillation for an optimal airflow	Has many customizable settings that requires you to read the manual. Not suitable for small rooms.

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Honeywell HY-280 Whole Room Tower Fan Review

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4.5

Maybe the conditions where you want to use your fan require more speed options than are normally available in most fans. In that case, Honeywell HY-280 offers you eight different speeds to operate at. This does not mean that at high speeds you will experience any significant noise.

The silence levels of this fan are incredible; though it is not completely quiet, you can still have it running in a classroom during a test and not bother anyone.

The touch button feature makes it easy and convenient to operate this fan. The remote control unit adds to the user-friendliness of the Honeywell 280; you operate the device without having to move to where it is.

The built-in adjustable thermostat can be set so that the tower fan automatically turns on or off when the temperature in the room varies from the set temperature. When you just want the fan to run for a specific duration, you can make use of the 1, 2, 4 and 8-hour auto shut-off timer to do the job for you.

Benefits	Drawbacks
In-built adjustable thermostat to automatically switch the fan off. Timer with four options for auto shut-off. Quiet control options for rooms that experience a greater diversity of climatic conditions. Very low levels of noise. Remote control feature for easier and friendly operations.	It is made of plastic so might not be very durable and requires a lot of care while handling it.

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Honeywell Fresh Breeze Tower Fan with Remote Control, HY-048BP Review

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4.5

Honeywell has produced some of the most effective tower fans in the market. One of the many tower fans is Honeywell Fresh Breeze Tower Fan with Remote Control, HY-048BP, Black. The product has a control panel that features a LED display screen. The product’s oscillation and 3-speed feature produces a significant amount of cool air, which will keep your small room and your body cool.

This is a recommended option for people operating on a budget. It boasts an oscillating feature that blows air consistently.

Furthermore, it has an auto-off timer which means you can set it to switch off automatically after 1, 2, 4 or 8 hours. That will save you the hassle associated with switching off the device, especially at night when you should be sleeping confidently.

Its push buttons and the recessed carry handle are user-friendly. The fan is also silent which means that it will not disturb you during the night.

Benefits	Drawbacks
The tower fan is cheap and easier to run. It has very low noise level. It will only take a little space in your room. It is eco-friendly.	The product will not work properly for a very large room.

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Honeywell HY023W Comfort Control Tower Fan, Wide Area Cooling Review

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4.5

After purchasing Honeywell HY023W Comfort Control Tower Fan, Wide Area Cooling, White, you just relax. This tower fan will operate efficiently and quietly throughout the day. However, that will never happen – your daily routine will get on your way.

The device boasts a 3-speed variation, which can effectively regulate the airflow in your home. What’s more, the tower fan features a LED panel at the top, which works perfectly and does not produce a lot of light. There are no chances of the light catching your eyes and therefore, there will be no need to worry about losing sleep.

The tower fan has an oscillation feature that you will hardly find in most tower fans on the market today. It has a timer that enables the user to switch off the tower instantly after specific times.

However, the timer limit is 8 hours, which is sufficient. The fan has long lasting control keys on its control panel and a user interface that is easier to use. The effective fan will cool any medium sized room effectively.

Benefits	Drawbacks
The product does not produce lots of noise. It rotates perfectly, and therefore everyone in the room can feel the gentle breeze. The control panel boasts a blue light and therefore you can use the fan in the dark without danger of being disturbed.	The product is not suitable for large rooms.

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Ozeri 3x Tower Fan (33") Passive Noise Reduction Technology Review

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4.5

For a fan with excellent noise control features the Oxen 3x Fan is among the leaders in the pack. It sets apart the soothing sounds of the airflow; this fan offers soundless air movements. The technology used to make this fan gives it three independently controllable fans as well as fan speeds.

Talking of narrow spaces and the advantages of tower fans, the Oxen 3x is one of the thinnest fans you will find anywhere in the world. It is just 3 inches wide and boasts of being visually appealing. It will boost the elegance of any room.

The remote control comes with an extended range, so you don't have to operate the fans from short distances within the room. The LED control panel is touch sensitive and provides easy access to all the other features.

The fan's timer allows you to program the fan in 30-minute increments up to 7.5 hours.

Benefits	Drawbacks
Three blades deliver powerful air movements for larger rooms. 3 speeds enable the adjustment of airflow depending on the conditions in the room. Thin frame allows its use in very narrow spaces. Timer that allows for 30 minutes incremental setting nine levels of cooling and customized airflow	The glass base gives vibrations that can be felt on wooden floors

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The post Best Tower Fan Reviews 2017 appeared first on Space Heater Pro.

Fire Pit Safety

We love fire pits, as you might be able to tell from our list of top 10 best fire pits. But we also recognize that when using a fire pit you should always ensure that there is no risk to the surronding area or anyone who may be close by. To help, we have compiled a list of important dos and don'ts when it comes to using a fire pit or chiminea.

• Never, never, never light a fire pit indoors. Even though many are portable, they can't be properly ventilated indoors. Get an open flame going inside, and pretty soon staying warm will be the last of your concerns.
• Be aware of local laws and local regulations relating to the burning of outdoor fires where you live. Check any local, state and federal fire codes that apply to your area fire before deciding on the particular model of fire pit to purchase.
• Read and stick to the instructions supplied with your fire pit for details on fire safety and the use of combustible fuel. And don't use the instruction manual as kindling. Keep it handy!
• A licensed professional must inspect any natural gas patio heater or fire pit prior to installation. It also pays to have it routinely inspected every year as the pit experiences wear and usage.
• Don't store combustible materials close to your fire pit, or use the fire pit itself as a store. Even if these materials are treated and considered flame-retardant, reduce risk by following the local fire codes and safe-operation instructions. And be sure to clean soot off of your fire pit, chiminea, or patio heater after repeated use to stop it building-up.
• Use of an approved fire pit screen whenever you have a fire. This will protect people and furniture from flying embers, and prevent things from unnecessarily going up in smoke.
• If your patio heater or fire pit is operating never disconnect the fuel supply. Always switch it off and allow to cool down first.
• When deciding where to place your new fire pit, choose a flat, sturdy, NON-wooden surface! It also pays to position the fire pit in a sheltered area away from strong gusts of wind that could carry embers from the fire.
• Keep a fire extinguisher on hand when you have a fire going. Don't leave your fire unattended, and be aware of children or pets that may be near the fire. There are tools available for maneuvering screens, coals, and logs within the fire pit; there's no reason to touch it with your bare hands while in use. A pair of sturdy, fireproof gloves should also be worn when tending the flames.
• Don’t touch your extinguished fire pit for several hours after it has stopped burning. Metal pits can radiate high heat for a long time even though the fire is out.|Start small and grow. Until you know the full extent of how your fire pit performs, begin by starting a small fire and gauging the size of the flames and speed at which fuel burns. An initially small fire will burn off safely any excess materials from the manufacturing process.
• Avoid burning pressure-treated wood or manufactured fire logs in any domestic fire. These items sometimes contain toxic substances which as gases may be harmful. Also, don't burn wood that has been chemically treated painted or stained, or wood that contains creosote.
• Never use petroleum-based accelerants such as gasoline or kerosene to start a fire. Ask at your local hardware store for a suitable wood fuel source. Some local hardware stores supply fuel made especially for chimineas and outdoor fire pits.
• Do not use water extinguish fires in a fire pit or a chiminea. Water can cause a rapid reduction in temperature which may cause the fire pit to crack or warp! To extinguish a fire we recommend keeping a mound of dirt and/or sand nearby. When you are ready, mix the dirt into the contents of the fire. Keep adding until all the embers in the fire are extinguished.
• Once a fire is completely extinguished, remove the ash and dispose of it in an aluminum can. Add water if necessary. Always have a bucket of water nearby should the fire spread to the surrounds.

If using a fire pit concerns you then check out our article on the best patio heater. They are a great alternative and can be a lot safer to use.

No-one wants any accidents when enjoying your patio. 

The post Fire Pit Safety appeared first on Space Heater Pro.

How Much Does it Cost to Run an Electric Fireplace?

One of the areas we did not examine in our article on the best electric fireplaces, was the matter of cost and as a corollary, energy efficiency. We address that here.

In areas that experience extremely cold winters, the crackle and warmth of a fireplace can be a very handy addition to a living room. Nonetheless, when most homeowners think of a fireplace, what comes into their mind is a natural gas burning or a wood burning fireplace. But there is another unique option: An electric fireplace!

Though not very common, electronic fireplaces are greener, safer, stylish and less expensive to run. For instance unlike a natural gas or a wood fireplace, an electric fireplace doesn’t really produce a burning flame. The flames that it produces are just light refracted in a 3-dimensional pattern which makes it very environment friendly.

This however doesn’t mean that it does not emit heat. According to Bobby Renner, chief scientist for USA’s best energy team, “It basically acts like a toaster and it has a coil that usually heats up. There can be a blower attached to it to help distribute the heat or it can radiate out naturally to warm the room.” Although he acknowledges that this is not enough to warm entire house, it can warm a 400-square foot room well.

And because there is no combustion, it also means there are no toxins or gases released. There is no build-up of nitrogen oxides, sulfur or other bacteria that cause bronchitis, asthma or wheezing. In addition with coils emitting the heat through electricity and blowers or fans distributing the heat, it means electric fireplaces are more energy efficient. All the energy produced is used, none is wasted. With that in mind, let’s now look at how much exactly it costs to run an electric fireplace:

Cost of running an electric fireplace

The exact cost of running this handy appliance of course will vary depending on the electricity rates in your location, your power usage and the type of fireplace you are using. But mainly most electric fireplaces run on 2 main modes: without heat or with heat.

Though the cost of running the two is considerably different, when running both the heat and the flame effect it is still relatively less expensive than running a natural gas or a wood fireplace.

How Much Does it Cost to Run an Electric Fireplace per Hour?

In short, running electric heaters on average cost between 8 to 23 cents/hour. This is a wide range because you can either run an electric fireplace with either heat and flames or just flames if you do not need the extra heat. The costs in no heat mode is usually between 3 and 5 cents per hour.

What does this mean?

If you set the heater to maximum, the appliance can use up to 23 cents per hour. But most people usually set the heater to cycle on and off and at about fifty or 60 percent usage, the unit will use about 11 cents per hour.

In summary, when the heater is off it can cost about 3 cents to 5 cents every hour. On average the cost of operating an electric fireplace is between $100 to about $300 compared to about $500 a year used to run a natural gas fireplace.

A simple mathematic equation that you can use to figure this out is: watts by hours per day by KWh rate. For instance a standard unit that operates at 1500 watts produces 5,1112 BTUs and it can heat up to 400 square units.

Read our article on the best electric fireplaces available today

So the watts here are 1,500 and if you plan on using the appliance for 6 hours per day you multiply 1,500 watts by 5.

Then next check your utility bill and find out the kWh rate charged in your area. Let’s say it is 0.15 for instance. The exact cost will be 1500 watts by 6hrs per day by 0.15 kWh which translates into $1.350 per day.

This is around 23 cents/hour and it is quite good considering that there is no ash removing, no chimney cleaning, no gas fumes and there is an easy to control fire. Moreover, you might be able to also lower the thermostat on your entire heating unit!

Bottom Line

Whether it is an electric wall mount unit, a free standing portable unit or an electric insert unit, electric fireplaces are considerably inexpensive to run. In addition when used as zone heaters they can save you a lot of cash on your central heating costs. What’s more is that they are restful, beautiful and an appealing room focal point.

Another big benefit of an electric fireplace is that you can use it anywhere in any home. It doesn’t matter whether the room has access or it allows you to install a real fireplace. It is also very easy to move with your fireplace to your next residence if you relocate, making it a very valuable investment that can go with anywhere you go!

Hopefully you enjoyed this article on the cost of running an electric fireplace.

The post How Much Does it Cost to Run an Electric Fireplace? appeared first on Space Heater Pro.

Introduction to the Electric Fireplace, a Modern Alternative

Electric fireplaces have undergone an impressive development in recent years. Gone are the early days when their obviously fake flames and unreal looks failed to capture anyone’s imagination. Today, practically all electric fireplaces on the market feature a very realistic and professional design that will surprise many when they see an actual electric fireplace for the first time: often, prospective buyers cannot spot an electric fireplace among its gas counterparts during a store visit.

We have looked at the range of electric fireplaces on the market today and selected the top 10 best models. We provide recommendations for inserts, free-standing units and wall mounted heaters. See our article on the Top Electric Fireplaces.​

Not a Real Fire

Still, an electric fireplace is not a fireplace in the true sense of the word: there is nothing burning at all. This, however, has not kept sales of these units from rising tremendously in recent years. To understand better what electric fireplaces have to offer, take a look at their features, the available types, their installation, prices and costs, and finally, their advantages and disadvantages.

All electric fireplaces produce visual effects designed to closely resemble an actual wood-burning fireplace: “flames” made from fabric are moved by the air from a small blower, while glowing lights and even simulated burning embers add to the overall impression. Additionally, many units contain an electric fireplace heater which generates heat for distribution into the surrounding room by a fan. To control operations, most electric fireplaces come equipped with devices found usually also in gas fireplaces: an instant on/off switch with optional timer settings and a remote control.

Types of Electric Fireplace

There are three main types of electric fireplaces available: electric fireplace logs, electric fireplace inserts, and free-standing electric stoves. Electric logs are simple and cheap and can be easily installed into a real fireplace as an add-on for the summer months. Electric fireplace inserts consist of an entire self-contained housing also designed for installation into an existing fireplace cavity. They are designed to generate more heat than logs and are typically built for permanent installation, requiring significant effort to remove. Finally, free-standing electric stoves are available in many varieties, for example simulating old-fashioned wood ovens or more modern designs.

Installation

The installation of an electric fireplace is far simpler than that of any other fireplace, in fact, for someone with experience in home improvement, do-it-yourself installation is definitely possible. Most units simply need a regular 100-120 Volt power plug-in, while large electric fireplace inserts may require a 240 Volt connection.

The prices for electric fireplaces start around $200-$500 for electric logs and $500-$2000 for free-standing stoves. A simple corner electric fireplace costs between $500 and $1000, while more elaborate inserts can be found from $1000 up to more than $2000. Still, compared to gas or wood fireplaces, electric models are by far the cheapest solution.

Electric Fireplace vs Traditional Fireplace

• There are numerous advantages associated with an electric fireplace: first, only a power connection is required – no venting and no fuel is needed.
• Nothing is burning, there are no fumes and no soot.
• The appliance is plugged into a standard outlet and uses only minimal electricity: on average equivalent to 2-3 light bulbs for visual flame effects.
• However, an electric fireplace heater will use 10 to 20 times more electric power than that. It can be switched on and off conveniently, can be tuned to an exact heating level.
• Electric fireplaces require minimum maintenance effort: no fireplace-specific cleaning needs to be done and no firewood or gas must be supplied.
• Many free-standing units are small, even movable. Electric fireplaces are “zero clearance” devices, installable anywhere in the house.
• Positioning a small corner electric fireplace is as easily possible as installing a free-standing unit in the middle of the room.
• By far their biggest advantage is however the separation of the visual “flames” effect from the heating function. Both can be turned on and off independently, for example to use only the visual aspects during hot summer months or to ward off a chill in a dark bedroom with the electric fireplace heater.

Read our article on the best electric fireplaces available today

With all these advantages, it must be remembered that an electric fireplace is, in fact, not a real burning fireplace. Being dependent on electricity, it cannot be used during a power outage. Also, the heater alone is -like all electric heaters- less efficient than a comparable unit running on gas or wood.

Conclusion

In summary, electric fireplaces have become more and more attractive over the last years. While they cannot replace a real gas or wood-burning fireplace, they have many interesting features to offer, especially for buyers on a tight budget or for those whose housing situation does not allow for a fireplace using real flames. In any case, the information provided above should help prospective buyers to make an informed decision and get the most out of their new fireplace.

The post Introduction to the Electric Fireplace, a Modern Alternative appeared first on Space Heater Pro.