Cheap Wood Pellets Go Best with Cheap Pellet Stoves
The price of oil and gas has undergone fluctuations in the past depending on the political ambitions and fortunes of the leaders of the oil-rich states. Every time it moves north, the cost of home heating inevitably follows. This has not only happened several times in that past. There have also been steep and prolonged price increases, which were enough to cause plenty of people to look for alternative means of heating their homes. One of these alternatives is a pellet stove.
Pellet stoves are fuelled with pellets that can be made of sawdust and wood chips, shelled corn, nut hulls, or fruit pits. The most common by far are wood and corn pellets, with the former being more popular in the Northeast while the latter is understandably used more in the Corn Belt areas. For the same amount of heat, these fuels cost less than oil or gas.
The cost of the pellet stoves themselves, however, can be a problem. Depending on its size, heating capacity, and other features, a pellet stove can cost anywhere from US$1,700 to US$3,000. Those with more fancy designs can even go beyond US$3,000. This is a hefty sum and some people may not be able to afford the price.
Still, there is a way for such people to acquire a pellet stove and take advantage of the lower cost of wood or corn pellets –buy a used pellet stove. They will, of course, need to work a little harder than buyers of brand new units. With a little luck, they can end up with a fully functioning unit with less that US$1,000.
The Internet is a great place to start when looking for a used pellet stove. Craigslist, Gumtree, or eBay often have available units of this kind. Newspaper ads are another option. Regardless of where you find an available unit, you have to actually inspect it before making any commitment to buy. Remember that it is a used item and in all likelihood, it does not have warranty.
There are reasons why a seller would want to dispose of his or her pellet stove, but you do not have to accept his or her word lock, stock, and barrel. If the unit is still installed, insist on trying it out. Look out for funny and abnormal noises such as clanking, rattling, or squeaking. These could indicate worn or loose components.
Check the auger and see if it is turning properly and pushing pellets into the burn pot. Verify that the igniter is working and that it is able to light up the pellets.
If the stove is already dismantled, you can check the glass to see if it is dirty. If so, this may be an indication that the pellets are not getting thoroughly burned. Inspect the burn pot for any signs of wear and burning out.
With these extra steps, you can avail of advantages of cheap wood or corn pellets without having to pay an arm and a leg.