Choosing the right heating option for your home is essential for creating a comfortable living space. If you’re considering pellet stoves or electric heating, our experienced heating team at Todays Cottage Living can help you make an informed decision between pellet stoves vs electric heating.

pellet stoves vs electric
Wood Pellets for Pellet Stove

In this article, we’ll compare pellet stoves and electric heating, highlighting the advantages and disadvantages of each. 

Let’s get into it!

Why can you trust us?

As an associate writer for Today’s Cottage Living – and a property owner with a passion for country living (!), I’ve covered a variety of topics and written several articles on everything from best firewood practices, wood stoves, to DIY construction projects. This guide combines my years of hands-on experience, together with extensive research from experts on the topic to help ensure a well-rounded perspective.

Pellet Stoves vs Electric

Pellet Stoves Pellet stoves are a type of wood-burning stove that use compressed wood pellets as fuel. Let’s begin with some advantages of pellet stoves: 

  • Energy efficiency: Pellet stoves are highly efficient, with efficiency ratings ranging from 70% to 90%. This means they burn fuel cleanly and produce more heat for fuel used. 
  • Eco-friendliness: Pellet stoves are a renewable energy source that produces low emissions. Burning pellets produce less carbon dioxide than burning fossil fuels. 
  • Cost: While the upfront cost of a pellet stove can be higher than other heating options, the cost of fuel is generally lower than electric heating. 
  • Aesthetics: Pellet stoves can add a cozy and rustic touch to your home, and many models have stylish designs. 

Pellet stoves are the cleanest solid fuel, residential heating appliance. Pellet stoves that are certified by the EPA are likely to be in the 70% to 83% efficiency range. Pellet stoves have heating capacities that range between 8,000 and 90,000 Btu per hour.

Source: Department of Energy – Energy.gov

Next, let’s look at some potential downsides to consider: 

  • Maintenance: Pellet stoves require regular cleaning and maintenance to prevent buildup of ash and soot. 
  • Noise: Pellet stoves can be noisy, with the sound of pellets being fed into the stove and the blower fan that circulates heat. 
  • Power source: Pellet stoves require electricity to run, so they won’t work during power outages. 

Electric Heating 

Electric Heating Electric heating is a popular choice for many homeowners because it’s easy to use and requires minimal maintenance. Here are the most common advantages of electric heating: 

  • Convenience: Electric heating is very easy to use, with no fuel storage or handling required. 
  • Cost: Electric heating systems have a lower upfront cost than pellet stoves and other heating options, making them an affordable choice for many homeowners. 
  • Safety: Electric heating is safe and clean, with no emissions or fire hazards. 

Potential downsides to consider: 

  • Energy efficiency: Electric heating is generally less efficient than pellet stoves, meaning it may be more expensive to heat your home. 
  • Environmental impact: While electric heating itself produces no emissions; the electricity used to power it may come from non-renewable sources. 
  • Aesthetics: Electric heating options, such as baseboard heaters, may not be as visually appealing as a pellet stove. 

Pellet Stoves vs Electric Heating Comparisons 

When deciding between pellet stoves and electric heating, there are several factors to consider: 

  • Cost: While electric heating may have a lower upfront cost, the cost of electricity can be higher than pellet stoves in the long run. 
  • Energy efficiency: Pellet stoves are generally more energy-efficient than electric heating, meaning they produce more heat for fuel used. 
  • Environmental impact: Pellet stoves are a renewable energy source that produces low emissions, while electric heating may rely on non-renewable sources of electricity. 
  • Convenience: Electric heating is more convenient than pellet stoves, as it requires less maintenance and handling of fuel. However, pellet stoves can be a good option if you don’t mind extra maintenance. 
  • Aesthetics: Pellet stoves can add a cozy and rustic touch to your home, while electric heating options may not be as visually appealing. 

How to compare electric radiators to a pellet stove as measured in BTU/hr.

If you want to get a rough idea of the BTU/hr. required to equal the heat output of an electric radiator, or vice versa, the calculations are shown below.  

Watts to BTU/hr. 

For example, if a space requires two, 1000W watt electric radiators, here is the math: 

2,000 x 3.412 = 6,824 BTU/hr. (always round up to be safe) 

BTU/hr. to watts:  

If you want to convert BTU/hr. to determine the equivalent watts for an electrical radiator, you simply multiply the BTU/hr. by 0.293. 

For example, if a space requires electric radiators with a combined power output of 10,000 BTU/hr. Here is the math: 

10,000 x 0.293 = 2,930 watts (always round up to be safe) 

Related Article: How many BTUs you need to heat your home

Conclusion:  

Ultimately, the best choice for your home will depend on your specific needs and preferences. If you’re looking for an eco-friendly and energy-efficient heating option, a pellet stove may be the best choice for you.  

But if you prioritize low-maintenance, convenience and affordability, electric heating may be a better fit. 

FAQs 

Does a pellet stove raise your electric bill? 

Yes, a pellet stove will have a small impact on your electric bill, as it requires electricity to power the auger, the fan, and other components that feed and distribute the pellets and operate the stove.  

The amount of electricity used by a pellet stove will depend on the size and efficiency of the stove, as well as the frequency and duration of its use.  

Unfortunately, pellet appliances are also more complex and have expensive components that can break down. Moreover, they need to be cleaned by the homeowner on a weekly basis and by a professional on an annual basis. They also require electricity to run fans, controls, and pellet feeders. Under normal usage, they consume about 100 kilowatt-hours (kWh) or about $9 worth of electricity per month. Unless the stove has a back-up power supply, the loss of electric power results in no heat and possibly some smoke in the house.

Source: Department of Energy – Energy.gov

How often should you vacuum a pellet stove? 

The frequency with which you should vacuum your pellet stove will depend on several factors, including the size of the stove, the quality of the pellets used, the frequency and duration of use, and the level of maintenance and cleaning.  

As a rule of thumb, we recommend vacuuming the ash pan and cleaning the glass at least once a week during the heating season, or more often if the stove is used frequently or if the pellets used contain high levels of ash, dust, or moisture.  

It’s also important to schedule regular maintenance and cleaning of the stove, including the inspection and cleaning of the venting system, which may require professional help. Regular cleaning and maintenance of the stove not only help to improve its performance and safety but also prolong its lifespan. 

Can you put pellet stove ash in the garden? 

While pellet stove ash can be a good source of some essential minerals for plants, such as potassium, calcium, and magnesium, it is important to use caution when applying it to the garden. Here are some things to consider: 

  • pH level: Pellet stove ash can increase the pH level of the soil, making it more alkaline. This can be beneficial for some plants but can be harmful to others. Before applying ash to the garden, test the soil pH level to ensure it is suitable for the plants you intend to grow. 
  • Amount: Pellet stove ash should be applied in moderation. Excessive amounts can damage plants and increase the risk of leaching into groundwater. 
  • Timing: It is best to apply pellet stove ash in the fall or winter, before planting. This allows time for the minerals to be absorbed into the soil and for the pH level to stabilize before planting. 
  • Type of plants: Some plants, such as blueberries, prefer acidic soil, while others, such as brassicas, prefer alkaline soil. Make sure you research the preferred pH level and nutrient requirements of the plants you intend to grow before applying pellet stove ash. 
  • Source: The quality of the pellets used can affect the suitability of the ash for gardening. Avoid using pellets that contain chemicals or additives that may be harmful to plants or soil. 

In general, it is recommended to apply pellet stove ash to the garden in moderation and to monitor the pH level and health of the plants closely. It is always a good idea to consult with a gardening expert or soil scientist before using pellet stove ash in the garden. 

Are pellet ashes good for the soil? 

Yes, pellet ashes can be a good source of nutrients for the soil. Wood pellets are made from compressed sawdust and wood shavings, which are typically free of contaminants such as paint, glue, or other chemicals.  

When burned, the ashes from the pellets contain essential minerals like calcium, potassium, and magnesium, as well as micronutrients like zinc and copper. These minerals can help to improve soil fertility and promote plant growth. 

To get started, consider using pellet ashes in moderation as excess ash can increase the pH level of the soil, making it more alkaline. This can be harmful to some plants that prefer acidic soil. Additionally, pellet ashes should not be used if the pellets have been treated with chemicals or contain additives that may be harmful to plants or soil. 

If you are planning to use pellet ashes in your garden or soil, it is recommended to have your soil tested to determine the pH level and nutrient content. You can also consult with a gardening expert or soil scientist to determine the best application rate and timing for your specific soil and plants. 

Is pellet stove ash toxic? 

Generally, pellet stove ash is not toxic, but it may contain some trace amounts of chemicals or metals that could be harmful in large quantities. Wood pellets are typically made from compressed sawdust and wood shavings, which are free from harmful chemicals and contaminants like paint, glue, or heavy metals.  

Ash from the pellets can contain small amounts of metals like lead, cadmium, and arsenic, especially if the pellets are made from recycled wood or contain additives. 

It is important to handle pellet stove ash carefully to avoid inhaling the fine particles, which can irritate the lungs and respiratory system. Additionally, if you plan to use pellet stove ash as a fertilizer or soil amendment, make sure to apply it in moderation and avoid overexposure to the dust. 

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