pellet insert

[bob hubbard]

I installed a pellet insert this summer and have been using it some in the cooler weather . Seems to work good , This unit holds 50 lbs of pellets . Im wondering what the btu's are per bag pellets . I bought 2 - 2 ton skids , ( 50 -40 lb bags ) So I was tring to figure our if a 40 lb bag last 8 hours what would the btu's per bag ? I paid 225 a skid . Thats about 6 dollars a bag . Seems like alittle over a dollar an hour burn rate . I know free wood is the best value but comparing this to natural gas how does this rate ? Thanks

[hearthman]

Bob, at $225.00/ skid of 50 forty pound bags, that's $4.50/ bag or 11 cents per pound. Most areas I know of charge at least $260/ ton or more so you did well in that respect. Now, if it is as your wrote that each skid is two tons, then half those prices, which is unheard of. Are you sure you bought two 2 ton skids or 2 one ton skids? Normally, each skid is 50 forty pound bags which = one ton per skid.

The BTU content of pellets varies by mfr, quality, and moisture content. However, on average, figure on about 8,200 BTU/ per pound. Compare that to kiln dried wood at 8,600 BTUs/lb. or wood at 20 % mc at 6,200 BTUs/lb.

What brand insert did you get?

Hearthman

[bob hubbard]

Sorry , your right , I bought 2 skids ( 1 ton each ) 225 plus tax for each skid , 100 bags total Almost 500 for both , I bought an englander , I will post pictures of my fresh air and chimmey setup !

[bob hubbard]

I bought a englander pellet insert at the end of summer and here we are in march already ! We only used 1 skid of pellets this season . I installed a 4 inch liner and a 3 inch fresh air both to the top of the chimmey . I was well pleased for the first season as my only problems were keeping the burn pot area clean . If left with ashes to high it wouldnt light and fill with unburned pellets . We only ran the insert on low because of the size of our livingrom space . My only complaint would be the noise of all the motors . Over all Id say it was a great investment and the comfort was outstanding ! When the stove was running the furnace never kicked on , altho my gas & electric bill didnt show any real savings , The comfort level was what we wanted ! My wife really enjoyed the 75 degrees in the living room while watching the football games . The pellets stoves are great if you dont want the messy old wood in your house or piled up in your yard . Thumbs up on the englander pellet stoves .

[hockey]

Bob, was it the Englander 25EP? I am looking at the new 25EPI but they require an opening of ~36" wide and my fireplace is only ~26" wide. The drawing looks like it would still fit but Englander says don't do it. Seems it's not truly ZERO clearance. Are you going to post the pics?

[bob hubbard]

The stove was bought at lowes . Their site says the insert is no longer being made . http://www.englandsstoveworks.com/pellet_stoves.html

[bob hubbard]

Ive been thru our 3rd season with our pellet stove and no problems . Ive also called thier tech support and also very pleased with friendly people . Good product ...