The Comfort and Convenience of Home Heating with Wood Pellets

It’s soon time to start thinking about your winter heating bill, and this may be the time to consider switching to wood pellets. Heating with wood pellets is not only an economical choice but also gives you the opportunity to support the local economy. Wood pellets, such as Eastern Embers, are manufactured in Nova Scotia and are sold throughout Atlantic Canada. If you’re not familiar with heating with wood pellets, we will cover off some basics here.

What are wood pellets?

Wood pellets are manufactured from 100% wood by-products, such as sawdust, that are compressed under pressure and heat to form small pellets. Wood pellets are much denser than regular hardwood due to the compression process, taking longer to burn while providing more consistent heat and less ash.

What are pellet stoves?

Wood pellet stoves are solid-fuel burning appliances closely resembling a traditional wood stove. Instead of wood, the pellet stove burns high-density pelletized wood fiber using a regulated system that blends air combustion and fuel to maintain optimal heat efficiency.

How do Wood Pellet Stoves Work?

Wood pellets are stored in a hopper in the back of the pellet stove. An auger or screw device gradually pulls the pellets into the burning chamber where only a handful of pellets burn at a time. A fan in the stove then supplies air to the flame creating an optimal combustion environment for the pellets. The stoves heat exchanger then draws the warm air into the surrounding room and home. Depending on the stove and feed rate, a typical pellet stove can hold up to 1- 3 days worth of pellets for a continuous supply of heating fuel.

Here are some of the main benefits of heating with wood pellets:

Cost: If you currently heat your home with electric heat or oil, you will most likely save money by switching to wood pellets. Check out Efficiency Nova Scotia’s heating comparison guide here.

Comfort: Do you love sitting next to the fire on cool nights? If you enjoy the warmth of natural wood heat, you will enjoy the same warmth and ambiance of a wood pellet stove.

Convenience: There is no cutting, splitting, or stacking of wood as the fuel comes pre-formed and conveniently bagged allowing you to fill your stove with wood pellet fuel without having to worry about it. Pellet fuel also burns more efficiently than regular wood, less ash and residue is produced, meaning less mess to clean, and fewer times the stove will require cleaning.

Clean: Wood pellets are a low-carbon fuel, especially when compared to other heating alternatives. In Canada, most wood pellets are made from sawmill residuals, such as sawdust, that could otherwise go to the landfill. Heating with wood pellets not only reduces your carbon footprint, but you can also feel good that forestry is a regulated, sustainable industry in Canada.

Choice: Whether your choice of décor is modern or traditional, you can find a wood pellet stove that will easily become a focal point in your home. The best place to start is to talk to your local hearth dealer about the brands they carry and what they would recommend for your space.

Shaw Resources has been producing Eastern Embers wood pellets in Nova Scotia since 1995. They can be found in building supply stores, hearth dealers, and other independent retailers across Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador. Learn more about Eastern Embers by reaching out to one of our friendly customer service representatives for more information.