Pellet Stove vs. Heat Pump

Pellet Stove vs. Heat Pump

Pellet stoves and heat pumps are two great options for heating your home. Each has pros and cons, and one may be more suitable for your situation than the other. Consider the costs, operational efficiency, environmental impact and how it affects the space in your home. Whether you're making a switch or are preparing for the cold season, this guide can help you decide which to choose.

Pellet Stove as a Heating Solution

Pellet stoves generate heat through burning wood pellets or other organic materials. You place the pellets inside the hopper, regulate the temperature through the stove's thermostat, then leave it alone for the rest of the day. These stoves can heat a part or all of your home, making it easy to operate and maintain. Here are the pellet stove's pros and cons to see if it fits your needs:

Pros

The benefits of working with a pellet stove include:

• Easy storage: Pellet stoves use wood pellets, which are easy to store in your home. You may also consider placing them in a shed, which can allow you to purchase multiple bags in preparation for the colder weather.
• More savings: Wood pellets influence the total cost of maintaining a pellet stove. Luckily, these wood pellets are inexpensive compared to firewood for wood stoves and fireplaces — handy if you're looking for that specific warmth from burning wood. You may be able to claim a tax credit of 30% or up to $2,000 of the cost of purchasing and installing a pellet stove as long as it has a thermal efficiency rating of at least 75%.
• Efficient heating: Many pellet stoves can provide a whole day of steady heat using one hopper of pellets. The stoves also use automated feeding systems, which help provide consistent heat output depending on the temperature you set. Additionally, wood pellets are heavily compressed, reducing their moisture content. This dryness causes them to burn hotter and cleaner than other types of wood.
• Environmentally friendly: Wood pellets are manufactured from recycled materials and are considered carbon neutral. The pellet stoves can reduce greenhouse gases if used as an alternative to propane or natural gas, and the heat box inside the pellet stove contains the fire, reducing the amount of smoke. Wood pellets also produce less ash than typical firewood, making them easier to maintain. 
• Aesthetically pleasing: Pellet stoves come in various designs, so you're likely to find a style that you like. These designs let you integrate one in your home seamlessly and avoid making the pellet stove look like an afterthought.

Cons

Given all of the positive things to note, here are additional considerations to keep in mind:

• Space and storage requirements: Your house needs ample space for a pellet stove. Designing your living space with a pellet stove insert can make placing one easier, while freestanding pellet stoves give you the flexibility to decide their location. You should also store wood pellets away from moisture. Using a plastic container with a sealable lid is generally a good option. 
• Electricity reliance: You can't use the pellet stove once power goes out, but having a backup generator can be a good solution.
• Maintenance requirements: You must clean the burn pot and remove the ashes regularly. Plus, you need to add wood pellets whenever you use the stove. While they do require upkeep, the maintenance requirements of a pellet stove are relatively simple.

Heat Pump as a Heating Solution

Heat pumps can also heat people's homes. However, instead of creating heat, heat pumps transfer thermal energy from the outside to the inside of your home to regulate the temperature. They function similarly to a refrigerator or an air conditioner. Here are the heat pump's pros and cons to help you decide if it's what you need:

Pros

The benefits of working with heat pumps include:

• Cost savings: While pellet stoves help you save due to tax advantages and the cost of wood pellets, heat pumps offer electricity bill savings. These cost savings are possible because heat pumps transfer heat instead of generating it, resulting in low energy consumption.
• Cooling options: Unlike other heating systems, heat pumps also offer cooling options. Instead of transferring heat indoors, the heat pump moves the heat outdoors to cool your home. This function makes heat pumps handy in any season.
• Environmentally friendly: Heat pumps use renewable energy sources, such as the air and ground, to transfer the heat. 
• Varying types: There are many types of heat pumps, from ducted air-source heat pumps to geothermal heat pumps. Having these options can help you select the right fit for your home.

Cons

Like pellet stoves, heat pumps aren't always the perfect solution to heating your home. Here are the drawbacks:

• Upfront cost: Heat pumps can be expensive upfront — installations can reach up to $24,000, although you can get a tax credit of 30% or up to $2,000 if your equipment qualifies. Compared to pellet stoves, the upfront cost of heat pumps is significantly higher.
• Climate issues: Heat pumps don't always operate efficiently in colder climates, especially if you experience long periods of below-freezing temperatures.
• Electricity reliance: Like pellet stoves, heat pumps run on electricity and cannot be used during an outage. A backup generator would be handy.
• Noise pollution: Heat pumps can get noisy when used, depending on the model you have. 

Which Should You Choose?

Pellet stoves and heat pumps are both environmentally friendly options that can provide cost savings and efficient heating. Here is the side-by-side comparison:

• When a pellet stove is the right fit: If you're on a budget and are only looking for a heating system, a pellet stove can be the right choice. The cost of heat pumps and pellet stoves can greatly vary, but pellet stoves generally have significantly lower upfront costs than heat pumps.
• When a heat pump is the right fit: Heat pumps are highly efficient in temperate climates. They also come in different systems, such as ductless and geothermal heat pumps. However, their best advantage against pellet stoves is their cooling capabilities.
• When both heating systems are beneficial: If you already have a heat pump, it's still important to have a supplemental heating system in case of a cold snap or freezing temperatures. When it's too cold for a heat pump to reach your desired temperature, a pellet stove can help you heat your house the rest of the way.

Get Quality Wood Pellets for Your Home

If getting a pellet stove is the right choice for you, you'll need good-quality wood pellets to go with it. Our products follow stringent benchmarks and are Pellet Fuel Institute (PFI) certified, ensuring our wood is fine, durable, clean, and with the right moisture content for stress-free heating. You can get smaller bags or buy them in bulk. Plus, we have easily accessible stores nationwide, helping you get the supplies you need when you need them. Find a retailer near you today.