Pellet heating appliances are fueled from a variety of natural, renewable sources including wood, corn, and nuts. Pellet fuel reduces dependence on limited sources of fossil fuels and is also carbon neutral (does not contribute to greenhouse gas). Pellet fuel has been proven to provide the cleanest burn of any solid fuel. Unlike liquid or gaseous fuels, pellet fuel is not volatile.

Pellet heating appliances can be installed by the average homeowner and do not require the additional expense to install gas, propane or other fuel supply lines.<

Pellet heating appliances can be directly vented to an outside wall or vented through an existing chimney.

Pellet fuel is less costly than most other types of fuel. Pellet fuel costs about the same as a cord of wood and is often comparable to 1/3 to 1/2 the cost of electricity. A typical household will use approximately 1.5 - 3 tons of pellets over the winter season.

Pellet heating appliances come with a variety of options and operational modes. In addition, specific manufacturer technology and the quality of construction determine ease of operation, frequency of maintenance, and the life of the appliance.

There are basically two operational modes and these are categorized into bottom-feed and top-feed. Generally, bottom-fed units deliver the fuel supply to the combustion chamber from the side or rear. Top-fed units drop the fuel from above the combustion chamber. Both methods have advantages and disadvantages. Units burn as high as 90% efficiency and produce from 10,000 - 50,000 BTU of heat per hour.

Pellet appliances are available in freestanding and insert units. Free standing units can be located almost anywhere and are typically direct-vented. Inserts normally are inserted into an existing fireplace and vented through an existing chimney. Central heating furnaces and barbecue units are also available.

Pellet appliances can efficiently heat areas up to 2500 sq. ft.  Units are designed to operate 24 hours per day 7 days a week.

The efficient operation of pellet appliances is primarily dependent on 2 factors; fuel quality and regular maintenance. Lower grade fuels burn less efficiently, can cause appliance deterioration and increase the amount of attention a unit will need. Regular maintenance ensures that the supply of fuel and its burn are optimized.