VENTING: Since pellet stoves are power vented they can be installed almost anywhere in home, including through the ceiling, through a wall, or into an existing masonry chimney as long as the installation includes at least three feet of vertical chimney. Pellet stove chimneys are unique and are usually three or four inches in diameter. The chimney is also lined with stainless steel.

FEATURES: There are three different types of ignition systems available in pellet stoves: standard (requiring the use of starter gel and a match); self-starting (where the user pushes a button to start the stove or uses a remote control); and fully automatic (where the stove is controlled by a thermostat and cycles on and off depending on the heat level selected). Other optional features include self-cleaning glass, self-cleaning burn pots, and deep pedestal ash pans. Some stove models even have battery back-up systems for when the power goes out (since pellet stoves require electricity to operate).

STYLE: Full bay view doors and windows trimmed in gold or black are examples of the styling options avail- able for pellet stoves. Porcelain or cast iron finishes are also available options with many models of pellet stoves.

INSTALLATION: To ensure the safe and reliable installation of a pellet stove, the HPBA recommends that people use a specialty retailer and a certified professional installer to perform installation tasks. These professionals will obtain the necessary building permits, make sure that the necessary three feet of vertical chimney is used in the installation and ensure the stove is installed on a hearth pad.

MAINTENANCE: Pellet stoves are simple to maintain, but routine tasks must be performed regularly to ensure proper function. These tasks include emptying the ash drawer, cleaning the burn pot, hopper, ash traps and glass, and scheduling professional service inspections each year before the start of the cold season. In addition, the HPBA recommends that chimneys and vents be inspected annually (and cleaned as necessary) by a chimney sweep certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America.

FUEL REQUIREMENTS: Two grades of wood pellet fuel are available for pellet stoves: premium and standard. The difference between the two is their percentage of inorganic ash content. There is significantly less stove maintenance with the use of premium pellet fuel. There are also pellet stoves that can burn pellets with corn, a growing trend in home heating.