Been pricing pellet inserts for my fireplace to supplement my furnace due to the high cost of propane (quoted $3.00 a gallon). Looking at the Quadra-Fire Mt.Vernon model, and wonder if any of you guys have knowledge of pellet inserts??

 

My Dad has used free standing wood pellet stoves for many years. They seem to be a reliable, affordable source of heat.

There are some down sides. His stove is getting old and needs replaced. They definitely have a lifespan. It's not like a wood stove that is going to go forever. Fans, heat switches, etc will need maintenance and, in Dad's case, parts are becoming scarce as his stove gets older.

It also requires cleaning regularly. Soot builds up on the glass and ash all around the fire box and such. Not a big deal but something you don't have to deal with with gas/oil/electric. Also, finding and hauling pellets. Depending on where you live, you'll probably have to go through a number of brands before you find the right one. There is a lot of variability in quality. Some burn up quickly and leave a lot of ash and junk. Higher quality brands burn cleaner and, although they may be more expensive initially, will be more cost effective in the long run.

 

Thanks for the reply David, Seems like some good advice. I've read/been told that I should need somewhere between 2 and three tons of pellets to get thru the winter. I figure I can easily pick these up with my truck, But I hope finding pellets that burn with little ash is not that difficult. Been to three dealers and they all say they get good pellets (imagine that).

Thanks again.

 

Quadra is a good unit. A friend in the fireplace business sells many units. Pay attention to the content of the pellets. Some product from big box stores contain conifer. I use only pellets made from hard wood. I only get around two and a half gallons of ash from a ton of pellets. Best, CB

 

Thanks for the info!!