Questions and Answers
Don’t be shy ask your question.
Smokey's Stoves
How do I choose the right pellet stove?
- Ask the wife what she likes best. Happy wife happy life, keep that in mind!
- The main reasons for a stove or a new stove is you need heat you have none, or your old heat source is unreliable, or too expensive!
- Go to your local hearth store there you will find a good sample of what’s available and some excellent information.
- Do a little research online to see what’s out there. Keep in mind if you order something over the internet that isn’t available locally you may not get service if needed down the road and that should be a big factor with anything mechanical, if your handy not such a big issue since companies do a much better job these days talking you through any service or repairs you may need and there will be those days ahead.
- Most folks choose a stove for looks first and cost second, most have no idea on maintenance and expect that from who they buy from.
- Many buy because a friend, family or what’s available in the area or heard this one is best and that settles it!
How often should I have my stove & chimney serviced?
We adhere to the National Fire Protection Association’s recommendation that your stove and chimney be inspected at least once a year. Cleanings should be done as often as needed (typically after every 2 to 3 tons of pellets burned) to maintain an open draft and prevent creosote or ash buildups. Ideally, have your Pellet stove and chimney serviced in the summer. Among other benefits, this allows for problems to be remedied before the winter comes. Pellet stoves should be cleaned as described in your manual. All Pellet stoves have their little tips on how to keep them running well. ( FOLLOW THOSE TIPS ) Pay special attention to the door seals and gaskets. Also, fans need to be cleaned regularly especially if you have pets, hair is the number one killer of fans.
Can I use my pellet Stove in a power outage?
Only if you have a backup battery or full power generator don’t use a pulsating generator you could burn out a board or circuit in the stove.
What does the term "zero clearance" mean?
The term “zero clearance” describes a wood or gas fireplace that can be built in the wall during a remodel or new construction. These fireplaces are insulated so that wood framing can be brought in close proximity to the appliance.
How do I get a good draw established?
This may sound like a stupid question since (MOST) all pellet stoves have a forced draft because they are electric, and many are self-ignition, and a blower establishes the draft. BUTTTTTT! If you have a non-electric pellet stove which there are three on the market, EPA certified that has a natural draft and operates like a wood stove but with no moving parts or need for electricity with those. Try adding extra alcohol gel or fire starters on top of your pellets or directly under the burner depending on model and light. The quick heat from the added Firestarter will help establish a draw. A little extra fire starter on a manual pellet stove or one without an igniter is always helpful.
How do I light my pilot?
This question I refer you back to the manual that came with the stove for operation and starting procedure since they will vary depending on the Manufacturer and make or model of the stove. If you need a manual, try contacting www.smokeysstoves.com for help in acquiring one.
What is the best size for a pellet stove?
As for the best stove size, talk with experienced hearth product retailers who know the performance characteristics of the products they sell. Bring a floor plan or the size of your area you’re trying to heat your home when you visit them. Knowledgeable retailers can help you find a pellet stove, fireplace insert, or other hearth product that is well suited to the space you want to heat.
Smokeys Stoves
Why shop here?
Simple, we display and offer the best-looking product on the market. If you have researched the internet, you will find the most reliable and top rated models mentioned and displayed and available here on this site. We offer the best looking and performing product you can find with the best warranties available for the product, and we offer what some say is the Ugliest by some’s opinion (Mostly Women’s Attitude) and least expensive but simply outperforms them all for a couple of simple reasons (No Electricity required and No Moving Parts) Gravity feed pellet stoves that are available on the market are found here. Harman, Comfort Built, Thielen, Wisway and our newest and my favorite The Independent Gap 2020 so, look around see what moves you and feel free to contact us with any questions you may have.
What do I do if my stove won't start?
First don’t panic make sure it’s plugged in, and the outlet has power go through the startup procedure again many stoves have a reset button check the draft control is not plugged and see if the igniter if you have one is working if that doesn’t help check the dos and don’ts page and tips on troubleshooting guild in your manual, if all this fails (PANIC!!!!!) your wife is going to get upset. She probably told you earlier there was an issue with the stove. It may just need a good professional cleaning. When was the last time you had this done? I suggest contacting a good service tech in the area or get out the toolbox tarps and vacuum roll up your sleeves and tackle the job like you know what you’re doing! It will pay off if you succeed with the wife and at least lessen the scolding of I told you so if you were warned earlier. Unfortunately, this is when you start thinking do I need a new stove? Should I get something different, maybe I should have gotten the non-electric one, at any rate it’s time to call a professional. Just a thought if you don’t already have one but two sources to heat your home is really a good idea. (Just Saying!)
Will switching to an EPA-certified stove save money?
Yes if it’s a wood stove. With an EPA-certified wood stove, you can expect to use up to one-third less firewood than you would use in an older, less efficient stove. The smoke that you see coming out of the chimney is really lost energy. In an EPA-certified stove, most of the smoke is burned, resulting in more heat for your home from the same amount of wood. It will also save you time because you will need to haul less wood.
How can I tell if my stove is EPA-certified?
EPA-certified stoves will be labeled on the back, indicating EPA certification. If you’re shopping for a new stove, in addition to the label, the stove will have a white hang tag indicating it is EPA-certified.
Can I get my stove certified?
No. Certification is completed by stove manufacturers when introducing a new model line. To meet certification requirements, stoves must have pollution control systems built into them and pass a series of tests.
Is “EPA-certified” the same as “EPA-qualified
No, Since 1988, the EPA has implemented the regulations called the Residential Wood Heater New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) that govern the manufacture and sale of wood heaters (wood and pellet stoves, fireplace inserts, hydronic heaters and force-air furnaces). Models that meet the requirements of the NSPS are considered EPA-certified. EPA-qualified is a term used for fireplaces that have been demonstrated to meet the emission levels set by EPA’s Voluntary Fireplace Program. These fireplaces can emit no more than 5.1 grams of particulate matter per kilogram of wood burned in order to qualify for the voluntary program. EPA started this program to encourage manufacturers to make lower emitting models because fireplaces are not considered wood heaters and therefore not covered under the NSPS but do emit harmful air pollution.
Do EPA-certified stoves burn cleaner than non-certified?
The short answer is yes, they do! When solid fuel is not completely burned, a complex mixture of gases and particles – wood smoke – is created. Because EPA-certified stoves are designed with better insulation and improved airflow, more of these gases and particles are burned inside the stove, resulting in less smoke, higher efficiencies and heat. In most cases, you will see no visible emissions from the chimney, and you will smell less smoke from a properly installed EPA-certified stove.
Questions are the root of all answers.
Don’t Be Shy!