Restrictions on a Pellet Stove As a Primary Heat Source

Insurance

• According to the Maine insurance agency of Noyes, Hall and Allen, the purchase of a pellet stove as a primary heat source is a concern for any insurer. During an inspection, your agent may want to make sure your stove is UL-listed for global product compliance and may require a top-fed stove only, among other restrictions.

Building Codes

• Improper use of any pellet stove can create an immediate fire hazard, so any plans to use one as a primary heat source will need to be approved at a state or local level. Reed Construction Data maintains an online Building Code Reference Library for all 50 states, major cities and some counties with a more in-depth look at building and fire codes.

Clean Burning

• The Pellet Fuels Institute (PFI) sets standards for what is known as fuel feed stock for a pellet stove. This means pellets used as a heat source must be made out of corn stalks, straw, cordwood, waste paper or dozens of other agricultural products and by-products. These are all examples of biomass fuel and result in cleaner burning.

Other Considerations

• According to the Woodstove Warehouse, pellet stoves should be purchased according to their British Thermal Unit (BTU) output. A 40,000 to 60,000 BTU unit would be recommended for any home using a pellet stove as a primary heat source. Certain venting materials and the selection of a non-combustible surface for a pellet stove to sit on also must meet specific guidelines.