Are Pellet Stove Blower Motors Reversible?

What Are Pellet Stoves?

• Pellet stoves look like a wood stove or a fireplace insert, but they do not burn wood. Instead, pellet stoves use small pellets that are usually make from sawdust, recycled wood shavings or even corn. These tightly compressed pellets are dense, burn efficiently and hot, and are lightweight and easily made.

Convenience of Pellet Stoves

• Pellet stoves are typically smaller and easier to use than wood burning stoves. Pellets, usually sold in 40-lb bags, are easier and cleaner to handle than chopped wood. Some pellet stoves can be integrated into a home’s current vent system, while others have fans that blow the hot air into the surrounding area. Pellets leave significantly less ash than wood and produce less creosote, a substance that sticks to chimneys, and, unless cleaned regularly, can become a fire hazard.

Drawbacks to Pellet Stoves

• Pellet stoves can be complex. They have various moving parts and a motor that requires regular maintenance. If you will be doing the maintenance yourself, look for a model that gives easy access to the moving parts. Otherwise, consider a service contract for regular maintenance of your stove.

Pellet Stove Motors

• Pellet stove motors require electricity, so the stove should be located convenient to a 110-volt outlet. If the area you live in is subject to frequent power outages, you might want to look at stove models that come with battery backups. Depending upon your needs, it is possible to install a blower motor that is reversible. This usually requires removing some screws, reversing the motor coil, and then reassembling the unit.