Pellet stoves can provide supplemental or even primary heat in your home, helping to cut your heating bills. There are a couple models to choose from: a freestanding model that will take up living space, or a fireplace insert if you have a traditional fireplace already.

A fireplace insert is probably the best option if you have a fireplace. Wood burning fires in the fireplace are only about 25% efficient, and a pellet stove beats that hands down. This option also saves you from having to give up living space for the stove.

Pellet stoves and wood stoves look similar on the outside, but inside they’re nothing alike. Pellet stoves have a few moving parts, some of which need occasional maintenance. And, as the name implies, they burn wood pellets rather than wood logs. These pellets are made of recycled wood shavings, sawdust or even corn and wheat bits. More >