How The Alpine HP41 Pellet Stove Saved One User $500+ On Home Heating

Introduction

There's no denying heating costs continue to skyrocket.  As this happens, many homeowners are looking for alternatives to expensive gas and electric heating. One popular solution is the pellet stove – and for good reason.  A recent case study from a homeowner in southern New York shows just how dramatic the savings can be.  In a detailed video review, the homeowner documented his first month of experience with his Comfortbilt HP41 Alpine pellet stove, sharing both the maintenance process and the impressive financial results. His honest account of real-world pellet stove ownership provides valuable insights for anyone considering making the switch from traditional heating methods.

To view the full video CLICK HERE

The Real Numbers: $500 Monthly Savings

This homeowner's experience with their Comfortbilt HP41 pellet stove reveals impressive cost savings. Their previous gas bill was a staggering $845 per month, even while keeping the house uncomfortably cold. After installing their pellet stove, they saved $500 on the gas portion alone, spending only $170 on wood pellets while maintaining a comfortable temperature throughout the home.  These aren't theoretical savings – this is real money staying in the homeowner's pocket instead of going to the utility company.

Pellet Stove Maintenance: The Key to Efficiency

To achieve maximum savings from your pellet stove, proper maintenance is critically required. Regular cleaning ensures optimal efficiency and prevents costly repairs. Here's what proper pellet stove maintenance involves:
Burn Pot Cleaning: 
The burn pot where pellets ignite should be kept clean for optimal combustion. Regular removal of ash buildup prevents airflow restrictions.
Ash Removal:
It's not advisable to wait until the ash tray is completely full. This particular stove showed ash accumulation not just in the removable ash pan, but also around the edges and underneath, requiring thorough cleaning.
Heat Shield Cleaning:
Many pellet stoves have removable heat shields or ceiling components that collect ash deposits. These areas are often overlooked but are essential for maintaining proper airflow.
Exhaust Piping:
The external vent requires periodic cleaning to prevent blockages. Even a half-inch of ash buildup can impact performance.

Pellet Stove Performance in Different Conditions

Understanding how your pellet stove performs in various weather conditions helps set the proper expectation:
Mild Weather (45°F outside): The stove easily maintained 76°F indoors, requiring only low settings.
Moderate Cold (around freezing): Comfortable room temperatures of 65-68°F were easily achievable.
Extreme Cold (17°F outside): The unit maintained around 65°F on level 4 out of 5 settings, proving adequate even in challenging conditions.

Practical Considerations for Pellet Stove Ownership

Noise Levels
Expect noise levels similar to a window air conditioner when the main blower is running. Most users quickly adapt to this background sound.
Air Quality
Pellet stoves produce drier air than traditional heating systems. A humidifier may be necessary to maintain comfortable humidity levels (aim for 35-40% rather than letting it drop to 25%).
Fuel Costs and Availability
In the Northeast, pellet prices range from $7.50 to $10 per 40-pound bag. Local availability varies, so consider storage space and seasonal purchasing strategies. Some users find significant savings by purchasing pellets by the pallet rather than individual bags.
Different Pellet Brands
Not all pellets perform equally. Some burn longer, others burn hotter, and ash production varies significantly between brands. Experiment with locally available options to find the best performance for your specific pellet stove.
Understanding how your pellet stove performs in various weather conditions helps set realistic expectations:
Mild Weather (45°F outside): The stove easily maintained 76°F indoors, requiring only low settings.
Moderate Cold (around freezing): Comfortable room temperatures of 65-68°F were easily achievable.
Extreme Cold (17°F outside): The unit maintained around 65°F on level 4 out of 5 settings, proving adequate even in challenging conditions.

Installation Investment and Payback

The total investment for this installation included:

-Pellet stove unit: $1,100 (shipped)
-Venting materials: $300
-Floor protection (stone and cement board): $60

With monthly savings of $500, this pellet stove will pay for itself in approximately 1.5 heating seasons – an excellent return on investment.

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS BEYOND COST SAVINGS

Reduced Dependence: Less reliance on utility companies and their rate increases.

Improved Comfort: Better temperature control and the ambiance of visible flames.
Environmental Impact: Wood pellets are often considered a more sustainable heating option.
Electric Bill Impact: Surprisingly, this homeowner's electric bill actually decreased because their gas furnace (with its large blower motor) ran much less frequently.

IS A PELLET TOVE RIGHT FOR YOU?

Consider these factors when evaluating whether a pellet stove makes sense for your situation:


Room Size: Ensure proper sizing for your space. Cathedral ceilings and open floor plans require more heating capacity.
Maintenance Tolerance: Regular cleaning is essential but not overly burdensome for most homeowners.
Local Fuel Availability: Research pellet suppliers and pricing in your area.
Installation Requirements: Professional installation may be required depending on local codes.

CONCLUSION

For homeowners facing high heating costs, a pellet stove represents a practical solution that delivers real savings. With proper maintenance and realistic expectations, these units can significantly reduce heating expenses while providing reliable warmth throughout the heating season.

The key to success with any pellet stove is understanding that the small amount of extra maintenance required is a worthwhile trade-off for the substantial cost savings. When you're saving $500 per month on heating bills, spending time on regular cleaning becomes an investment that pays immediate dividends.

ComfortBilt has a variety of options available for your home heating needs. Compare our lineup of pellet stoves HERE, or compare our pellet stoves side by side by clicking HERE.  For more information about wood stoves CLICK HERE