Pellet stoves are an energy-efficient home-heating method.
Almost any type of biomass can be used to make pellets for pellet stoves, including leaves. A pellet stove resembles an old-fashioned wood stove but it is much easier to operate and is more efficient. You can also buy metal basket inserts for wood stoves and fireplaces in which to burn the pellets. Using a renewable natural resource such as fallen leaves is not only economical, it is also a green solution for heating your home.
Instructions
1. Rub a handful of leaves between your hands to check them for dryness. They should be crackly and crumble easily. If they are too wet ,let them air dry for a few days until they are properly dried out
2. Rake up the fallen leaves into a long, low, narrow pile. Chop the long pile into small fragments by running a lawnmower over it several times. The pieces should be about the size of a nickel. Put the chopped leaves in a large container.
3. Prepare the pellet mill by starting it up and allowing it to run for a few minutes so that the metal die inside heats up. If you put the leaves in too early the pellets will not hold together properly. Place a large empty container at the exit chute of the mill.
4. Feed the chopped leaves into the hopper of the mill by handfuls. Feed it slowly enough so that the leaves do not accumulate in the hopper but rather fall directly into the die mechanism and exit in a few seconds as compressed pellets.
5. Allow the pellets to cool in the large container because they will be quite warm as they exit from the chute. Once they are cool they are ready to be burned in a pellet stove or insert.
6. Place the pellets in a bag if you will not use them immediately. Store the bag in a dry location so that the leaf pellets do not absorb moisture.
