Pellet heating: The smart heating technology with a future

In the course of the heat transition, heat pumps and pellet heating systems are the main focus when it comes to supplying heat to buildings. Both systems have unique advantages, but also disadvantages and differ in key aspects: Pellet heating uses wood pellets from the renewable raw material wood. The heat pump uses environmental heat (air, earth, groundwater) and electricity. Which system is the most suitable in each case depends on a number of factors, in particular the specific heat requirement and the building structure: the heat pump is particularly useful in new builds and very well insulated existing buildings. When installing the heat pump, attention must be paid to noise emissions frcom neighbors. In principle, the heat pump is highly dependent on the electricity market and future grid stability. Pellet heating is particularly suitable for old buildings and less well insulated existing buildings. Compared to heat pumps, pellet heating requires more space.

The structure of a pellet boiler differs depending on the manufacturer, model, output and components used. In addition to the boiler shell, the central elements are the combustion chamber with feed screw and burn-back protection, ignition element with combustion grate, control electronics, lambda probe, flue gas temperature system and combustion air nozzles, heat exchanger with cleaning system, flue gas fans and flue pipe as well as the ash discharge system and ash container.

A pellet boiler functions as a central heating system: The heat generated in the combustion chamber is transferred to the hot water circuit or buffer storage via heat exchangers, supplying the water-based radiators in the building. A pellet stove typically functions like a fireplace stove as a single-room heater and is often placed in the living room. The heat generated in the fire chamber of the stove during combustion is emitted as infrared radiation through the viewing window and as convection heat directly into the room through the stove body. Pellet stoves with a water jacket form a hybrid, which transfers some of the heat generated to the heating circuit via the buffer storage.

Basically, combining a pellet system with a solar thermal system or a small hot water heat pump is possible and also required for comprehensive funding. Against the higher investment costs, the advantage is that in the warm months, solar thermal energy or heat pumps can usually cover the hot water needs, e.g. for showering and washing, and the pellet boiler plays its strengths in the cold season. Those who do not need a subsidy or only use the basic subsidy of 30 percent do not have to combine. In addition to the investment costs, a common reason against a solar thermal system is that the roof area is used for photovoltaics, i.e., electricity production.

A pellet heating system operates largely automatically. Only the ash container requires regular emptying. In principle, the cleaning and maintenance recommendations of the boiler manufacturer should be followed. Once a year, a professional should service the combustion chamber, heat exchanger, sensors, conveyor system, and exhaust gas paths to ensure efficient and safe operation of the pellet system. The chimney sweep also checks the exhaust gas values and safety. 

No, we are a fuel producer and supplier. To obtain a quote for a pellet heating system, you should contact a relevant heating manufacturer or a pellet specialist in the heating and installation trade (SHK business) in your region.