Pellet boilers – Installation, advantages, and everything you need to know

Pellet fuel is a biofuel produced from compressed wood and contains sawdust and wood shavings. They are small cylindrical tubes with a diameter of 6-10 millimeters and a length of 10-30 millimeters.

They are produced without chemical additives; bonding is achieved exclusively through high pressure and the natural lignin contained in the wood. This makes pellets a clean and safe fuel.

The calorific value of pellets reaches 16-19 MJ/kg, which means that approximately 2 kg of pellets corresponds thermally to 1 liter of oil. At the same time, low moisture content (below 10%) ensures efficient combustion and high energy efficiency.

Pellets are usually available in 15 kg bags, which makes them much easier to transport and store than other solid fuels, such as firewood.

Find out more: Economical heating: How to keep your home warm at low cost

Pellet boilers operate on a similar principle to conventional oil boilers, with the main difference being that they use pellets instead of fossil fuels. The pellets are automatically transported from the storage tank to the combustion chamber via a feed screw (auger).

During combustion, heat is produced and transferred to the water in the heating circuit. The hot water circulates through the radiators or underfloor heating system, effectively heating the rooms. With the addition of the appropriate equipment, pellet boilers can also meet the hot water needs of the bathroom and kitchen.

Modern pellet boilers have advanced control systems that automatically regulate fuel supply and the combustion process, ensuring consistent performance, economy, and ease of use.

Pellet heating stands out for its multiple benefits, both economically and environmentally. Here are the key advantages that make it a desirable option.

Pellet heating can offer savings of over 50% compared to heating oil. For example, a kilogram of pellets costs around €0.30-0.40, while oil often exceeds €1.20 per liter. Even if we consider that approximately 2 kg of pellets are required to achieve the same thermal efficiency as 1 liter of oil, the total cost remains significantly lower.

Pellets are a biofuel with an almost neutral CO₂ balance. The carbon dioxide released during combustion is equivalent to that absorbed by trees during their growth. At the same time, dependence on imported fossil fuels is reduced.

Unlike wood boilers, which require frequent manual feeding, pellet boilers operate fully automatically. The fuel tank provides autonomy for several days, depending on its capacity and heating needs.

Pellets are easy to store in bags without the need for drying. They take up less space than firewood and offer greater energy value per cubic meter

You may be interested in: SolBox: Converting an electric water heater into a solar system – The smart solution for every space

Although pellet heating has significant advantages, certain factors are worth considering before making your final choice.

• Initial cost: The purchase and installation of a pellet boiler has a higher initial cost compared to a conventional boiler. However, the investment pays for itself in a short period of time thanks to low fuel consumption.
• Storage space: Space is required for the boiler and pellet tank. For apartments, there are compact solutions that reduce space requirements.
• Maintenance: Regular ash cleaning is required, although in modern self-cleaning models, this process is minimal. Pellet ash accounts for approximately 1% of the fuel.

Choosing the right installation location is crucial for the system’s operation and performance. Different options are available based on the space available.

This is the ideal solution for single-family homes and commercial buildings. A dedicated space ensures proper ventilation, easy access for maintenance, and safe operation. According to the law, a boiler room is mandatory for installations over 45 kW.

For lower power ratings (below 45 kW), installation on a balcony is possible using compact boilers. These units are small in size and have low chimney requirements, often only 2 meters in diameter, Φ80. Protection from moisture and weather conditions is a prerequisite.

Alternative solutions for cases where there is no boiler room or suitable balcony available. In any case, the advice of a qualified technician is essential before installation.

The use of a pellet boiler in an apartment is entirely feasible with the right choices. Compact and all-in-one boilers are specially designed for limited spaces, incorporating the boiler, burner, and tank into a single unit.

For apartments, boilers with a capacity of 15-30 kW are recommended, which cover areas from 80 to 250 m². Installation is usually completed within 1-2 days and connection to the existing radiator system is simple.

Read also: What is OEM and how does it work?

Proper use and maintenance of the system ensure better performance and longer boiler life.

• Choose quality pellets: Choose certified pellets with low moisture content and low ash content.
• Proper storage: Store pellets in a dry place, away from moisture.
• Regular maintenance: Clean the ash pan according to the instructions and schedule annual service.
• Use a thermostat: A room thermostat helps with automatic adjustment and further energy savings.

Read also: Ground-mounted solar panels: Which mounting system is best – single-pile or double-pile?

Pellet boilers are an excellent choice for those who want to reduce their heating costs without compromising on comfort. They are suitable for both houses and apartments, with the right solutions.

It is an investment with long-term benefits: lower costs, energy independence, and a contribution to environmental protection.

Axinar manufactures biomass boilers in accordance with European standard EN303-5, class 5, offering high efficiency and reliability.

• PelletWork Complete Systems: Complete heating solutions from 20 to 150 kW with PELIT boiler, burner, Auger feed screw, and Abar pellet tank.
• All-in-One Calos Unit: Compact solution that combines everything you need in one unit, ideal for limited spaces.
• User-friendly control system: Easy-to-use control system, available in 40 languages, for convenient monitoring and adjustment of operation.

As a leading supplier of heating solutions, Axinar offers a complete range of biomass boilers that combine reliability, economy, and advanced technology, allowing you to choose the system that truly suits your space’s needs. With the right guidance and equipment, switching to pellet heating is an investment with long-term benefits.