Looking for an efficient and environmentally friendly solution to heat your home? Think about pellets! What to pay attention to when choosing this fuel to heat your home at the lowest possible cost? Read our article and learn how to choose quality pellets.
What is the calorific value of a pellet and its heating value?
Pellet is an environmentally friendly heating fuel in the form of compressed pellets, produced mainly from shredded wood, sawdust, straw or energy truss shoots. It is characterized by low moisture content (less than 12%), high calorific value and low ash content, which makes it an efficient and clean source of energy. It is environmentally friendly, as it emits low amounts of carbon dioxide during combustion, and its production uses waste from the wood or agricultural industry.
Caloricity vs. energy efficiency of pellets
Here we will immediately point out that the value and caloricity of the fuel are similar terms. They are most often used interchangeably, although they have slightly different meanings.
The calorific value of a fuel is the amount of energy the fuel provides during combustion. Calorific value, on the other hand, is the energy that can actually be used - after taking into account losses, such as those resulting from high fuel moisture content.
What is the heating value of pellets?
The calorific value of pellets is typically 15 to 19 MJ/kg. In comparison, hard coal achieves a calorific value of 24-29 MJ/kg. It is therefore a fuel with a higher calorific value, but much less environmentally friendly. Firewood, on the other hand, has a calorific value in the range of 12-15 MJ/kg, which is lower than pellets, mainly due to its higher moisture content. Pellets therefore offer a favorable compromise between efficiency and ecology, proving themselves as an efficient and environmentally friendly fuel.
Is it worth it to buy pellets with higher calories?
It is often tempting to choose cheaper options, but with pellets, quality goes hand in hand with savings. A pellet with a higher calorific value burns more efficiently, generating more heat. In addition, you should know that pellet boilers work most efficiently with fuel with certain parameters - moisture content below 10% and optimal calorific value are key here. If you opt for a low-quality product, you may encounter problems with heating efficiency and higher fuel consumption. That's why it's worth paying attention to details that have a direct impact on your heating bills.
In addition, a pellet with a lower calorific value is often at the same time one that generates more ash. This in turn causes the stove to need more frequent maintenance and the chimney to need more frequent cleaning. Therefore, cheap pellets can end up costing more.
How to check the quality of pellets before buying?
Not every pellet on the market meets high quality standards. Therefore, before buying, it is worth paying attention to several important aspects. Check the product specifications - look for information on calorific value, moisture content (it should be less than 12%) and ash content. If you have the opportunity, test a sample in your boiler - this is the best way to make sure that the chosen pellet meets your expectations. To make sure you're buying quality fuel, choose those with the right certifications, such as ENplus or DINplus.
Pellets are a good option for those looking for an economical way to heat their home. The key factor in choosing it is the calorific value - the higher it is, the better the efficiency and lower the fuel consumption. It is also important to pay attention to moisture content and ash content, as these parameters affect the need for more frequent boiler maintenance.