Checklist

If you are thinking of buying a pellet burner, here's what to consider.

Furnace

Fireplace-insert pellet-burners produce as much heat and are as efficient as freestanding models. To distribute heat throughout the home basement-furnace models are connected to water-filled radiators in the house, to under-floor heating, or (via a heat exchanger) to standard central-heating air-ducts.

Wetbacks

Some models can be installed with a wetback (water heater). This can reduce your hot-water bill (but possibly not enough to recoup the wetback's expensive installation costs). 

Heat output

The maximum output of most pellet burners installed in a living room is in the 9 to 11 kW range. But overheating the room is less likely with a pellet burner because the heat output is controllable over quite a wide range – usually 1.9 to 11 kW.

Controls

Pellet-burner controls – the on/off switch, start button, and heat-control knob – are electrical.

Cleaning

Pellet fires produce less ash than a conventional woodburner. Weekly emptying of the ash tray and cleaning out the burner is usually enough. Most models have a pull-out ash tray.

Flue system

Flues are typically 75mm in diameter (smaller than a conventional woodburner's). Flue arrangements can be varied: fireplace-insert models can have their flue inside an existing chimney; freestanding models often have their flue exiting the room horizontally through an exterior wall and then running up the outside of the house.

Installation costs

Every house is slightly different, but installation costs should be similar to those of a woodburner. Remember there needs to be a power outlet nearby.

Safety guards

The surfaces of a pellet burner can get very hot and be a danger to small children. Protective guards are available and highly recommended.

Building consents

You must obtain a building consent from your local authority before you install a pellet burner.

Running costs

Running a pellet burner costs around 8c to 15c per kWh (see Different from a woodburner for more information). The top of this range is about double the cost of running a woodburner (using bought firewood) or a heat pump, but less than half the cost of running a conventional electric heater.

Depending on fuel prices in your region, a pellet burner may also be competitive with a reticulated (flued) gas heater or central heating.