Appliances
Pellet burners
Introduction
Pellet burners are one of the most environmentally friendly ways of heating your home.
Relatively new in New Zealand, pellet burners burn compressed wood pellets in a purpose-built fire. They are quite different from conventional woodburners, and are probably the least polluting form of heating for normal home use. We take a closer look.
Note: this report does not contain test results or brand-specific recommendations. See our woodburners report for test results and information on standard woodburners.
Different from a woodburner
Most pellet burners look like a conventional woodburner - and are available free-standing or as an existing fireplace insert. You can even get a basement-mounted furnace for central heating.
There are, however, significant differences.
Pellet burners burn only compressed wood pellets (pictured right), which you buy in 20kg plastic bags. The pellets are loaded into a hopper at the back of the unit and are fed into the fire by an automatic feed system.
Adjusting the rate the pellets are consumed gives you control over the amount of heat produced.
In some models, a thermostat can be used to keep an even room temperature - and a timer can provide automatic switching-on and -off.
With freestanding and insert models a hopper load of pellets lasts for around 24 hours of continuous burning, and these models produce a similar amount of heat to a conventional woodburner.
Most pellet burners are imported, mainly from Canada or Europe - although Parkwood and McKenzie are now producing locally manufactured models. See Models compared for more on the models of pellet burner available.
We think there's potential for more pellet burners designed and made in New Zealand.
Market potential
Pellet burners could become a major force in New Zealand home heating. We have plenty of wood-waste from our timber-processing industries.
There are now five pellet plants throughout the New Zealand. Total national production capacity is around 100,000 tonnes per annum, but in 2006 production was around 20,000 tonnes. So there's room for growth in the industry.
Burning pellets is sustainable and about as pollution friendly as home heating can get. What is needed is a better infrastructure for selling the pellets, and for a greater range of heaters to be more widely available.
Pellets can be obtained from some hardware chains and home-heating shops. Bulk deliveries can be arranged by calling 0800 PELLET. Prices vary from $8.75 to $12 per 20kg sack, depending on your location.
We suggest you check on pellet price/availability in your area before you purchase a burner.
Checklist
If you are thinking of buying a pellet burner, here's what to consider.
Free-standing/insert/basement furnace
All three versions are available. Unlike woodburners, fireplace insert pellet-burners produce as much heat and are as efficient as freestanding models. The basement furnace models are connected to water-filled radiators in the house, or via a heat exchanger, to standard central-heating air-ducts to distribute heat throughout the home.
Wetbacks
Some models have provision for a wetback. 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 lounge-installed pellet burners is in the 9 to 11 kWh range. But overheating of the room is less likely with a pellet burner because the heat output is controllable over quite a large range - usually 1.9 to 11 kWh.
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. Often, the ash will only need emptying once per week. Most models have a pull-out ash tray.
Flue system
Flues are typically 75mm in diameter, which is smaller than a conventional woodburner. Many flue arrangements are possible. Insert models can have their flue inside an existing chimney; and freestanders often have their flue exiting the room horizontally through an exterior wall and then running up the outside of the building.
Installation costs
Every house is slightly different, but installation costs should be similar to those of a woodburner. Remember a power outlet needs to be 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 to install a pellet burner.
Running costs
Running a pellet burner costs around 8c to 14c per kWh. This is more than a woodburner (using bought firewood), or a heat-pump - but less than half the cost of running a conventional electric heater. They're also competitive with flued reticulated gas heaters and central heating - depending on regional prices.