Wood Pellets Guide - Home Heating Alternative

Wood pellets as a source of alternative energy over the usual non renewable fossil fuels have been gaining a lot of interest all over the world. As a matter of fact, heating systems designed specifically for the use of wood pellets are now widely available in the markets of some countries across the globe.It is believed that wood pellets as a wood fuel (a form of biofuel) is better than any other kinds of fuel. In fact, it can be compared to high quality coal and other similar goods. Below are some strong points of wood pellets as an alternative fuel.

• Environmental Friendly
Wood fuels which include fuel derived from wood pellets release lesser amount of ashes and emissions that are harmful to the environment and to human beings. The carbon dioxide that is released during the combustion of wood pellets is being used by the growing plants. Thus, it does not add up to the problem of global warming. Moreover, there would be no worries on how to dispose wood pellets which are basically waste products because they can still be utilized as an alternative fuel. This would greatly reduce problems on waste management.

• Convenient
Wood pellets are generally small – sized, highly densed and compacted unlike other biomass fuels such as wood chips. These characteristics would make a stack of wood pellets easy to store and transport. Their small, regular and uniform shapes enable them to flow like a fluid resulting on easy feeding on automated heating systems.

• Available
Availability has been always one of the concerns in the use of non renewable fuels. There may be numerous resources now, but it might create a problem on scarcity in the future. This is where the production of biomass fuels enters. Wood pellets, a biomass, are byproducts of sawmilling and other similar activity. With this in mind, instead of discarding these waste materials, these can be utilized as a useful alternative source of energy. As long as trees are continually growing and a balance between cutting and planting exists, availability would not cause a major problem.

• Effective
Wood pellets are proven effective as a wood fuel. Their low moisture content (humidity is typically 7 – 8%) does not require a lot of energy to burn it off making them highly efficient burnable material. Moreover, this feature also explains why it is easier to ignite (7-8% against 30-35% humidity of wood chips). Wood pellets generate high heat output.

• Natural
Aside from being biodegradable, chemicals or additives are not necessary in manufacturing wood pellets. A natural substance called lignin is found in wood itself that serves as a binder. A small amount of maize starch is added though sometimes. Furthermore, the wood pellets are manufactured from pure and not contaminated woods.

• Versatile
Wood pellets can be used in stoves (pellet stoves models and most traditional stoves), boilers, heating furnaces and similar heating systems. Lots of these appliances are now available in the markets.

These are the benefits that can be gained in utilizing wood pellets as biomass fuel. Such advantages make the wood pellets more popular among the manufacturers and consumers.

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In the past years, burning wood has been widely used in heating systems in many homes in different parts of the world. However, the demand of burning wood as a source of energy is challenged by the entrance of wood pellets and their related products.

Wood pellets are highly densed, compressed, low moist materials which are primarily derived from compacted sawdust. They have been proven to be effective wood fuel that can be utilized in many heating system machineries. As a matter of fact, currently they are gaining popularity among consumers from North America, Denmark, Austria and Sweden. Moreover, several other countries are also interested to start manufacturing this kind of wood fuel.

On the other hand, the usage of wood in heating appliances is still widely utilized among domestic homes. The fact that they are abundant in several countries and without a doubt efficient, the demand for wood burning is still high.

However, there have been many comparisons of these two forms of biomass fuel as to which one is the better alternative fuel.

Electricity

During winter season where heat system is generally needed, it cannot be avoided that there would be possibility of power failures in certain areas.
Wood: Most woodstoves can be operated without the use of electricity depending on the model.
Pellet: The augers of pellet boilers and fireplace inserts require the use of electricity to run and feed the pellets. Also, pellet stoves’ blowers that propel out the heat need electricity. However, a backup battery can be utilized.

Availability
Wood: It depends on the area. But, if the area is abundant of wooded land, then it would not create a major problem.
Pellet: Wood pellets are byproduct of wood processing activity. This means that instead of disposing them, manufacturers make use of them. The trees are not primarily cut down to produce wood pellets. They are product of innovation.

Cost
Wood: Again, it depends on the availability and demand for them. Furthermore, the chimney that is needed to vent the emission may be quite expensive with the use of wood stoves.
Pellet: If the pellet stove is positioned against a shrubbery outside walls, venting can be through a simple, short, special stainless steel chimney. However, most pellet stoves are more expensive than most wood stoves.

Placement
Wood: For most wood stoves, a distance of one foot or more against the wall is needed.
Pellet: The distance required to keep away from a wall for most pellet stoves is usually 3-6 inches only.

Appearance
Wood: The flame produced from burning wood can be mesmerizing. It produces some kind of romantic and vibrant feeling.

Pellet: The property of being low moist material makes them easier to burn the moist. Quite intense flame can be observed.

Despite the many comparisons between wood stoves and wood pellets stoves, both are advantageous over other form of fuels. They come from trees and ss long as there is balance between the demand and supply of trees, then consumers can continually enjoy their use. More importantly, they both benefit the environment since the carbon dioxide they emit is utilized by the growing plants and trees.

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