Sep 14 2007
Posted by admin under Benefits, Wood Pellets
Wood vs. Wood Pellets: A Comparison
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.