Pellet consumption for heating can depend on many factors, including the choice of boiler, its installation, operational settings, regular maintenance, and annual servicing, as well as the quality of the pellets. Each detail affects pellet consumption, and with the right approach, you can lower it significantly, leading to a much lower heating cost by the end of the season.
In recent years, wood pellet heating has become increasingly popular. The cost of heating is often similar to, or even lower than, heating with wood or coal, with comfort levels vastly improved and maintenance work during the heating season greatly reduced. Online forums are full of debates about the pros and cons of pellet heating, and one of the most common questions is how to reduce pellet consumption.
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Of course, the basics are assumed—ensuring your home is well insulated, that windows and doors are of high quality, and that the pipes in unheated rooms are insulated. We won’t cover those topics here, but instead, we’ll focus on specific ways to reduce pellet consumption with this type of heating.
Proper Boiler Power is Key to Consumption
First and foremost is selecting the right boiler if you’re planning to switch to pellet heating. A common mistake is buying a boiler that is larger than necessary for the space you’re heating. For example, using a 35 kW pellet boiler to heat 650 square feet is akin to driving a high-power SUV every day for a short commute. Even with careful driving, fuel consumption remains high.
Simply put, an oversized boiler is not well-suited for the task. A larger boiler only makes sense if you plan to expand your home or increase the area you’ll be heating in the near future. The idea that a “bigger boiler” is better because it will run less frequently and be more reliable is simply not accurate.
Adjust Boiler Power to Match Your Needs
If you already have an oversized boiler for your heating area, it’s not the end of the world. Consumption can be adjusted by tuning the boiler’s power settings. Depending on the manufacturer, options might include P1, P2, etc.
You can find specific adjustment instructions in your boiler’s manual, or you can have an authorized technician handle it during the annual cleaning, which is recommended. As with cars, some basic maintenance tasks, like changing oil, can be done by any mechanic. However, for specific adjustments or checks of the boiler’s electronics, it’s best to consult someone experienced with that particular boiler brand.
Regular Maintenance for Low Consumption
In addition to choosing a quality boiler of appropriate power, its maintenance also affects pellet consumption. Regular and annual servicing is essential. Regular maintenance is up to the user and should be done daily or a few times a week, depending on heating intensity.
It’s best to refill the pellet hopper when the boiler has been off for a while. After refilling, you can clean the burner because it will be cool. The burner, where the pellet burns, is usually located behind metal covers with a small glass window.
The burner is essentially a grate with many small holes for airflow. It needs to be removed and cleaned of slag buildup to allow better airflow and more efficient burning. A cleaner burner results in lower pellet consumption. Ash from burning pellets also collects at the bottom of the combustion chamber and should be cleaned out when it accumulates, though this only significantly affects consumption if the boiler is neglected.
Another part of occasional maintenance is emptying the ash chamber, which is located nearby. This is done less frequently, depending on pellet quality and heating intensity, typically a few times during the season.
Utilize Boiler’s Quick Cleaning Options
Most newer boilers have a system for cleaning the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger consists of pipes through which hot gases transfer heat to the water in the boiler. Over time, a layer of soot accumulates on these pipes, causing more heat to be lost through the chimney than used for heating the water. Newer boilers come equipped with a cleaning system.
This system involves special springs inside the pipes. Pulling a lever on the boiler removes soot deposits, increasing the boiler’s efficiency. This lever doesn’t need to be used daily but should be pulled up and down a few times periodically, even while the boiler is operating.
Annual Boiler Service: Important for Consumption and Reliability
In addition to regular maintenance, an annual boiler service is crucial. Just like for emergency interventions, regular servicing should be performed by a technician experienced with your boiler type. Besides the cleaning you’ve done, the technician will inspect and clean many other elements like the fan and heat exchanger, preparing the boiler for the next season.
Pay attention to the flue pipes where combustion products exit the boiler and check the chimney. If the boiler is well-adjusted, the system is properly set up, and you’re using quality pellets, you’ll be surprised at how little soot you need to remove, especially compared to burning wood or coal.
An experienced technician can provide specific advice on managing your boiler, as every home and heating system has unique characteristics. It’s better to get professional guidance on the ideal water temperature and other parameters than to seek answers on internet forums.
And Finally, Pellet Quality Matters
Pellet quality also affects consumption. Lower-quality pellets have a lower calorific value, leading to higher consumption and more frequent cleaning due to increased ash and debris. Saving a few dollars per ton on cheaper pellets can result in higher overall heating costs due to increased consumption and potential emergency interventions.
The boiler should be installed by a professional, and an authorized technician should approve and start it. It’s also advisable for the technician to perform an annual cleaning and inspection. When combined with regular maintenance during the heating season and using high-quality pellets, you’ll be well-positioned to enjoy efficient heating with minimal consumption, rather than searching for solutions on internet forums.