FAQ's - Wood Pellet (Biomass) Boilers and Heating systems

Q: Why wood pellets? Does burning wood not generate pollution?

A: It is true that the combustion of wood fuel releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. However, the amount of carbon dioxide released is only equal to the amount which was absorbed as the tree grew prior to felling.

Unlike fossil fuels which are not being replaced as we burn them, wood fuel is an infinitely renewable resource: provided we replant as many trees as we fell, there will always be a supply of fuel which should not provide a net increase in carbon dioxide levels.

Of course, a small amount of additional energy is required to harvest, process and transport wood pellets.

At present, electricity is used for the production process and petrol or Diesel for transport. However, being an indigenous fuel the distance which wood pellets are transported is far less than the distance oil travels to reach us, and the amount of energy used in the production of wood pellets is significantly less than that used to refine crude oil.

Overall, when burnt efficiently and cleanly as it is in an Organic Energy wood pellet system, wood fuel is as renewable an energy source as you can get.

Q: Can I replace my gas or oil boiler with a wood pellet boiler?

A: Yes - provided you have enough space. An Organic Energy wood pellet boiler is as automated and easy to use as a gas or oil boiler, and can supply a similar heat output. However, it is important to realise that these are boiler room machines, not kitchen appliances. A wood pellet boiler and pellet store require a very minimum of 8 sqm floor space, and preferably 10 sqm or more. See the Energy Box page for more details.

Q: Does the automatic wood pellet boiler have to run continuously?

A: No. The boiler is fully automatic, and indeed has complete electronic control over the entire heating system. It will match the heating requirements by modulating (i.e. running at less than full capacity, something which OkoFEN Pellematic wood pellet boilers do extremely efficiently, unlike many wood chip or log boilers) and by cycling (i.e. running to a timetable or shutting down when there is no demand for heating). Of course, being fully automatic, the boiler re-ignites itself electronically whenever heat is required.

Q: Can I use my current radiators and plumbing?

A: Yes, provided they are in good condition and were originally designed to be of a suitable size and specification for your building. If your current radiators are in poor condition or are unsuitably sized for the heat load, they will prove to be inefficient with whatever heating system you use, so are better replaced in any case.

Q: What about wood pellet fuel supply?

A: Please see About Wood Pellets and Fuel pages.

Q: Can I use other fuels in the automatic wood pellet boiler?

A: No. An OkoFEN automatic wood pellet heating system supplied by Organic Energy is a piece of precision equipment designed to run most efficiently on a high quality supply of dry, dense wood pellets. For more information on cost and provision of fuel, please see the wood pellet supply page.

Q: Can I get a grant towards the installation cost?

A: Please see the Grants page.

HOW TO CONTACT US

If you want to know more about our Pellematic wood pellet boiler systems, grants or Organic Energy and our views on sustainable and renewable energy please contact us through any of the following:

• click Call Me Back link on the left sidebar
• call 01938 530 070
• visit Contact Us
• or email us here

Our Showroom and Training Academy is also available by appointment. To reserve a presentation meeting please complete our Feedback Form here.