Although wood pellet heaters make use of a renewable resource, they have the drawback of generating high levels of soot and dust on site. This may be good news for the chimney sweep who has to call round regularly, but certainly not for the operator. Into the bargain you are also faced with the high cost of this fuel and the awkward storage of what is the most ancient form of heating. However, today there are truly advanced, clean and less expensive heating methods.
Pellet heating
Heat pump
Economy
– High operating costs
– Chimney sweep
– Need for storage space
+ Low operating costs
+ No chimney sweep
+ No chimney sweep
Long-term prospects
+ Reliable energy source
+ No dependence on oil and gas
+ Inexhaustible ambient heat
+ No dependence on oil and gas
Environmental compatibility
– High emissions on site
– High transport expenditure
+ No emissions on site
+ Exploitation of ambient heat
Cleanness/safety
– Flame in the home
– High levels of soot and dust
– High maintenance needs
+ Odourless
+ No soot, dust or dirt
+ No flame
+ Low maintenance needs
Progressiveness
– Oldest form of heating
+ Technology of the future
Comfort
– Feed belt is relatively noisy
– Need for storage space
