Wood Pellet FAQ
What are Wood Pellets?
They are a fuel manufactured from compressed sawdust that is typically 6mm and 8mm in diameter and up to 25mm in length. The fuel has no additives and is bound together by the woods own natural glue called lignin. The calorific value of wood pellets is exceptionally high at 4.9kW/hr per 1kg of pellet.
How clean are they?
Wood pellet fuel is very clean. Only 0.05% of the fuel ends up in ash. The pellet is relatively dust free and can be bought in bags or in bulk deliveries. By the way the ash is a high-grade fertiliser and can be used to fertilise ones lawn or flowerbed.
Why are Pellets considered a Renewable Fuel?
Wood is a sustainable form of fuel, as trees harvested for wood fuel are being replanted. Also the trees absorb CO2 while they are growing and therefore store carbon. The wood when burned releases CO2 but no more than it would from rotting on the forest floor and is therefore considered carbon neutral. Wood pellet fuel is considered a clean environmentally friendly way of heating ones home
What size boiler will I need?
To get an accurate assessment of your heat requirement one should consult your installer to calculate the average heat loss from your home. One will find that in many cases the heat loss is not that high and even though their house is of large size the average heat output required from their boiler can be as low as 10kW which equates to the average heat loss from their home.
How much storage space will I need?
Every 1 tonne of pellet takes up 1.8 cubic metres of space. So when planning your pellet heating system care needs to be given to your fuel needs and storage capacity. Remember 1000 litres of oil is the equivalent of 2 tonnes of pellet so if one used 2,000 litres of oil last year one will use 4 tonnes of wood pellet over the year.
Pellet companies normally deliver bulk deliveries in minimum 3 tonne deliveries but check with your local pellet delivery company as it differs from region to region
Various Pellet storage and pellet transportation solutions are on the market. We supply pellet vacuum systems which are very effective and fully automated.
Where can I get Wood Pellets in Ireland?
Contrary to what you may have heard Ireland has an abundance of wood pellet fuel. Balcas in Enniskillen is the largest pellet fuel manufacturer in the British Isles. Balcas deliver in bags and in bulk. They have a fantastic on-line ordering system and have 10 bulk tankers delivering the fuel nationwide. Balcas also have Distribution Depot in Ringaskiddy, Co Cork to cover Munster.
D Pellets in Co Kilkenny and Firestixx in Co Clare also supply bulk pellets and there are several importers of bagged wood pellet fuel.
What is the cost Savings compared to Oil?
The price of oil is so volatile it is difficult to keep track. However if one buys pellet in bulk one can save up to a staggering 55% compared to the price of oil at September 2008 prices. Bagged pellets are dearer but still considerably cheaper than oil. One of the key attractions of pellet fuel is the price is relatively stable and supply is not finite – unlike oil.
Who installs my Woodpecker?
A FETAC accredited technician can only install your pellet boiler if you wish to avail of a grant. We personally commission every boiler we sell. This is part of our commitment to ensuring that all Woodpeckers are installed in a proper safe manner. If we believe it is not installed correctly we will not commission the boiler.
What is the After Sales Service like once I install a Woodpecker?
We have a full time Technical Support number. Homeowners can avail of Gold, Silver or Bronze Maintenance packages, which provide excellent service and peace of mind; your boiler should be serviced annually as a matter of course.
Is there a Grant available?
Yes all Gerkros biomass boilers qualify for Grants in the UK and Ireland. The level of grant differs for each country
I don’t have the space in my boiler house for a Pellet System... what can I do?
Try the Cosyman outdoor model. This is a truly unique patented product from Gerkros. The boiler and storage is situated outdoors or by the side of ones house.
What is the warranty on the boilers?
The boiler comes with a 5 year warranty and the burner has a 2 year warranty (element only 1 year which should be changed annually as part of your annual service). Each boiler has a different warranty period and you should check with us for each individual boiler. As we offer a full service and maintenance contract, we will always have stock of spare parts should they be required.
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