Are you building a new home? At Azwood Energy, we understand it can be a stressful time with numerous decisions to be made, decisions that you will have to live with into the future. Your choice of home heating, particularly, can impact your on-going costs considerably.

A recent study by Consumer New Zealand, found that choosing a pellet fire is a very economical option, producing warmth for between 12 to 26 cents per kilowatt hour, depending on pellet fuel prices. New Zealand’s Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority’s ENERGYWISE also advise that pellet fires are a very environmentally-friendly and clean heating option.

So what points do you need to bear in mind when deciding to install a pellet fire? Azwood Energy has provided some factors for you to take into account.

With everyone becoming more aware of the environmental issues that are facing our planet, we are trying to hold on to the things we love while still embracing a newer clean green alternative.

I don't know about you, but for me standing in front of a heat pump trying to get warm really doesn't cut the mustard. I like the fact that you are not spending weeks cutting firewood, then stacking and drying, or trying to save enough money to buy wood from a merchant. Still, there is nothing quite like the warmth of a fire to make you feel snug and cosy.

Previously, the only way to purchase pellet fuel (a natural, low emission product) was in large plastic bags that many councils wouldn't accept in a recycling bin. With the bags from all pellet producers potentially totalling 1 million large bags per year – Azwood Energy moved to reduce the environmental impact by giving customers a recyclable, biodegradable option.

Wood pellets are a clean, sustainable & high energy fuel. With a fully automated pellet fire, there is generally less than 0.5% ash content. Wood Pellets are becoming an increasingly popular choice as homeowners and organisations choose to replace other fuels.  Wood pellet fuel reduces dependency on imported and mined fuels.
 

Cost of wood pellet vs other energy types

The benefits of using wood pellets can be shown to both society and the environment. Wood pellet fuel can be cheaper and cleaner than using fossil fuels. In the coming years, it is predicted fossil fuel prices will increase.

Pellet manufacturers take by-products (wood waste) and refine them into pencil sized pellets that are uniform in size, shape, moisture, density and energy content.

Why not simply burn raw biomass? First, the moisture content of pellets is substantially lower (5% to 8% water, compared to 30% to 60% for raw biomass). Less moisture means higher energy values and easier handling.
 

We answer many of your frequently asked questions including what are the Pellets made of, how the pellets are made, how long a bag will last, and how much ash do wood pellets leave.