HEATING, VENTILATION & SERVICES (FIRES, FIREPLACES AND FLUES)
Pellet stoves: style and substance
Specflue’s Ian Sams explains why pellet stoves offer an ideal heating solution for self-builders, from their environmental credentials and aesthetic appeal to the best units’ ease of use and installation
A
s any self-builder knows, the secret to a successful project lies in the planning. Whether you project manage yourself or employ an expert, failing to plan is planning to fail. And with so many considerations and priorities to juggle, from choosing a builder, specifying fittings and getting services on site, not to mention managing relations with your local planning officer, secondary heating choices tend to fall way down the list!
The decision on how we heat our homes is not just a matter of aesthetics. We must be mindful too of cost, reliability, efficiency and emissions. Substance as well as style is key, and a modern pellet stove can offer the perfect combination of both.
FUTURE-PROOF HEAT
With a wealth of benefits such as smart controls, ease of use, low maintenance and efficiency, pellet stoves tick all the boxes when it comes to environmental credentials. Under EU Ecodesign requirements that come into force in January 2022, pellet stoves must have a minimum efficiency of 79 per cent. Many models on the market today already far exceed this, offering efficiency in excess of 90 per cent with A to A++ energy efficiency ratings.
Similarly, with tough new maximum particulate emissions levels being set by Ecodesign and the Clean Air Strategy, and with the maximum permissible particulate emissions for pellet stoves being half that of log burning stoves, a pellet stove is the perfect choice for the discerning self-builder looking to future-proof their new home, renovation or extension.
Many pellet stove manufacturers have already overhauled their product ranges to ensure that they meet 2022 requirements today, so keep your eyes peeled for phrases such as “ecodesign ready” and “2022 ready/compliant” when you shop around – your local stove
september/october 2019
showroom will also be able to advise on which models fit the criteria. While pellet stoves, also known as air stoves, are the focus here, bear in mind that you can also get hydro pellet stoves that provide both room heating and hot water, pellet boilers which can replace a central heating boiler to power underfloor heating as well as room heating and hot water, and there are also a range of removable pellet inserts on the market designed for installation into an existing fireplace.
A pellet air stove is an ideal solution for
secondary heating, perfect for extensions, garden offices and conservatories and can be used to heat either a single room or multiple spaces with a ductable model.
CUTTING-EDGE TECHNOLOGY
If smart tech is your thing then a pellet stove offers the ultimate in connectivity and controllability. From a basic appliance-mounted digital display control and hand-held remote controls, through to smart phone connectivity that gives on/off and temperature control from anywhere, programmable pellet stove
www.sbhonline.co.uk 67
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84
