With climate change, people are concerned about their energy consumption and how they can reduce their carbon footprint. Pellet heat pumps and boilers have been recommended as the most environmentally friendly renewable energy solutions. They are also effective in reducing your energy consumption.

So how do you choose between a heat pump or a pellet boiler ? 6 energies explains everything in this article.

What is the difference between a heat pump and a pellet boiler?

Renewable energy sources are becoming increasingly popular. State and regional investment aid encourage ecological transition and households to equip themselves.

What is a heat pump?

A heat pump is an efficient renewable energy solution to save energy. It draws calories from the air thanks to the unit outside the housing, then with a change of state, it restores the cold or hot air inside. It can produce hot and cold air and can also heat your domestic hot water. Heat pumps have several advantages. They transfer heat from naturally renewable sources such as the air and the ground. This absorbed heat is used to heat your room and your water. They only require a small amount of electricity and can absorb heat from low temperatures; down to -15°C. There are several types of PACs. At 6nergies, we mainly offer Air-Air and Air-Water heat pumps.

What is a pellet boiler?

A pellet boiler is a heating system that operates using energy produced by wood combustion. Generally, the wood is presented in the form of pellets and chips. When burned, the energy produced helps heat your home and provide hot water. Since these boilers use wood as fuel, they are much more economical than traditional heating systems.

Advantages and disadvantages of the pellet boiler

Benefits

1. Firewood is profitable. The composition of the wood pellets: it is essentially the rest of the wood. Thus, they are economically competitive with other fuels used for heating. In addition, wood pellet prices are often stable because they are not dependent on outside factors like fossil fuels.
2. Wood pellets are small in size, therefore their storage is not complicated and they allow you to reduce the amount of ash produced.
3. They are ecological. It is a sustainable fuel. This heating system is characterized by the minimal emission of carbon dioxide (CO2). It’s a great way to protect the environment.
4. It is a renewable energy source since they are extracted from wood waste.
5. The wood pellet heating system supports local economies. Indeed, they are often local creations, helping to provide more jobs for local people and leading to energy independence.

The inconvenience

1. Regular maintenance is essential for wood pellet boilers. Even though most modern boilers include self-cleaning systems, the heat exchanger often needs to be brushed to be more efficient. Similarly, ash pans should be emptied regularly.
2. The costs are a little expensive: the initial costs of wood pellet boilers can reach up to €10,000. This price is quite high compared to traditional gas, oil, or mixed boilers. The cost of the boiler alone can be between $4,000 and $8,000. However, it is difficult to calculate the final price because it depends on several factors such as the size and the type of wood fuel.

Advantages and disadvantages of the heat pump

Heat pumps can be an ideal choice for your home, but they can also have drawbacks.

Benefits

1. Reductions in operating costs: heat pumps are less expensive than combustion-based systems. Despite the fact that the prices of geothermal heat pumps can reach 45 thousand euros. This eco-friendly investment can help you save up to €400 per year.
2. Easier maintenance: the maintenance of heat pumps is easier than the maintenance of combustion heaters. Just check some system details. You can easily perform the verification yourself. In contrast, a professional installer should check every three or five years.
3. In terms of safety, heat pumps are better than combustion heating systems. They are safe to use. Because they rely on electricity and don’t need to burn fuel to generate heat, they are less of a problem than other systems.
4. Provide cooling: During hot periods, heat pumps are able to reverse the process and thus act as an air conditioner.
5. Longer lifespan: Heat pumps have a longer lifespan. It can reach up to 50 years, but the average lifespan is between 14 and 15 years. What is certain is that it is an exceptionally reliable and stable heat source.

The inconvenience

1. Difficult to install: Heat pumps are quite difficult to install. You have to understand the movement of heat, the local geology, etc.
2. Problems during cold weather: Some heat pumps may experience problems in cold areas, this can damage the system.

A heat pump or pellet boiler?

A heat pump is an efficient solution, helping to reduce carbon emissions and generating revenue through the domestic RHI. In addition, heat pumps require minimal maintenance. They are an excellent choice. However, it is important to favor high-end heat pumps, if your budget allows you to pay the initial installation costs.

If you can’t afford the expense of a heat pump, a pellet boiler is the best option in terms of reducing carbon emissions.

Combine pellet boiler and heat pump, good idea?

Linking two different heat sources into one system is not uncommon. Consideration must be given to the operating parameters of each heat source, as well as the configuration and composition of the rest of the heating system. For example, pellet boilers generally operate at temperatures above 140°. On the other hand, heat pumps work best when the outlet temperature is low.

The combination of pellet boilers and heat pumps can work according to the strengths of each, but the system control must be configured so that both work properly.