Pellets are a granular solid fuel obtained from the residuals of wood processing. They are practical, environmentally friendly, easy to carry and offer the best price-energy efficiency ratio. Pellets are mostly used by households and businesses because they are free of chemical additives and dyes, and are easy to use and store. To choose properly, it is advisable to pay attention to the labels on the packs. Pellets have different types of certifications. The most common are DinPlus, EnPlus, ÖNORM M7135, Pellet Din, Pellet Gold, Pellet Fuels Institute.

Wood is a natural fuel that man has used for ages, and is rightly considered a renewable energy source because the ash produced by its combustion is 100% biodegradable. It is a practically unlimited and economically beneficial raw material. It keeps well in storage and poses no risk to the environment during production, storage and distribution. All wood can be divided into two categories: "hard" or "soft". Soft wood is spruce, poplar, pine, alder, chestnut and willow. It burns quickly, producing a stronger heat: this makes it excellent to start the fire. Hard wood is oak, elm, oak, beech and ash. It is dense and less resinous than softwoods, therefore it burns slowly, producing a longer-lasting heat.

Which stove to choose?

Wood or pellet?

Features	Pellet stoves	Wood stoves
Purchasing the combustible material	Pellets are commercially available at supermarkets, garden centres and DIY stores. They can be purchased in bags (e.g. 15 kg each).	Wood is usually sold and delivered by the cubic metre. In general it is purchased from farmers or specific firms, but can also be got by the user.
Storing the combustible material	It does not have to be seasoned and there is no risk of insect infestations. Storing pellets requires little space. They must be stored in a dry place and the manageable packs facilitate storage.	Firewood must be kept outdoors and dry. The wood must be stacked already cut and with sufficient space between pieces. If unseasoned, a sufficiently large and covered area will be required in order to dry it.
Lighting	Ignition is automatic and controlled by a chronothermostat which regulates the temperature and heating time, optimising consumption. An electrical connection is therefore required.	The wood stove is lit manually, using chips of soft wood, long matches, grill lighter or uncoated paper.
Fuelling the stove	Filling the pellet hopper, according to the model, will ensure heating for several hours. Fuelling occurs automatically during the combustion phase.	Fuelling occurs manually, loading the stove oven and making sure it does not go out.
Image of the flame	Very uniform image of fire.	Natural and evocative, it creates an atmosphere.
Background noise	A slight noise due to the feeding of pellets and a sound caused by the low pressure produced.	The natural sound of the wood creaking and crackling.
Smell	No smell or very similar to sawdust.	Typical smell of the wood.
Cleanness	The pellets are stored in the bags and their handling does not produce dust.	The pieces of firewood always have residuals bark, moss or sawdust.

Which technology?

Type of system	Features	When recommended
Convection - radiant	Heat by convection quickly heats rooms. Radiant heat does not raise dust and pollen and spreads evenly in the room.	Convection and radiant stoves are the ideal solution to integrate the existing heating system and create an atmosphere with the pleasure of seeing the fire. They are suitable for places such as large apartments and attics.
Water	The heat produced is used to heat the system water, and therefore for domestic use as well as radiators and floor or ceiling heating systems.	It is recommended in first constructions or in case of renovations and allows the whole house to be heated, with significant energy saving.
Air	The heat is conveyed through special ducting into various rooms of the home.	Excellent for integrating the existing heating system or as a source of heating in the second home.