Calculator in hand
Pellet heating systems are a valid and effective solution for those who want to reduce diesel or methane consumption and, consequently, save money while increasing the thermal efficiency of their home, using a natural and renewable fuel.
Is it possible to determine how much a pellet stove consumes in terms of fuel purchase?
Defining the actual consumption of a pellet stove in advance is complex. It greatly depends on the stove's size, the characteristics of the space to be heated, household needs, and the initial investment. Other factors that affect heating system management costs are not directly related to the generator itself. Let’s clarify things.
Factors Influencing Consumption
THERMAL INSULATION
An essential factor that can significantly impact heating costs is how well-insulated the house is. In a well-insulated, energy-efficient home, the required heating power is much lower compared to a home with greater heat dispersion. Knowing your home’s characteristics is crucial to accurately assess potential savings after installing a heating system.
STOVE OPERATING TIME
- Stove supplementing gas heating: 1–2 hours/day
Using a pellet stove to supplement existing heating is ideal for warming a specific part of the home, like the living room, for a more immediate and comfortable heat. In this case, the stove operates for a few hours a day, and pellet consumption is very low. Achieving the same comfort with gas heating would be more expensive.
- Stove replacing the boiler: 3–4 hours/day
If the stove is intended to heat the entire home, it is essential to calculate the required power and consider installing a duct system to distribute heat throughout the house. The stove should be centrally located to optimize heat distribution.
This setup requires a larger initial investment: more powerful and ductable stoves are costlier. Pellet consumption is also higher as the stove becomes the sole heat source and runs for many hours in winter (though usually at lower power).
However, this leads to greater long-term savings compared to fossil fuel heating.
- Stove also heating water: more than 4 hours/day
A thermo-stove works like a traditional boiler but with the advantages of a pellet stove. It can be easily connected to existing heating systems and can integrate with solar panels using a proper storage system.
A well-sized storage unit allows for optimized stove cycles and ensures hot water availability even when the stove is off.
Thermo-stoves transfer most heat to the home's heating system, with residual heat warming the room where it’s installed. Some models feature forced-air heating via fans, and even direct sanitary water exchangers for real-time domestic hot water.
This setup costs more initially, but lets you make the most of your heating system, reusing radiators and eliminating gas bills by heating both air and water.
Is Pellet Worth It? Let’s Simulate
Even though many factors influence convenience, we can make general comparisons based on fuel types.
Let’s assume we're heating a medium-sized, moderately insulated house using 1,200 cubic meters of gas annually.
Starting Data:
- 150 sqm house
- Medium insulation
- 12 MWh thermal energy requirement
- Annual consumption: 1,320 Nm³ methane = 1,120 liters of diesel = 2,720 kg of pellet (180 bags of 15 kg)
For the same thermal energy output, fuel consumption varies significantly depending on the source. Pellet stands out for its competitive efficiency and lower heating costs.
Prices fluctuate slightly by region and season, but data from organizations like AIEL confirm pellet as one of the most economical options.
Also consider stove efficiency: high-efficiency stoves consume less fuel.
Top stoves exceed 90% efficiency. Only high-efficiency stoves qualify for Ecobonus and Conto Termico incentives.
WHAT ABOUT ELECTRICITY CONSUMPTION?
Both stoves and boilers need to be connected to electricity to power their control units and components like ignition, combustion control, exhaust, and heat distribution systems.
Do continuously running stoves with automatic heat regulation consume more electricity?
Tests show that electricity consumption is minimal, whether using Ecostop (shuts off when temperature is reached) or automatic models that run continuously.
Download our free e-book to find the pellet stove that best suits your home’s needs.
