FAQs

Wood pellets are a relatively new fuel in the UK market and, as the experts in the industry, we get asked a lot of questions about biomass. We’ve put together some of the most frequently asked questions, to help with any queries you may have.

Fuels

What are wood pellets?

Wood pellets are a form of heating fuel.  They are small and cylindrical in shape and are made from dry, natural wood. They usually have a diameter of 6mm, with a length of approximately 10-25mm. Due to the high pressure compression process they endure they have an extremely low moisture content, making them the ideal sustainable fuel.

How long can wood pellets be stored?

As long as they are kept in dry conditions, as long as you need. Exposing pellets to moisture will lead to them expanding and becoming a poor quality fuel.  Specially designed wood pellet stores can be purchased which will keep pellets in pristine condition for the longest possible time.  It is recommended that wood pellet stores are emptied and cleaned annually in order to stop the build up of excessive amounts of dust.

How eco-friendly are wood pellets?

The simple answer is extremely. As they are made from wood they are completely renewable - for every tree used to make wood pellets another can be planted to replace it.  The biggest environmental benefit of buring wood pellets is the low Carbon Dioxide emissions - burning wood pellet emits 90% less CO2 emissions than heating oil. The C02 released when burning wood pellets is exactly the same amount that is absorbed during the life cycle of the tree and hence the net release of CO2 can be said to be zero.

Are the wood pellets of a high quality?

All of the virgin wood pellets we supply meet the criteria of the ENPlus A1 standards, the European governing body for this type of renewable fuel. This certification ensures that all the pellets are of a consistent size and moisture content, with low ash content and a high ash melting temperature. As the UK’s first distributor to be awarded the ENPlus certification, you can be sure that the pellets we provide are the finest available.

Where do I store my wood pellets?

Bagged pellets should be kept dry at all times and should therefore be kept under cover.  Loose pellets should be kept in a specially designed pellet store that will have been supplied as part of the original installation.

How much ash is produced from wood pellets?

The percentage of ash produced as a proportion of weight is very low for wood pellets, at less than 0.7%.  This means there is very little maintenance of the boiler, and what ash is produced makes an excellent garden fertiliser.

Are pellets eligible for the Renewable Heat Incentive?

Yes.  The Renewable Heat Incentive, a Government scheme to award regular payments to those who have adopted renewable energy, is already open for applications for commercial and public sector organisations.

Phase two of the scheme (for domestic properties) is predicted to arrive in October 2012. Until then, domestic users can apply for a grant towards the cost of a wood pellet boiler.

Orders

How can I order my wood pellets?

You can order your pellets online, on this very website, or you can call one of our expert team on 0845 894 3022. Wood pellets are available already bagged or as a bulk blown delivery.

How are wood pellets delivered?

If you’ve order pre-packed bags of wood pellets then one of our delivery vehicles will arrive and unload your fuel. If you’ve gone for the bulk blown option then one of our vehicles will blow the fuel directly into your store. Our drivers are highly trained in doing this and we take time during the delivery to ensure minimal damage to your fuel.

What areas do you deliver to?

Our bagged products can be delivered anywhere in the UK, and the standard time for these orders is 10 working days from the date the order is placed. Bulk blown deliveries are restricted to England and we will liaise with you to arrange a suitable delivery date.

Is there a minimum order for wood pellets?

There is no minimum order for our wood pellets. You can buy single bags, multi-bags, pallets or bulk blown and we’ll deliver these to your door as soon as possible.

How long does it take to deliver from order?

Approximately 10 working days from the initial order date. If we anticipate any delay then we’ll be in touch to keep you fully informed. Bulk blown deliveries should take a similar period, but we’ll make sure we arrange a suitable date with you for the delivery.

Appliances

Can I replace my gas or oil boiler with a wood pellet boiler?

Providing you have enough space, you’ll be able to replace your existing boiler with a specialist one for wood pellets. We supply a range of boilers from a number of different manufacturers and will help you with the RHI, Finance and pellet supply.

Are your wood pellets compatible with my boiler or stove?

Once you have your wood pellet boiler or stove installed it will be commissioned to take either 6mm or 8mm diameter pellets.  You should always use the same diameter pellet but you are free to decide where to source these from because, all Enplus A1 pellets should be compatible with a boiler that takes 6mm pellets.

Can I get a grant towards the installation of a biomass boiler?

Domestic users installing a wood pellet boiler can apply for a Renewable Heat Premium Payment. Under the scheme, the user will receive a £950 towards the cost of the new wood pellet boiler, providing they meet certain criteria.

Public sector and commercial organisations can apply for the payments provided under the Renewable Heat Incentive. There are also finance packages or Energy Supply Contracts (ESCO's) available from Woodpellets2u, which avoid the initial outlay or capital and make equipment more affordable. Enquire online for more details.

Can I control the running of the boiler?

Most boilers are boiler fully automatic and run off a thermostat giving you complete electronic control over the entire heating system. From the control system you can regulate the temperature, fuel consumption and running of the boiler. As it is fully automatic, the boiler will re-ignite itself whenever heat is required.  Some can even be operated remotely using your mobile phone.

How often does the boiler need filling?

This is entirely dependent on the make and model of your boiler, how much the boiler is used and the heat requirements of the unit.

Can I burn wood pellets in a smoke controlled zone?

Wood Pellets themselves are not classed as smokeless. However they can be burnt in smoke controlled zones if used on a smokeless approved appliance.  Almost all wood pellet boilers available in the UK are approved for use in smokes controlled zones, but we’d always recommend you check with your local council and HETAS (the organisation that manages the approval of smokeless approved appliance) for more information.

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