FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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What are wood pellets?

Wood pellets are made from compressed sawdust, 6mm or 8mm in diameter and about 2cm long (they look like cattle feed!). They are of a consistent density, low moisture content and shape. The pellets are available in bags of 10kg to 15kg and will store in a dry place indefinitely (they must be kept dry). The uniform size and quality enables the fuel to have a known calorific value, so the heat produced from the fuel is understood and can be compared to conventional fuels such as oil and gas. As the pellets consist of only compressed sawdust, they are carbon neutral to burn as they release the same carbon dioxide which was absorbed during the tree growth. Wood pellets are sourced from licenced, managed timber crops and are available across the UK from a number of large scale manufacturers. Pellet appliances have been used in Europe for over 30 years so it is a well understood fuel.

What are wood pellet stoves?

Wood pellet stoves are an automated version of a traditional log stove, except with a much higher efficiency, control, safety, cleanliness and technology (some models have optional remote control and GSM mobile phone communication). Pellets are poured into the hopper on the top of the stove and the appliance will feed itself the precise amount of fuel to ensure the perfect flame, temperature and efficiency. The ignition of the fuel is automatic using an inbuilt electric igniter. The integrated timer will decide when it will switch on or off. You can change these times to suit your lifestyle. There are two main types of pellet stove (1) Air stoves which will heat the room via the radiant heat of the flame and by the integrated fan (2) Hydro stoves which heat the room via the flame/fan but also heat your central heating radiators or underfloor heating and your hot water cylinder.

What is the cost of wood pellets compared to oil?

The cost of wood pellets is significantly less - approximately half the price for the equivalent heat. Wood pellet stoves are between 90% and 96% efficient so they maximise the energy produced. The fuel is produced by a number of manufacturers across the UK, so there is no monopoly on price.

What is the RHI scheme?

RHI stands for “Renewable Heat Incentive”. This is a government based scheme which has identified the need to promote the use of wood pellet fuel within the heating sector. The RHI will make significant quarterly payments for 20 years, to domestic and commercial properties which heat using a renewable fuel such as wood pellets.

I have a B&B, Guest House, Holiday Let Property, Hotel etc. – will I get the RHI payments?

Yes – this has been announced and you are entitled to the following for a commercial property: From October 2012 you will receive quarterly payments for the next 20 years. The payment amount is based on the heat output of your wood pellet hydro boiler. The value is approximately £2,200 per year for the next 20 years based on our 22kW hydro stove if it is installed within your property.

I have a domestic house – will I get the RHI payments?

Yes – From October 2012, domestic homes will be able to join the RHI scheme. Before that, in order to encourage take-up of renewable heat technologies, RHI 'Premium Payments' will be made available from July 2011. These will be one-off payments to help homes cover the initial cost of getting a new renewable heating system installed. It's thought the £15m set aside for this will help around 25,000 households. For a wood pellet biomass hydro stove you will initially receive £950.00 followed by the RHI payments from October 2012 (the domestic RHI value is still to be announced).

What is an example of the financial payback time if I install a 22kW hydro stove?

If you have a commercial property (B&B, Guest House, Holiday Let Cottage, and Hotel) then the 22kW hydro stove plus complete installation may cost £8,000. You will receive approximately £2,200 per year for 20 years from RHI payments for the 22kW size of boiler. In addition the efficiency of the hydro stove running costs against oil would be approximately a 50% saving on fuel. This could be a £500 to £1000 saving per year. It is entirely realistic that your 22kW hydro stove and installation are completely repaid within a 3 year period. For domestic properties there is the £950 “Premium Payment” followed by the RHI value. This is expected to be an equally attractive investment.

Is there any other financial assistance?

Yes, the Scottish government has just announced interest free loans up to £2000 towards the purchase of our wood pellet stoves for domestic houses. This is available from 1st April 2011 and is on a first come first served basis with a limited fund available. For commercial properties or businesses there are interest free loans available from £1,000 to £100,000. Please contact the Energy Saving Trust for further details www.energysavingtrust.org.uk Tel: 0800 512 012

What is the financial benefit of wood pellets compared to logs?

Logs are purchased in the belief that they are cheaper and efficient – which is extremely misleading. You must consider the quality of your logs as a fuel with a calorific heat output. Most people are supplied logs which are not seasoned and contain 40% to 50% moisture. This moisture is very detrimental to a stove and results in extremely poor heat output, tar and smoke. Log stoves will only deliver the claimed output efficiency under the perfect test conditions – which are rare. Logs are not sold as a known weight/calorific value – they can only be sold as an unquantifiable “load”. It is also stated that logs are more “green” than pellets – this is certainly true in terms of moisture, but not necessarily in terms of the environment. Log stoves have a real life operating efficiency of 30% to 60%. Open fires operate with 10% to 30% efficiency - therefore a very large percentage of the tree is completely wasted.

Wood pellets are about 4% moisture content and compressed at least four times in volume. They are batch tested for their calorific value which is declared on the label. They will consistently deliver the highest efficiency and heat output at the push of a button. The wood pellet stoves have a real life operating efficiency from 90% to 96%, therefore the tree is almost completely utilised. We estimate that on average, most people who purchase logs are paying at least double the cost compared to the equivalent heat produced by an efficient wood pellet appliance. However, logs can be a good financial option for people who have their own private log supply and are prepared to do the realistic work.

What is the difference between an “Air” stove and a “Hydro” stove?

An Air stove only heats the open room space via radiant heat from the flame and an inbuilt convection fan. A Hydro stove is comparable to a boiler, as it heats your entire house by connecting to your radiators or underfloor circuit, as well as heating your hot water cylinder. It will also heat the room space via radiant heat from the flame and an inbuilt convection fan. The hydro stove can be connected to your existing system without removal of your current oil or gas boiler, so they can remain as a backup heat source.

Does the stove need cleaned?

Yes – the small ash drawer is emptied every 2 weeks in winter use, to once a month in summer (the fine powder ash is a high grade fertiliser for the garden). The glass window benefits from a wipe with a damp cloth every second day but there is no soot or tar to deal with as it always has the perfect, efficient burn. The Hydro stoves have an inbuilt heat exchanger with a cleaning cycle which can be switched on every couple of weeks and takes literally 2 minutes to complete.

What is the RHI scheme?

RHI stands for “Renewable Heating Incentive”. This is a government based scheme which has identified the need to promote the use of wood pellet fuel within the heating sector. The central heating of homes is usually the largest and most expensive household bill which also contributes to climate CO2. The RHI is due to start in July 2011 and is currently refining the proposal detail. Indications are that the scheme will provide a financial payment to households annually for the next 20 years if they heat with a carbon neutral fuel such as biomass wood pellets.

What appliances qualify for the RHI payment scheme?

Only the Hydro stoves as they are MCS registered and able to heat radiators, underfloor and hot water. This is the proposed requirements of the RHI.

Do I need an MCS registered installer to qualify for RHI?

Yes, Greenflame Technology is MCS accredited for biomass installations and technically trained on the product range. We can arrange the complete installation service anywhere within Scotland and the North of England.

Can a hydro stove be installed in my house?

If you have radiators or underfloor heating with a hot water cylinder – yes. Greenflame will be able to arrange the installation service for properties within Scotland and the North of England region.

Does the stove have any noise when running?

Yes – the hydro stove is an automated boiler with a pump, fan and pellet feeder but they are quieter than a conventional oil or gas boiler. They are designed to run with a minimum background level of noise. For customers who are sensitive to even background noise it is sensible to locate the stove within a secondary room, hallway or kitchen as the appliance does not need to be the main focal point within your lounge.

What is a good location for a hydro stove within my house?

You can have a hydro stove installed in almost any public room, kitchen or hallway as they do not need a constructional hearth or an existing chimney. A practical location is usually within a corner as this will naturally recess the stove into a space which is not intrusive. Remember that a sectional flue will need to be installed and flow/return pipes connected to your current central heating boiler location.

Does my existing oil or gas boiler have to be removed?

No - you do not need to remove your existing boiler. It is possible to keep your existing boiler as a backup to your wood pellet stove if you wish.

What if I am not at home during freezing conditions?

The hydro stoves have an integrated pump which will start automatically at 5 degrees C for frost protection. If your stove and system are filled with anti-freeze – you will be protected from the system freezing. There are additional options which we can also install such as an automatic electric heater, which will introduce warmth to the pipe circuit if temperatures drop. We can install the hydro stoves with a backup heating source such as your existing boiler to provide you with the heating options and flexibility for the future.

What are the key aspects of our Air stoves?

Air stoves can provide a heat output up to 9.5kW.
- No constructional hearth required (slate or tile hearth is sufficient)
- Rear vent flue which requires a 4” diameter flue attachment
- Rear air duct 2” diameter, which takes the combustion air supply from outside your home
- Pellet hopper lid on top of stove
- Integrated programmer for times of operation (Remote control option available)
- Room temperature sensor integrated at rear of stove
- UK standard 230v plug supplied with 1m cable length
- Weight 120kg to 160kg
- Annual flue & service maintenance required (can be arranged via Greenflame)
- Warranty 2 years on parts
- Product specific Installation & User Manual documentation supplied with appliance
- Installation service available

What are the key aspects of the Hydro stoves?

Hydro stoves are central heating boilers with heat output to 12.5kW, 15kW & 22kW versions
- No constructional hearth required (slate or tile hearth is sufficient)
- Rear vent flue which requires a 4” diameter flue attachment
- Rear air duct 2” diameter, which takes the combustion air supply from outside your home
- 22mm flow & return connections at rear of stove (connects to your heating circuit)
- Drain tap at rear
- Pressure Relief Valve at rear
- Air relief valve under top lid
- Pellet hopper fill lid on top of stove
- Integrated programmer for times of operation
- Integrated pump
- Integrated expansion vessel (12 litres)
- Room temperature sensor at rear of stove
- 10% heating to room space with 90% heating to radiators (no overheat of room space)
- Eco-stop mode enables stove auto switch off when system reaches temperature – useful for well insulated properties and heating of hot water in summer.
- Optional GSM mobile communication
- UK standard 230v plug supplied with 1m cable length
- Weight 175kg to 190kg
- Annual flue & service maintenance required (can be arranged via Greenflame)
- Warranty 2 years on parts
- Product specific Installation & User Manual documentation supplied with appliance
- Professional installation service by MCS approved installers
- System commissioning & warranty to be completed by Greenflame to meet the MCS requirements (for hydro systems only)
- RHI eligible product

What is the realistic cost for an Air stove including installation?

The price for all stoves are detailed within our website.
Air stove costs - appliances range from approximately £1650 up to £3200
Installation costs – this requires a vertical flue (sectional or lined), creating superficial hearth, 230v electric supply and installation labour of one or two days. Average cost is £900 to £1500 depending on flue materials.

What is the realistic cost for a Hydro stove including installation?

The price for all stoves are detailed within our website.
Hydro stove costs - appliances range from approximately £2750 up to £3800
Installation costs (to existing radiators) – this requires a vertical flue (sectional or lined), creating superficial hearth, 230v electric supply & control wiring, plumbing by heating engineer with system design, installation labour of 3 to 4 days. Average cost is £2000 to £3200 depending on system complexity and material requirements.
Note: vat is charged at only 5% for the product and installation cost.

What is the quality, warranty & life expectancy of the stoves?

The stoves have a standard manufacturer warranty of 2 years. Every individual part of the appliance can be replaced should it be damaged. The stoves are expected to last 25 years with proper care, maintenance and use. They have a very high standard of finish, quality metal or ceramic styling, designed, developed and tested by the Italian company MCZ. To view their products and scope, visit www.mcz.it

What is the process to identify the costs for my installation?

Please consider if an Air stove or a Hydro stove is your preferred option, along with the likely model and location for the installation. Contact Greenflame Stoves via email or telephone with a request for a survey, including your full contact details and address. Greenflame will discuss your requirements and then arrange a survey. One of our installers will contact you directly to do the survey based on this information to identify the costs which will be sent to you as a written quotation.

Is it possible to view the stoves operating?

Yes – we are based at Kincraig near Aviemore. Our office has a Hydro stove and an Air stove installed which can be viewed. Please note that due to demand we are often out of the office for surveys. It is essential to phone and let us know when you would like to visit to ensure someone is available. Alternatively, we are able to provide the contact details for existing customers who have agreed to let prospective customers discuss their service from Greenflame and view their installation.
Greenflame Office (Kincraig near Aviemore)
Telephone: 01540 651591
E-mail: info@greenflamestoves.co.uk