Wood boilers, cost and efficiency

The use of the wood boiler often gives rise to debates on the ecological level. These devices are particularly sophisticated and can supply the entire heating network of a house. Wood fuel is also a renewable energy and, contrary to popular belief, its use does not inevitably contribute to the destruction of the environment. Discover the different types of wood boilers, their efficiency and their price.

The different types of wood boilers

There are 3 main types which differ according to the format of the fuel used.

The pellet boiler

This model works in the same way as gas or oil boilers. Indeed, the fuel supply is done automatically and the temperature can be adjusted. She is self-sufficient and has excellent performance.

The log boiler

This equipment can be forced draft or turbo, and reverse combustion. Logs must be regularly fed into the boiler. Yield varies depending on the model you use.

The platelet boiler

This appliance is generally used to heat very large surfaces, in particular collective housing. The power of the devices can easily exceed 300 kW and the fuels used are wood chips from forest industries. The woodchip boiler works in an automated way.

The performance of wood boilers

The performance of this type of device varies depending on the model you use. A pellet boiler can display an efficiency oscillating between 80% and 90%. The wafer type offers the highest efficiency, often over 90%. As for the log model, it has the lowest efficiency, ranging between 50% and 80%.

Current wood boilers are very sophisticated. Energy performance can be optimized thanks to equipment such as the variable-speed extraction fan, the regulation system using a lambda probe or the control panel equipped with a regulation thermostat.

The costs of a wood boiler

The main cost relating to a wood boiler is its purchase price. This varies depending on the type and model you are going to buy. Generally, the price fluctuates between 2,500 and 10,000 euros.

Next comes the cost of installation and transportation. These are the heaviest expenses, since you will easily be billed a price between 15,000 and 25,000 euros for a new installation.

Finally, fuel costs must be considered. It takes between 50 and 120 euros per ton of logs and chips. Regarding pellets, the price per ton varies between 250 and 400 euros. As you can see, wood-fired boilers represent a considerable saving in terms of fuel, since an average fuel oil consumption is 1,500 euros per year, while wood is between 450 and 900 euros.