Wood was the most common fuel used prior to the 20th century. While the use of it declined with the popularity of fossil fuels, the energy crises of the 1970s encouraged interest in the fuel to rise once again.

Much less traditional than wood-burning heaters are appliances that use pellets as a fuel. Pellets are created from compacted sawdust and other organic materials which measure from 3/8 to a full inch in length. Oftentimes, a device capable of being fueled by pellets may also be fueled by a variety of other biomass materials.

The different types of household heating options which burn pellets or wood include:

• Fireplaces and Fireplace Inserts
• Wood Stoves and Wood-Burning Boilers
• Masonry Heaters
• Pellet-Fueled Heaters

Traditional fireplaces exist more for show than for heating efficiency. Pellet-fueled heaters offer the most energy efficiency with the least amount of air pollution. However, it is important to check that your area has a reliable pellet supplier before investing in a pellet-burning appliance.

Either a wood-fueled or pellet-fueled heater that is oversized is not a wise purchase because it encourages homeowners to burn fuel at a low smolder. This wastes fuel and is a big cause of air pollutants. Though these devices are much cleaner than previous generations, many areas have wood-burning regulations in place to reduce air pollution.

Chimneys should be designed to fit a particular wood- or pellet-burning appliance. It is also wise to have a chimney run along the inside of a home. The traditional versions which run along the outside of a home lose considerable heat to the outdoors.

It is important to select wood that is neither too wet nor too dry. A moisture content percentage between 20% and 25% is a good choice.

Ideal pellet moisture content is different. Most simply range from 5%-10%. However, pellets may be selected from either a premium or standard grade.

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