Agnieszka Sadlos from Kostrzewa gives practical advice on how to choose a pellet appliance

Hello Agnieszka, introduce us to Kostrzewa.

Kostrzewa is one of the leading companies in the heating industry market in Poland. For almost 50 years we have gained a solid position, becoming a respected manufacturer of modern heating systems. Our development is based on innovation, high-quality products and concern for ecology.

We have sold approximately 85,000 units in 21 countries. We specialize in manufacturing:

• automatic pellet boilers from 8 to 300 kW adapted to burn wood pellets of class A1, A2 and B,
• pellet air heaters from 30 kW to 200 kW,
• pneumatic pellet feeders,
• electric boilers up to 24kW,
• air-to-water monobloc heat pumps with the ecological refrigerant R290, designed for cold climates, with exceptionally quiet operation (only 32dB in operation mode at a distance of 5 m from the device).

Offering a wide range of products, we meet the diverse expectations of customers looking for efficient and environmentally friendly heat sources.

We invest considerable resources in research and development, which allows us to introduce safe, innovative solutions that meet the highest standards. Our heating systems are characterized by advanced technology, which is confirmed by proprietary solutions in the patent office and certification of accredited research units. Invariably for years, Kostrzewa has also been taking care of after-sales support, offering professional customer service and an extensive network of authorized service centers. This approach translates into long-term relationships with customers and trust in the brand.

Based on your observations, do people buy more pellet appliances now than 5 years ago? And why?

Yes, pellet boilers have grown significantly in popularity. In recent years, there has been an increased general interest in environmental awareness and the search for alternative, more environmentally friendly energy sources. Pellet boilers are precisely the ecological solutions. As of January 1, 2020, in accordance with eco-design, only boilers with a certificate from an accredited testing body, certifying that they meet, among other things, emission and efficiency requirements under the directive, may be available on the EU market.

In recent years, pellet boiler technology has developed significantly. Modern boilers are more reliable, easier to operate and more advanced in terms of control and monitoring. This makes them more attractive to consumers who are looking for a comfortable and modern heating solution.

Government programs that offer subsidies for those who choose to install pellet boilers are a very important factor. Such support significantly reduces the cost of the investment and makes it more accessible to a wider group of people. The standardization and certification of the pellet is also important. Users can be sure that the pellet they purchase meets certain quality standards and will not cause problems with boiler operation. In addition, its large and ever-increasing availability, as well as the return to price stability, is having a positive effect on consumers’ choice of the pellet boiler.

A few days ago, the European Parliament voted to amend the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), which obliges member states to phase out heating with fossil fuels. The new legislation also banned subsidies for fossil-fuel boilers as early as the beginning of 2024. The trend of increasing popularity of pellet boilers thus seems assured in the coming years.

You are a partner of ENplus^®. Why it is important that customers use high-quality wood pellets in your pellet appliances?

Dishonest pellet manufacturers use admixtures in the form of ground furniture boards or ground plastic (combustible waste fraction). Even a small admixture of such materials pollutes the air and accelerates the boiler and flue gas pipe corrosion. Wood-based panel pellet reduces the life of the boiler, emits 10 times more carbon monoxide and elevated amounts of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide, which in contact with air and moisture (pellet moisture content ≤ 10%), acquires corrosive properties, causing accelerated corrosion of the steel in the boiler. Irreparable damage is done to the burner, the boiler exchanger and all parts of the device that come into contact with fire, flue gas and ash. The use of a contaminated, non-compliant pellet also causes the user to lose the warranty, thus resulting in incurring repair costs.

Certified pellet is a clear indication to the consumer that the purchased fuel meets, among other things, the requirements of EN ISO 17225-2. It is characterized by a high calorific value, proper physical and chemical parameters, and the lack of harmful admixtures. Burning a high-quality pellet will contribute to the long-term and trouble-free operation of the device in harmony with environmental protection.

Give some practical advice to our readers about how to choose the most suitable pellet appliance for their needs.

In order to choose a pellet appliance with the right heating capacity (measured in kilowatts), it is necessary to determine the heating energy requirements of the building in which it will be installed. You need to consider many variables, like the area/cubic capacity of the building, thermal insulation, geographic location, desired indoor temperature, and even the number of occupants, since the boiler must also provide domestic hot water. It’s best to seek the assistance of an HVAC professional when it comes to selection.

It is also worth comparing brands and models in terms of functionality, which affects both the comfort of use and the efficiency of the device, as well as energy savings and fuel consumption. Among other things, attention should be paid to whether the boiler has the function of automatic cleaning of the exchanger, burner, ash pan, whether the burner is adapted for burning different classes of pellets, whether the boiler is equipped with a system for monitoring and optimizing the chimney draught and measuring the level of fuel with a reserve, which ensures continuous operation of the boiler without the need for frequent refills, whether it has an Internet module for remote control of the boiler and the entire heating system of the building.

An important aspect is also to pay attention to the warranty terms and service support that the manufacturer provides. Undoubtedly, user reviews in relation to, for example, the reliability of the equipment, are also helpful.

On top of all this, budget considerations should certainly also be taken into account.