Types of solid fuel boilers - which to choose? - ENGO

Types of solid fuel boilers – which to choose?

26/06/24

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Choosing the right heating system is not easy, especially since the variety of solutions available today is enormous. Despite significant changes in the most popular options and the growing popularity of renewable energy sources, solid fuel heating is still widely used. To use it, a solid fuel boiler is necessary. What is solid fuel, how does such a boiler work and how to choose the right model? We answer!

What is solid fuel heating?

Solid fuel heating is a method of heat generation that uses solid energy sources. These are subjected to a combustion process in a boiler, which leads to the release of heat energy. There are many solid fuels available on the market, which include coal. For years, it was the most important source of heat energy in Polish households, especially in regions with high availability of this resource. Today, coal is less popular due to the high CO2 emissions when burning this fuel. Wood and wood briquettes are definitely greener alternatives to coal.

Choosing the right type of fuel often depends on availability, infrastructure and individual preferences of homeowners. In Poland, especially in rural areas, traditional heating methods are still very popular, although there is a gradual increase in interest in more ecological solutions. You already know what solid fuel heating is. Now it’s time to explain what a solid fuel boiler is and how this equipment works.

What is a solid fuel boiler – the place where fuel is burned

A solid fuel boiler, commonly referred to as a furnace, is a heating device that is the heart of a heating system based on the combustion of solid materials. The combustion process takes place in the boiler chamber. The heat is then transferred to the central heating system and distributed throughout the facility. Heating devices – such as the boiler – are made of thick steel or cast iron sheets. They are characterized by high strength and long service life. Modern models of solid fuel boilers are equipped with various types of systems for regulating and controlling the combustion process, which translates into greater efficiency and reduced emissions of harmful substances. Thus, homeowners can enjoy warmth in winter while (relatively) reducing the negative impact on the environment.

Types of solid fuel boilers – a wide variety.

We have already explained what solid fuel heating is and what a solid fuel boiler is. However, you need to know that there are different types of solid fuel boilers available. Here are some criteria for division and the most important types of equipment used for burning heat sources.

Fuel type

The first, often used criterion for dividing boilers is the type of fuel burned. This division is as follows:

  • coal bo ilers – traditional and the most common, often requiring manual dispensing of fuel;
  • eco-pea bo ilers – equipment designed to burn eco-pea, a special type of coal, processed into smaller, homogeneous fractions. Usually this equipment is more modern, with an automatic fuel feeder. They are distinguished by higher energy efficiency compared to traditional coal-fired boilers;
  • wood boilers – fueled by wood in various forms, from chunks of material to wood briquettes. Ideal for those living in areas with access to wood. Relatively environmentally friendly;
  • Pellet boilers – allow automatic dispensing of wood pellets, making it much easier to operate the device. This is another solution widely recognized as relatively environmentally friendly;
  • multi-fuel boilers – modern stoves, adapted to burn a variety of solid fuels, including coal, wood and pellets. Undoubtedly, equipment of this type is a very convenient solution;
  • wood offcuts boilers – specially designed to burn wood offcuts, i.e. waste from wood processing. The offcuts can come from sawmills or wood processing plants. These boilers are therefore environmentally friendly;
  • agro pelletboilers – allow the combustion of pellets produced from agricultural waste, such as straw or sunflower hulls. They are an ecological alternative to boilers burning traditional fuels and promote the use of agricultural waste.

Combustion technology

Another important criterion is combustion technology, which mainly affects the comfort of the equipment. Available are:

  • bottom-burningboilers – in these stoves combustion occurs in the direction from the bottom to the top. The devices are simple in design, but can generate larger amounts of ash and require more user involvement;
  • top-burning boilers – in this case, combustion occurs in the direction from the top to the bottom, which allows for more efficient and cleaner burning of fuel. This type of heating equipment has higher efficiency and produces less pollution.

How to choose a solid fuel boiler?

When choosing a solid fuel boiler, there are several main points to consider:

  • energy efficiency – higher efficiency means lower heating costs;
  • Purchase and operating cost – consider whether it is worth investing in a more expensive boiler with higher efficiency;
  • Fuel availability and cost – consider whether the required fuel is readily available in your region, and what it costs;
  • operation and maintenance – consider whether you are willing to clean and maintain the boiler regularly;
  • size and dimensions of the boiler – consider whether the boiler will fit in the space allocated for it.

Boilers compatible with controllers

Finally, it is worth mentioning that boilers that you can conveniently control are worth recommending. Compatibility with modern controllers is a chance to have the work of the boiler always under control. Thanks to this, the furnace will never work with excessive intensity, and your apartment will always have an optimal temperature. Controlling the operation of the boiler with the use of modern regulators means comfort and savings. In our offer you will find numerous boiler control solutions. Our product range includes Internet-controlled controllers, wireless controllers and wired controllers. We encourage you to read the product specifications.

The above article explains what solid fuel heating is. It is a proven and reliable way to keep your home warm. You also already know what a solid fuel boiler is – it is the main element of heating, the place where the combustion process takes place. However, when it comes to choosing a boiler, it is worth choosing energy-efficient and environmentally friendly solutions. Ultimately, however, the decision to bet on this and not another model is up to you, as it is an individual issue.