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Wood Pellets for Sale: How, When and Where to Shop
Once you've decided to buy a pellet
stove, the next consideration is the
quantity, quality and price of wood
pellets.
An average 1,800 square foot home
requires 3 tons of pellets for one
heating season depending on the
severity of the climate.
You can purchase wood pellets in 40
lb bags or by the ton.
A ton of wood pellets can be stacked
in an area as small as 4' x 4' x 4' - or
about half the space needed for a
cord of wood.
stove, the next consideration is the
quantity, quality and price of wood
pellets.
An average 1,800 square foot home
requires 3 tons of pellets for one
heating season depending on the
severity of the climate.
You can purchase wood pellets in 40
lb bags or by the ton.
A ton of wood pellets can be stacked
in an area as small as 4' x 4' x 4' - or
about half the space needed for a
cord of wood.
Grades of Wood Pellet Fuel
The Pellet Fuels Institute has initiated new pellet standards to provide consistency
among North America producers and also to protect consumers. There are four grades
of wood pellets: Utility, Standard, Premium and Super Premium.
The percentage of ash content is the most important component separating the grades
of pellets. The difference between 0.5 % ash content and 2.0 % ash content in wood
pellet fuel means 4 times as much residual ash to be disposed of.
Utility grade pellets (6% or less ash) are seldom used in residential applications since
they require an automatic ash removal system.
Standard grade pellet fuel (2% or less ash) is usually derived from materials such as
sawdust containing tree bark (which contains more impurities) or agricultural residues
like nut hulls. Standard pellets should only be used in stoves designated for their use.
Premium wood pellets (1% or less ash) are usually produced from hardwood or
softwood sawdust containing no tree bark. Ash content varies in premium fuels from
about 0.3% for some western softwoods to about 0.7% for eastern hardwoods. Less
ash means more Btu's of heat per pellet and less maintenance.
Premium pellets make up over 95% of current pellet production and can usually be
burned in stoves calling for either standard or premium fuel.
Super Premium Pellets (0.50% or less ash) differ from premium pellets in ash content
only. Since the difference in ash content between premium and super premium pellets
can be as little as 3/10 of a percent, super premium pellets may not always be worth
the additional cost.
Wood pellets also come in different lengths; usually between .25 inches and a
maximum of 1.5 inches. Shorter pellets feed faster than longer pellets so as you
change from one length to another you may have to increase or decrease the feed
rate of the stove.
The Pellet Fuels Institute has initiated new pellet standards to provide consistency
among North America producers and also to protect consumers. There are four grades
of wood pellets: Utility, Standard, Premium and Super Premium.
The percentage of ash content is the most important component separating the grades
of pellets. The difference between 0.5 % ash content and 2.0 % ash content in wood
pellet fuel means 4 times as much residual ash to be disposed of.
Utility grade pellets (6% or less ash) are seldom used in residential applications since
they require an automatic ash removal system.
Standard grade pellet fuel (2% or less ash) is usually derived from materials such as
sawdust containing tree bark (which contains more impurities) or agricultural residues
like nut hulls. Standard pellets should only be used in stoves designated for their use.
Premium wood pellets (1% or less ash) are usually produced from hardwood or
softwood sawdust containing no tree bark. Ash content varies in premium fuels from
about 0.3% for some western softwoods to about 0.7% for eastern hardwoods. Less
ash means more Btu's of heat per pellet and less maintenance.
Premium pellets make up over 95% of current pellet production and can usually be
burned in stoves calling for either standard or premium fuel.
Super Premium Pellets (0.50% or less ash) differ from premium pellets in ash content
only. Since the difference in ash content between premium and super premium pellets
can be as little as 3/10 of a percent, super premium pellets may not always be worth
the additional cost.
Wood pellets also come in different lengths; usually between .25 inches and a
maximum of 1.5 inches. Shorter pellets feed faster than longer pellets so as you
change from one length to another you may have to increase or decrease the feed
rate of the stove.
Wood pellet heat content
The Pellet Fuel Institute does not specify BTU content for any grade of wood pellets.
Expect the heat content of wood pellets to range between 7,700 and 8,800 BTU per
pound depending on the ratio of soft woods (higher BTUs) to hardwoods and the
grade of pellet.
Wood pellet dealers should specify the BTU value and ash content for each brand in
addition to price per ton.
Pellet durability index
The pellet durability index is a measure of how well pellets stand up during handling.
One hundred grams of finished pellets along with five 1/2 hex nuts are place in a
tumbler for 5 minutes. The percentage of fines (broken pieces) that pass through a
sieve determines if the manufacturing process is performing to minimum standards.
Price per ton
The average price of premium wood pellets for sale for the 2012 heating season is
around $240 per ton plus delivery. A ton of pellets selling for $240 is the equivalent of
paying $2.11 per gallon for heating oil or $1.36 per gallon for propane.
Delivery costs are determined by the quantity purchased and distance. Depending on
these variables delivery costs run between $20 and $40 per ton. Some dealers will
store your purchase until needed - or split-ship the order. You might also consider
pooling your order with others in the area for additional savings.
Best time to shop for pellets
The best time to shop for wood pellets is when everybody else is looking for an air
conditioner. Seriously, if you wait until the beginning of the heating season many of
the best deals (lowest price per ton for highest BTU content) may be sold out -
possibly for the season.
The Pellet Fuel Institute does not specify BTU content for any grade of wood pellets.
Expect the heat content of wood pellets to range between 7,700 and 8,800 BTU per
pound depending on the ratio of soft woods (higher BTUs) to hardwoods and the
grade of pellet.
Wood pellet dealers should specify the BTU value and ash content for each brand in
addition to price per ton.
Pellet durability index
The pellet durability index is a measure of how well pellets stand up during handling.
One hundred grams of finished pellets along with five 1/2 hex nuts are place in a
tumbler for 5 minutes. The percentage of fines (broken pieces) that pass through a
sieve determines if the manufacturing process is performing to minimum standards.
Price per ton
The average price of premium wood pellets for sale for the 2012 heating season is
around $240 per ton plus delivery. A ton of pellets selling for $240 is the equivalent of
paying $2.11 per gallon for heating oil or $1.36 per gallon for propane.
Delivery costs are determined by the quantity purchased and distance. Depending on
these variables delivery costs run between $20 and $40 per ton. Some dealers will
store your purchase until needed - or split-ship the order. You might also consider
pooling your order with others in the area for additional savings.
Best time to shop for pellets
The best time to shop for wood pellets is when everybody else is looking for an air
conditioner. Seriously, if you wait until the beginning of the heating season many of
the best deals (lowest price per ton for highest BTU content) may be sold out -
possibly for the season.
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