Selfbuilder_and_Homemaker_-_September_-_October_2019

A

s any self-builder knows, the secret
to a successful project lies in the
planning. Whether you project
manage yourself or employ an expert,
failing to plan is planning to fail. And
with so many considerations and priorities
to juggle, from choosing a builder,
specifying fittings and getting services on
site, not to mention managing relations
with your local planning officer,
secondary heating choices tend to fall
way down the list!
The decision on how we heat our
homes is not just a matter of aesthetics.
We must be mindful too of cost,
reliability, efficiency and emissions.
Substance as well as style is key, and a
modern pellet stove can offer the perfect
combination of both.

FUTURE-PROOF HEAT
With a wealth of benefits such as smart
controls, ease of use, low maintenance
and efficiency, pellet stoves tick all the
boxes when it comes to environmental
credentials. Under EU Ecodesign
requirements that come into force in
January 2022, pellet stoves must have a
minimum efficiency of 79 per cent. Many
models on the market today already far
exceed this, offering efficiency in excess
of 90 per cent with A to A++ energy
efficiency ratings.
Similarly, with tough new maximum
particulate emissions levels being set by
Ecodesign and the Clean Air Strategy,
and with the maximum permissible
particulate emissions for pellet stoves
being half that of log burning stoves, a
pellet stove is the perfect choice for the
discerning self-builder looking to
future-proof their new home, renovation
or extension.
Many pellet stove manufacturers have
already overhauled their product ranges
to ensure that they meet 2022
requirements today, so keep your eyes
peeled for phrases such as “ecodesign
ready” and “2022 ready/compliant”
when you shop around – your local stove

showroom will also be able to advise on

which models fit the criteria.

While pellet stoves, also known as air

stoves, are the focus here, bear in mind

that you can also get hydro pellet stoves

that provide both room heating and hot

water, pellet boilers which can replace a

central heating boiler to power underfloor

heating as well as room heating and

hot water, and there are also a range

of removable pellet inserts on the

market designed for installation into an

existing fireplace.

A pellet air stove is an ideal solution for

secondary heating, perfect for extensions,

garden offices and conservatories and

can be used to heat either a single room

or multiple spaces with a ductable model.

CUTTING-EDGE TECHNOLOGY

If smart tech is your thing then a pellet

stove offers the ultimate in connectivity

and controllability. From a basic

appliance-mounted digital display control

and hand-held remote controls, through

to smart phone connectivity that gives

on/off and temperature control from

anywhere, programmable pellet stove

Specflue’s Ian Sams explains why pellet stoves offer an ideal heating solution

for self-builders, from their environmental credentials and aesthetic appeal to

the best units’ ease of use and installation

Pellet stoves:

style and substance

HEATING, VENTILATION & SERVICES (FIRES, FIREPLACES AND FLUES)

september/october 2019 http://www.sbhonline.co.uk 67