Energy
Pellets are dry (moisture up to 10%), so a kilogram gives about 4.6 kWh. Well-seasoned firewood (about 20% moisture) gives about 3.5–4 kWh/kg, and fresh wood much less.
Space
A cubic metre of pellets weighs about 650 kg and gives about 3 MWh. A stacked cubic metre of dry hardwood gives roughly 1.5–2 MWh. Pellets need about half the space.
Work and convenience
- A pellet boiler feeds itself: one fill lasts days or weeks.
- Less ash and smoke, easier cleaning.
- Firewood must be split, dried for 1–2 years and loaded often.
- Modern pellet boilers often reach about 85–95% efficiency.
How to compare the price
Compare the price per kWh you actually get:
Pellets: €/kWh = price per tonne ÷ (4,600 × boiler efficiency)
Firewood: €/kWh = price per stacked m³ ÷ (kWh per stacked m³ × boiler efficiency)
Enter your own prices to see which is cheaper for you. For our pellet price, contact us.
Frequently asked questions
Can I burn firewood in a pellet boiler?
Usually not. Firewood can only be burned in combination boilers designed for both fuels.
How much firewood equals a tonne of pellets?
Roughly 2–3 stacked cubic metres of dry hardwood, depending on species and moisture.
Are pellets environmentally friendly?
Pellets are made from wood residues without chemical additives and burn cleaner than damp firewood.
Any questions?
Call +370 686 06149, email vladas@biowood.lt or use the contact form.