Pellets are an excellent source of heat. They offer a carbon neutral fuel source and can also be used to cook with. Wood pellets are made from compressed sawdust, which comes from sawmills, but sometimes wood pellet suppliers get their wood pellets from recycled sources as well.
When you order wood pellets online there is a chance that some of your product could come from recycled sources – this isn’t necessarily bad, but it’s not the same as getting 100% authentic wood pellets sourced from tree farms only.
So how do you know if what you’re buying is authentic or not? Here are 8 factors to consider before you order wood pellets online!
1. Type of Wood Pellets
You will find many types of wood pellets and most of them are hardwood pellets. Hardwood is a type of tree that is capable of growing in heavily shaded areas, so they are not dependent on direct sunlight like coniferous trees (e.g., pine trees).
The most common hardwood species used in pellet production include ash, birch, oak, hickory, maple and cherry. The characteristics of each species may be different depending on the region it’s grown in—some have higher oil contents due to growing conditions while others have lower moisture content.
Generally speaking though, each type has similar properties such as having a lower density compared to softwoods like pine or fir cones from conifers like spruce trees!
2. Drying Method
In terms of drying method, there are two types: natural drying and forced drying. Natural drying is the most popular option that involves the use of heaters, fans, and air conditioning to control moisture content levels.
On the other hand, forced drying involves the use of industrial-grade equipment such as ovens to dry pellets quickly. In both cases, it’s important to keep an eye on your wood pellet supplier’s drying process because it can affect several things about your wood pellets—including their moisture content, quality/quantity per bag/pallet etc., pellet size (this matters for animal feeders), energy output (heat production).
3. Quality Of Wood Pellets
Determining the quality of wood pellets is one of the most important factors to consider when ordering online. There are various factors that affect the quality of wood pellets including:
- The type and origin of wood used in making them
- Whether they have been processed or not
- How they are packed in bags and cartons
The packaging is important because if it is not done correctly, there will be a lot of wastage due to breakages and spillage during transportation. This can be avoided if you choose a supplier who ensures that all types are packaged properly for delivery.
You should also ensure that your provider uses only 100% authentic products to avoid any hassles later on.
4. Heat Output Of Wood Pellets
The heat output of a pellet stove is an important factor to consider when buying firewood for sale. The higher the heat output of your pellet stove, the more efficient it is and this reduces fuel consumption.
It’s also important to note that heat outputs are measured in BTU (British Thermal Unit). The higher the BTU of your pellet stove, the more efficient it will be. A good pellet stove should have a BTU between 15,000 and 20,000!
5. Material Sourcing Methods
When it comes to sourcing raw materials and wood pellets from various countries, there are always factors that need consideration. One of the most important factors is the material sourcing methods used by a company.
They should be able to provide an authentic document for their suppliers’ authenticity (if they exist) and also whether or not they own their own factory facilities or simply distribute products through third-party suppliers. Another thing is whether or not they use recycled materials in manufacturing their products!
One way of doing this could be opting for post-consumer waste (PCW). But if you want PCWs specifically, make sure your supplier can ensure its availability and deliver on time!
6. Packaging & Transportation
When you are ordering wood pellets online, it is important to note that packaging and transportation are two very important factors. The wood pellets should be properly packaged to prevent any damage during the delivery process.
Also, while transporting the wood pellet products from one place to another, it is equally essential that they are transported in a professional manner so as to avoid any damages or losses during transit. It is highly advisable not just for your own benefit but also for those who provide these services in return (shipping companies) that you make sure that your package has all necessary documents!
A legitimate company would never hesitate in providing such information over email or phone calls when contacted by customers regarding their orders – contact details can be found on their websites usually!
7. Low Moisture Content
Moisture content is another important factor to consider when buying wood pellets. A pellet with a moisture content of 20% or less will burn more efficiently, while a moisture content greater than 30% will cause the pellet to be too dry and burn up quickly.
When these pellets are exposed to high temperatures, they can become even drier and thus have an even higher amount of carbon monoxide released into the air when they are used as fuel in your furnace or boiler. A good way to measure this is by using a moisture metre which comes with most modern pellet stoves and boilers.
If you don’t want to buy such an expensive tool, then simply check out reviews from other users online before making your purchase decision so that you get an idea about how well their products work for them.
8. Size of the Pellets
The size of the pellets is very important to ensure that you are getting a good value for your money. If they are too small, they will burn quickly and not provide enough heat. On the other hand, if they are too large, then it will take longer for them to burn but still not give off enough warmth.
A good rule of thumb is to use pellets that are no larger than a quarter (25mm). This will ensure that you don’t end up with pellets that burn too fast or slow down before you can utilise all of them.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many factors to consider when purchasing wood pellets for your home. You should take time to research each point and understand what it means before making a purchase.
The more information you have about each factor, the better decision you will make when deciding what kind of pellet is best suited for your needs!
