Frequently asked questions about heating

The status icons provide a quick overview of the system’s status. The following are particularly important for troubleshooting:

• Lock (yellow): Password issue – access to the system is restricted; check your password
• Crossed-out globe: The system is offline – no connection to the server

Further icons and their meanings can be found in the icon legend in the system overview.

The parameter log provides a complete record of all changes made to system values. It records which user made which changes, when, and using what method – including the old and new values as well as the device or client. This ensures that every change is traceable and audit-proof. For diagnostic purposes, you can specifically determine whether and when a parameter was changed, and by whom. This helps to quickly identify sources of error.

• All changes are automatically documented
• Details such as user, time, old/new value and device are viewable
• Ideal for investigating the causes of unexpected system behaviour

The history view displays measured values as time series over a freely selectable period, helping you to identify trends and correlations. You can show or hide the graphs and export the values as a CSV file for further analysis. The error log lists all fault and error messages, complete with timestamps and sources. This allows you to quickly trace the causes and progression of faults. Manual log entries are also possible.

• History: Time series view of values, selectable time period, curves can be shown or hidden, export to CSV possible
• Error log: List of all fault/error messages with timestamps and sources, supports diagnostics

As a rule, administrators and technicians within an organisation have access to the system database in the MyComfort app, depending on the permissions assigned to them.

In the MyComfort app, you can access the system database via Settings → Documents. Files can be uploaded, opened, renamed and deleted using the ‘+’ icon (Camera, Video, Library, Files). Comments cannot be added in the app.

The asset database is the central storage and information hub for each asset. It allows you to upload, download, rename, describe, delete and sort files by date. Comments can be added and edited directly in Connect Professional, but not in the app. Typical documents include images, videos, test reports and drawings.

What file sizes and formats are permitted?

Files up to 100 MB per file are permitted. Supported formats include:

• pdf
• dxf
• svg
• png
• jpg
• mp3
• mp4
• mov
• heic
• xlsx
• docx
• txt
• csv

Please check that the time period and the signals/parameters for the recording have been selected correctly. Only if these settings are correct will the desired data be displayed in the CSV file.

Once you have started a data recording, you can click on ‘View recordings’ to open a pop-up window showing all previous recordings sorted by date. From there, you can download the desired recording as a CSV file and use it for further analysis, for example in Excel.

To start a data log, open the Data Logging section in the menu for the selected system. There, click the “Start Logging” button. You can configure the desired parameters for the log in the Datalog tool. Existing logs can also be viewed and downloaded.

In the parameter log, you can always see who made what changes, when, and using which device. The parameter log is audit-proof and records all changes to system settings.

Yes, for certain service parameters, the system needs to be restarted for the changes to take effect. The interface explicitly points this out before you save.

Time schedules can be edited at operator level and above. At the information level, time schedules can only be viewed. Any changes are logged and are immediately available for use.

To edit a system’s parameters, select the “Parameters” section in the left-hand menu on the system details page. Depending on your authorisation level (operator or service level), you can adjust the values there. Changes are recorded in the parameter log in an audit-proof manner. At the information level, only viewing is permitted.

Only owners and admins may manage invitations for a facility. They can invite or remove individuals (e.g. residents, operators) and organisations (operator/technical organisations). Members do not have administrative rights regarding invitations. 

• Owners: full rights to manage invitations
• Admins: may also send and remove invitations
• Members: no administrative rights

Invited users will receive an email containing a confirmation link. Access is activated via this link. The status of the invitation can be viewed in the ‘Invitations’ section of Connect. Once accepted, access is granted in accordance with the assigned role and level. 

1. Open the email and click the link
2. Check the status in the “Invitations” section

To invite individuals or organisations, open your organisation in the menu and go to the ‘People’ section. There, you can add either an individual or an organisation. Enter the email address and the desired role (Owner, Technician, Member or Admin) and confirm by clicking ‘Send invitation’. Invitations can also be sent directly from the system, e.g. for residents, operators or technical organisations. Owners and admins are authorised to manage invitations. 

• Open Organisation > People section
• Add person/organisation
• Select email address and role
• Confirm “Send invitation”

Owners and administrators are authorised to assign or change roles (Owner, Administrator, Technician, Member). Members cannot assign or change roles.

Owners and administrators can create sub-organisations and decide whether permissions are inherited by them. They manage the organisational structure and permissions, whilst members do not have administrative rights.

Members always operate one level below the organisational level. For example: if the organisation is set at the service level, the member operates at the operator level. This provides standard users with a secure yet sufficiently broad range of functions.

Connect Professional offers the following roles:

• Owner (Organisation/Asset): Primarily responsible for structure, members and permissions. Can create sub-organisations and manage invitations.
• Admin: Carries out day-to-day administration, manages members, invitations and permission inheritance.
• Technician: Handles service and operations, can change parameters and schedules, and use diagnostic functions.
• Member: Standard user without administrative rights, always operates one level below the organisation.
• Operator (person/organisation): Responsible for the day-to-day operation of a system, can add people.
• Resident: End user focused on the myComfort app, usually at the information level, no web access.

The following roles are available:

• Owner: Primarily responsible for the organisation; can create sub-organisations and manage permissions and invitations.
• Admin: Carries out day-to-day administration, manages members, invitations and permissions.
• Technician: Handles operational tasks and service, can adjust parameters and schedules.
• Member: Standard role with no administrative tasks; always operates one level below the organisation.

To remove a user from the organisation, go to the ‘People’ section of your organisation. There you will see all assigned users and their roles. You can select the user you wish to remove and use the relevant option to do so. Owners and admins are authorised to remove users; members do not have administrative rights.

To add a user to an organisation, open the ‘People’ section of your organisation in the menu. There, you can select ‘Add person’, enter the email address and the desired role (Owner, Admin, Technician or Member), and confirm by clicking ‘Send invitation’. The invited person will receive an email and must confirm their access via the link provided. Only then will access be granted in accordance with the assigned role/level.

Check the status of the invitation in the ‘Invitations’ section of Connect Professional. Also check the recipient’s spam folder. If the problem persists, you can resend the invitation or contact Windhager Customer Service.

Once activated, the system owner will automatically receive an email invitation. The invitation must be confirmed via the link in the email (double opt-in) in order for access to be granted in accordance with the assigned role/level.

To activate an asset, you will need the serial number and the inspection number. These details are entered in the activation pop-up window to uniquely identify the asset and register it in the system.

To activate a new asset, click on ‘Activate asset’ in the menu. Enter the asset’s serial number and verification number, then start the activation process. In the next step, enter the remaining required details and confirm by clicking ‘Activate’. The asset will then be created in the system and is ready for use.

The Energy Pilot actively utilises surplus solar power by ‘storing’ heat in the building or in the hot water tank, rather than feeding energy into the grid.

When an internet connection is active, electricity prices are divided into three categories:

• Low price → Slightly increase setpoints
• Medium price → No change
• High price → Reduce setpoints

This ensures that energy consumption is managed in a cost-optimised manner.

If a surplus of solar power is detected, the room temperature setpoint can be automatically increased by up to +3 K to store energy within the building. Optionally, a hot water charging cycle can also be initiated.

The control system coordinates operation between the main and auxiliary boilers. In the event of sensor or functional faults, safety functions or default values are automatically activated.

Among other things:

• Boiler temperature min/max
• Burn-out duration
• Boiler pump speed
• Return flow maintenance
• Batch loading

In the detailed view for the auxiliary boiler and in the associated information layer (e.g. boiler temperature, setpoint).

Via WW charging: maximum charging priority at the service level. This setting determines how long the boiler charges hot water exclusively.

A protective function against corrosion. During the heating-up phase, the heating circuits and hot water supply are temporarily shut off until the boiler reaches operating temperature.

It shows, both graphically and as a percentage, how much energy is currently available in the buffer tank.

After a solid fuel boiler has finished burning, the automatic boiler is disabled for a set period of time (0 h = disabled) in order to utilise the residual energy in the buffer tank.

• Automatic mode
• Solid fuel mode
• Buffer mode
• Auto with timer

In the operator level → Time programme.
Up to 6 times per day or block with a setpoint temperature.
A setpoint of 0 °C disables buffer charging.

A timer-controlled function in which the solar pump is switched on and off at regular intervals to circulate stagnant fluid and initiate operation.
The start, end and duration are set in the operator level.

When the collector temperature falls below the minimum value or the storage tank has reached its maximum temperature.

If the collector temperature is at least 5 K above the buffer or hot water temperature and the maximum temperatures have not yet been reached.

• Collector, buffer and hot water temperatures
• Pump speed
• Heat output
• Flow rate
• Operating mode (Off / Automatic)

Yes, the hot water hygiene programme.
It is recommended that you heat the tank to at least 60°C once a week.
If higher temperatures are used, the maximum hot water temperature setting may need to be adjusted.

Depending on the settings at the service level:

• Off
• Time control
• Temperature control (with sensor)
• Pulse control (push-button or flow switch)

If a circulation pump is installed, you can set your own switching times in the domestic hot water programme. This ensures that hot water is available more quickly at the taps.

Yes, via the ‘WW Charge’ quick-select button in the hot water details view.

The hot water charging cycle starts automatically when the actual temperature falls 5 K below the setpoint and the timer programme gives the go-ahead.
Once the setpoint has been reached, the charging pump continues to run for 1–20 minutes.

Via Settings → Time programmes.

• Up to 3 heating programmes per heating circuit
• Optional cooling programme
• Up to 6 switching times with different temperature settings are possible per day or block

It temporarily adjusts the room temperature setpoint up or down without permanently altering the heating curve or time programmes.

The basic heating curve parameters (level/slope) are set during commissioning. The comfort
correction value is available for daily adjustments.

The room temperature compensation setting may be too low. This value can be adjusted by qualified personnel in the service mode.

In the operating mode menu, select ‘Holiday settings’ and enter an end date. The heating circuit will run in reduced mode until then and will automatically switch back at midnight on the following day.

• Standby
• Programmes 1–3
• Holiday until date
• Heating mode
• Reduced mode
• Manual mode
• Optional: Cooling

The control system calculates the flow temperature setpoint based on the outdoor temperature, the heating curve and, where applicable, the room temperature, and controls the pump, mixer and heat generator.

Information, error or alarm messages are shown on the display. Please refer to the code table in the user manual or contact a specialist service provider.

A function (e.g. cooling) was manually disabled during this period.

All settings are saved. Any programmes currently running (e.g. the screed heating programme) will resume from where they left off once power is restored.

You can find these settings under Settings → General Settings.

• Information level: Display of measured values and status information
• Operator level: Settings for daily operation (e.g. time programmes, operating modes)

Yes, the function labels (e.g. ‘Heating circuit 1’) can be customised in the basic settings.

• Start screen: Displayed when the boiler is switched on (if the control panel is built into the boiler).
• Main menu: Displays the current values for all available modules (boiler, heating circuits, hot water, solar, etc.). To switch to this screen, tap the start screen.

You can switch between heating circuits and function modules (e.g. heating circuit, domestic hot water, buffer tank, solar) by tapping the arrow buttons < / > or by swiping on the touchscreen.

Yes, a solar heating system can be used effectively even in winter, albeit with some limitations. The efficiency of a solar heating system depends heavily on solar radiation, which is lower in winter than in summer. Despite shorter days and weaker sunlight, a well-designed solar heating system can still make a significant contribution to the heating supply. It is important that the system has sufficient storage capacity to store the heat gained during sunny periods and release it when needed. Furthermore, modern solar collectors can generate heat even in diffuse light conditions, such as when the sky is cloudy.

You can find the user manual on our website, conveniently via our app, or in the printed user manual supplied with the product.

Confirmation of the cleaning process is displayed directly on the heater once it has been completed. It is necessary to confirm the cleaning.

To arrange a maintenance appointment for your heating system, please contact the customer service department in your country.

The remote control for my boiler incurs only a one-off registration fee. Upon commissioning, a remote access fee for commissioning is also added.

An unlimited number of people with different roles (owners, residents, technicians/service providers) can access it.

To set up a Legionella control programme, it is advisable to use the hot water function and set the programme to activate automatically on a weekly basis.

This can be done either via an internet connection on a mobile phone using the myComfort push notification, or via the remote control and the InfoWIN Touch app.

Yes, you can do this by running a one-off hot water top-up.

Of course, you can adjust the operation of your heating pump by setting the minimum flow temperature. This not only helps to prolong the life of the pump, but also saves energy.

Yes, you can adjust it to suit your preferences. The default setting is 20 degrees, but the heating adjusts to the outside temperature.

The remote control allows you to adjust the heating settings according to the room temperature. You can set your preferred temperature within a range of plus or minus 3 degrees. You can also select the desired operating mode. There are three operating modes available: reduced heating mode, heating mode and hot water mode, as well as standby mode.

Yes, you can tailor your hot water programme to your energy-saving needs by setting individual heating times. For example, if you shower in the morning, you can programme the boiler to preheat the water only for that time and not produce any hot water for the rest of the day. This is particularly energy-efficient.

Of course, you can customise your heating schedule. You can set up to six heating periods with different temperatures.

Yes, you can control your boiler remotely via the myComfort app. To do this, your boiler must be connected to the internet.

With Eco/Comfort, you can lower or raise the room temperature for a limited period (0–400 minutes). After that, the system automatically returns to the previous operating mode.

You can create a specific holiday programme for each heating circuit so that the heating is switched on in good time before you return.

You can change the date and time via InfoWIN Touch. If your system is online, the update will take place automatically. The switch between summer and winter time also happens automatically, even if there is no internet connection.

Room temperature setpoints are the desired temperatures in a room that should be maintained both during normal heating operation and in economy mode. This ensures a comfortable and constant temperature.

You can change the heating times and activate the programme either by using the control unit on the boiler (InfoWIN Touch), selecting the relevant ‘heating circuit’ in the ‘Heating programme’ menu, or by using the myComfort app.

Take advantage of the available grants to reduce your investment costs.

Find grant schemes for heating systems that make a positive contribution to environmental protection.

The calculator takes your specific heating plans into account and highlights tailored funding options.

Our calculator takes care of the tedious task of searching for funding opportunities for you in no time at all.

Contrary to some opinions and claims, wood-burning heating systems are not generally banned in Germany. In fact, they are still used in many private households and even in some commercial premises. However, there are certain regulations and guidelines that must be observed to ensure environmental protection.

Under this legislation, wood-fired heating systems must comply with specific emission limits to protect air quality. In particular, newer wood-fired heating systems installed from 2015 onwards must meet strict requirements to ensure combustion that is as environmentally friendly as possible. At Windhager, we recommend avoiding wood-fired heating systems in new builds and opting instead for subsidised heating models such as pellet systems or heat pumps.

The lifespan of a hybrid heating system depends on various factors, such as the quality of the components, maintenance and operation. Generally speaking, however, a hybrid heating system is expected to last at least 15 to 20 years. With regular maintenance and care, however, the lifespan of a hybrid heating system can be extended. It is therefore advisable to have the heating system serviced regularly and checked for any damage to ensure a long service life for your hybrid heating system. Our Windhager service team is your specialist for maintenance, spare parts and warranty for your Windhager heating system.

Yes, there are various subsidy schemes available in Austria for Windhager hybrid heating systems. For example, the Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Protection, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology (BMK) offers subsidies for the installation of heating systems that use renewable energy sources. Regional subsidies from local authorities and federal states are also available. A detailed overview of the funding options for Windhager hybrid heating systems in Austria can be obtained by consulting a specialist or by visiting the ‘Funding’ section. You can estimate the amount of funding available with just a few clicks using the funding calculator.

A Windhager hybrid heating system is a worthwhile investment for households looking for an energy-efficient and environmentally friendly heating solution. For households with renewable energy sources such as photovoltaic or solar thermal systems in particular, combining these with a Windhager hybrid heating system is an ideal way to reduce energy consumption and heating costs. A detailed consultation with a specialist can help to assess the household’s individual needs and find the best hybrid heating solution.

A heat pump requires virtually no maintenance. As with other heating systems, routine annual inspections should be carried out, depending on the size of the system.

Air-to-water heat pump technology is specifically designed for this time of year, and the system components are specially engineered to operate efficiently at temperatures as low as -18°C. Windhager’s inverter-controlled air-to-water heat pumps can fine-tune their operation to the optimum operating point across a range of outdoor temperatures. 

Nevertheless, choosing the right type of unit is a crucial step. To ensure the heat pump can realise its full potential, the foundations are laid right from the planning and sizing stage.

Air-to-water heat pumps extract heat from the ambient air. Combined with green electricity – such as that generated by your own rooftop solar panels – you can heat your home independently and in an environmentally friendly way.

Air-to-water heat pumps are particularly efficient in well-insulated buildings fitted with panel heating systems, such as underfloor heating. This means the house can be heated even when the heating water temperature is low.

If you use wood chips for your heating system, you can use the following conversions as a guide: One solid cubic metre (scm) of wood yields 1.4 cubic metres (cm) and 2.5 loose cubic metres (lcm) of wood chips. One solid cubic metre of wood is therefore equivalent to 2.5 loose cubic metres of wood chips – this is how you can convert your wood consumption into wood chips.

Are you interested in a wood chip heating system? Discover Windhager wood chip heating systems now!

This table shows how a Windhager wood-fired heating system compares to other biomass heating systems, heating oil and natural gas in terms of consumption:

The price of a log-burning heating system depends on many factors, such as the size of the building to be heated, the type of system, and the heat output required based on the climate and geographical location.

Would you like a bespoke quote for your new Windhager wood-fired heating system? Contact us now!

Although oil-fired heating systems will be phased out by 2035 and gas-fired heating systems will no longer be installed in new buildings from 2025 onwards, Windhager wood and wood chip heating systems offer a viable alternative.

If you still have any questions regarding the current regulations for heating systems, please feel free to ask our Windhager experts; simply use our contact form or visit us at one of our showrooms. 

There is no universally recognised ‘best’ wood-fired heating system, as the choice of the best system depends on various factors such as the size of the building, energy requirements, available resources and personal preferences.

Some factors to consider when choosing a wood-fired heating system are:

1. Efficiency: A state-of-the-art and efficient wood-fired heating system should guarantee high fuel utilisation and low emissions of pollutants.
2. Availability of firewood: An important factor when choosing a wood-burning heating system is the availability of firewood in the local area.
3. Ease of use: A wood-fired heating system should be easy to operate and require no complex maintenance.

Would you like to experience your Windhager wood-fired heating system in person and try out other heating systems for yourself? Visit us in our showrooms and see for yourself!

Wood-fired heating systems will continue to play a very significant role in the renewable energy sector, as they represent a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuels.

Wood is a carbon-neutral fuel derived from renewable raw materials and helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Disposal of packaging

The packaging material (wooden crates, cardboard boxes, inserts, plastic film and bags, etc.) must be disposed of properly in accordance with local laws and regulations.

Disposal of components or boilers

• Dispose of these items properly, i.e. by separating the parts to be disposed of into different material groups.
• Under no circumstances should electrical or electronic waste simply be thrown in the bin; instead, it must be handed in at the designated public collection points.
• In principle, dispose of waste in an environmentally friendly manner in accordance with the current state of environmental protection, recycling and waste disposal technology.

Commissioning a boiler involves more than simply switching it on. The service engineer will explain the heating system to you in detail. This will enable you to resolve minor faults yourself should the need arise. The new heating system will undergo a functional check, exhaust gas emissions will be monitored and settings adjusted if necessary. The recorded test values will be entered into a settings log located directly on the appliance.

All the natural resources we use for food, housing, travel and so on require space on our planet to regenerate. Nature also needs resources to break down our waste (e.g. forests to absorb CO₂). The ecological footprint highlights this land requirement.

The red-white-red Footprint Calculator was launched on the initiative of the Ministry of Life to give people the opportunity to calculate their personal footprint. It was developed with scientific support (Institute for Social Ecology) and guidance from environmental experts at the Footprint Platform.

The Footprint not only clearly illustrates the ecological limits of our planet, it also shows what measures each of us can take personally to combat the destruction of our planet.

You can calculate your individual ecological footprint here: https://www.mein-fussabdruck.at/

Sustainability refers to the natural ability of forests to regenerate. In a sustainable forestry industry, only as much timber is harvested as can regrow. Around 26 million cubic metres of timber are harvested from Austrian forests each year. This is offset by around 30 million cubic metres of regrowing timber annually.

When wood is heated, water vapour and oxygen are released from 150°C onwards. As the temperature rises, the lignin and cellulose contained in the wood also gasify, producing a combustible mixture of gases. When air is supplied, this so-called wood gas ignites at a temperature of around 230–280°C. It is therefore not the wood that burns, but the escaping wood gases. What remains are the solid residues: ash and charcoal.

Different units of volume are used for timber. A distinction is made between cubic metres, solid cubic metres and loose cubic metres. A cubic metre refers to stacked logs with external dimensions of 1 m × 1 m × 1 m. The gaps are included in the calculation. A cubic metre of loose volume, on the other hand, consists of wood that has been loosely poured into a container measuring 1 m x 1 m x 1 m. Here too, the gaps are included in the calculation. There are no gaps in a solid cubic metre. This consists of 1 m³ of solid wood with no gaps.

Freshly felled wood usually has a high moisture content. Coniferous wood has a moisture content of around 55–70% (water content 35–41%), whilst hardwoods have a moisture content of around 70–100% (water content 41–50%). For the wood to burn properly, the moisture content should ideally be below 20% (water content < 16%). To achieve this, the wood must be stored in a dry place for at least a year before it can be burned.

Firewood intended for burning should be clean and as dry as possible. Under no circumstances should treated wood (impregnated or varnished), chipboard, plastics or other waste be burned. This is prohibited by law and may also result in the loss of the manufacturer’s warranty.

Modern wood gasification boilers operate very efficiently and comply with all statutory emissions and dust limits. This requires high-quality wood to ensure the heating system can be operated in an environmentally friendly and low-emission manner. If, for example, wood that is too damp is burned, more than a fifth of the energy is lost to drying the wood in the boiler. This causes efficiency to drop significantly and increases the environmental impact caused by poorly burnt wood.

The quality of the fuel is crucial for low-emission and efficient wood-fired heating. The wood must be clean and free from mould or rot. The moisture content must not exceed 25% under any circumstances; the drier the wood, the more efficient and environmentally friendly your heating will be. The wood should be left to dry for at least two to three years to achieve the optimum dryness.

The carbon stored in wood, which was originally taken from the CO₂ in the atmosphere, combines once again with the oxygen in the air when the wood is burned. In the process, the same amount of CO₂ that was originally stored is released as was once taken from the air. This means that burning wood is completely CO₂-neutral!

The calorific value varies depending on how coarse or fine the wood chips are, their moisture content, and whether they are made from hardwood or softwood. This means that different grades of wood chips require different quantities to reliably provide the specific amount of heat needed. You can find out approximately how much wood chips you will need for your system in the ‘Wood Chip Fuel Information’ leaflet.

• Use natural, chemically untreated wood
• Ensure a low, uniform moisture content (no pockets of damp)
• The proportion of needles, leaves, fine twigs and bark should be low
• Uniform particle size is important
• The wood chips should have smooth-cut edges and not be frayed
• There should be no contamination or foreign objects in it

• Store logs in a well-ventilated, sunny spot for at least one summer before chipping (for W25-30 wood chips)
• Wood chips with a moisture content > 35% are not suitable for storage (decomposition, mould growth, self-heating/fire hazard)
• During wet summer months, it is advisable to cover the wood chips

The quality of wood chips plays a key role in ensuring the optimal operation of the heating system. Due to the large number of producers and the variety of wood species, wood chips are a raw material with a wide range of characteristics. The PuroWIN is approved for wood chips of grades P16S and P31S, as well as A1 and A2. When using these grades, we guarantee compliance with the prescribed emission limits in practical operation. This is achieved without the need for additional measures such as filter technology or pre-cleaning. For the system to operate ideally, wood chips with a moisture content of 20–30 per cent should be used.

If you use wood chips for your heating system, you can use the following comparisons as a guide. One solid cubic metre (fm) of wood yields 1.4 cubic metres (rm) and 2.5 loose cubic metres (srm) of wood chips.

Wood chips are defined as wood that has been mechanically shredded into pieces measuring just a few centimetres in size. These small pieces of wood are burned in fully automated combustion plants and offer the same level of convenience as their fossil fuel counterparts.

Pellets must be transported and stored in a completely dry condition. If stored in damp conditions, they swell considerably. The pellets must therefore be protected from moisture throughout the entire process, from transport and storage right through to combustion.

The quality guidelines for transport and storage logistics are set out in ENplus and ÖNORM M7136.

Pellets are supplied by fuel retailers in the following forms:

• for manual filling of storage bins in 10, 15 and 30 kg bags, as well as in big bags of approx. 1 tonne on Euro pallets 
• for automatic room-by-room delivery in bulk using silo pump trucks, quantity as required (quoted and delivered in kg)

As they grow, trees absorb CO₂ from the air. When wood is burned, exactly the same amount of CO_₂ is released, so the emissions are no higher than they would be if the wood were to decompose naturally in the forest. Heating with wood pellets is therefore carbon-neutral and makes an important contribution to climate protection.

Diameter: 6 ± 1 mm

Length: 3.15 to 40 mm

Bulk density: > 650 kg/m³

Calorific value: > 4.6 kWh/kg

Ash content: < 0.7%

Fine material content: < 1%

Some visual indicators of good pellet quality include a shiny, smooth surface, uniform pellet size and minimal dust. You can quickly and easily test the quality yourself by dropping some wood pellets into a glass of water. Good-quality pellets will sink immediately.

The quality of the pellets plays a vital role in ensuring your heating system operates at its best. When purchasing pellets, please ensure that they comply with the quality standards set out in EN ISO 17225-2 A1. You can achieve the highest possible operational reliability by purchasing pellets from manufacturers who hold EN Plus certification (or DIN-Plus, ÖNORM M7135 or UZ38), as certification requires ongoing internal quality control. Before placing an order, inform your pellet supplier of these quality requirements and ask for confirmation upon delivery.

If you use wood pellets for your heating system, you can use the following comparisons as a guide. Two kilograms of wood pellets are comparable in calorific value to one litre of heating oil. You need one cubic metre of space for 650 kg of wood pellets. This means that three cubic metres of wood pellets for your pellet heating system are roughly equivalent to 1,000 litres of heating oil. Wood pellets: liquid wood that is space-efficient and environmentally friendly to use.

Pellets are standardised cylindrical pellets made entirely from natural wood residues such as planing shavings and sawdust. The dry wood residues are ground up and compressed into wood pellets under high pressure in special presses. Binders or additives are neither necessary nor permitted. The production of wood pellets from dry planing shavings requires approximately 1% of the energy contained in the fuel, whilst the use of damp sawdust requires approximately 5%. ‘Liquid wood’ thus has the best energy balance of all fuels.

Find out which pellet boiler is best suited to your needs. You can find plenty of information online. You can also contact most manufacturers by phone. Make the most of trade fairs to get advice in person, or visit showrooms to view potential boilers in advance.

Contact a trusted local heating engineer. They will provide you with expert advice and recommend the heating solution best suited to your needs.

Please note that before deciding on a heating system, there are certain things you should clarify, for example:

• Ask your chimney sweep whether your chimney needs to be refurbished.
• Do you have enough space for a year’s supply of pellets? In most cases, the oil tank or tank room is large enough to be easily converted into a pellet storage area. With the free Windhager app for planning a storage room, you can find the answer at the touch of a button.
• Decide which type of pellet storage and feed system suits you best (brick-built storage, fabric tank, sheet steel tank or underground tank).
• Can you continue to use your existing heating system (pumps, radiators, etc.) or is it already outdated? It is almost always worth modernising everything at the same time.
• What subsidies are available? Switching to an environmentally friendly pellet heating system is often subsidised. Find out whether you are eligible for support from the government, the regional authorities or your local council, and submit a subsidy application before starting the project.
• Who will carry out the electrical work? The new heating system must be professionally connected to the mains. Some installers work closely with specialist electrical contractors for this purpose or have their own qualified electricians on staff.

The following items and costs must be included in the quote:

• New boiler with control system
• New hydraulic components such as pumps and manifolds (if necessary)
• Disposal of the old oil-fired boiler and the oil tank (if necessary)
• Refurbishment of the chimney (if necessary)
• Pellet storage room (extraction system and storage system)
• Installation work
• Insulation of heating pipes
• Electrical connection of the new boiler
• Commissioning of the heating system by the manufacturer’s customer service team

If you are happy with all the items in the quote, place an order with your trusted installer to convert your heating system.

Before you start the renovation work, you will need to submit a building notification in many local authorities. You should also submit your application for a grant at the same time. Your trusted plumber will usually be happy to help you with this.

It is advisable to have a chimney inspection carried out by a chimney sweep before starting any renovation work. They can also advise you on chimney renovation. Modern boilers usually require a new chimney, as they are much more efficient and therefore produce much lower flue gas temperatures. This can be done quite simply by installing stainless steel flue pipes within the chimney.

Discuss the schedule for the upgrade with your engineer and go through the individual steps together. Replacing the boiler usually takes just a few days. 

Please note that delivery of the small wooden blocks usually takes two to three weeks. 

Have your heating system commissioned by a qualified specialist firm or the manufacturer’s customer service department. While this is being done, check with the technician that the heating system is working as intended and ask for a detailed explanation of how to operate it.