Frequently Asked Questions

What type of wood can I use?
Viessmann-KÖB wood heating systems can use a variety of untreated, high-quality wood fuels that vary in heating value, required storage capacity and cost. What fuel type you choose will largely depend on your storage capacity, system requirements and the availability of the fuel in your area. 
As the quality of the fuel impacts the efficiency and life expectancy of your system, it is best to choose a good-quality, untreated wood fuel with a low water content.

Pellets Most compact wood fuel with least storage required. High heating value.

Sawdust Untreated sawdust. Ideal for small storage.  Sawmills, carpentry, wood processing facilities.

Woodchips Shredded, untreated, with or without bark.  Large storage required. Max. size: G50. Max. water content: 50%.

Mixed Woods Unprocessed mix of woodchips, sawdust and bark.  Max size: G50.

How economical is it?
In a biomass system, the fuel cost is an estimated 50% of the total lifecycle cost. Choosing a high-efficiency wood-fired boiler and high-quality, cost-efficient wood fuel thus is key in optimizing the economy of your system. 
Compared to traditional fossil fuels, the average cost per heat unit of wood fuel is significantly lower in most areas in North America. So while the investment cost of a biomass system may in many cases be higher than a conventional heating system, the fuel cost savings per unit of heat can offset the investment in a relatively short timeframe – making your biomass system as economical or better than a fossil fuel heating system. Plus, with a fuel source that is local and independent, your fuel cost is less volatile than with traditional fuels.

Is it safe?
Absolutely. Today’s wood heating systems are as safe and reliable as leading gas/oil heating systems. Equipped with advanced safety and fire protection devices, and a digital control, the entire system is closely monitored and controlled – from the fuel feed right to the heat transfer and venting. Viessmann-KÖB wood-fired boilers are built to ASME, Section IV requirements, are CRN registered, and have been tested to CSA/UL Safety Standards (including all safety controls).

Is it clean-burning?
Yes! Modern wood heating systems, when professionally operated and maintained, reach similar emission levels to leading fossil fuel heating systems. Better yet, wood heating is CO2-neutral. Viessmann-KÖB wood-fired boilers meet the stringent regulations of the European Clean Air Act.

What applications can it be used for?
Our wood heating systems are ideally suited for commercial and industrial applications, such as schools, hospitals, community heating systems, wood processing plants and more. They are designed to carry either the entire heating load of your system or the baseload, when combined with an oil-/gas-fired boiler for peak times. Our comprehensive product portfolio also allows you to expand your biomass installation into a fully integrated system, complete with Viessmann solar, oil/gas boiler and custom control technology.

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