Maine homeowners have a long history of self-reliance and living responsibly off of resources available to them. Wood and pellet heating systems deliver renewable, energy-efficient home comfort using locally sourced and locally delivered materials.
Many homeowners are familiar with pellet stoves, or pellet fireplace inserts, which can provide energy-efficient heating to portions of a house. Pellet boilers are relatively new to Maine and expand the potential for pellet heating as a whole-house solution. Pellet boilers, also called biomass boilers, burn pellets or cordwood and are connected to a water distribution system. They require storage space (a pellet hopper) near the boiler, just like a heating oil storage tank. In addition to providing the benefit of energy efficiency, pellet boilers require less cleaning and maintenance than a typical pellet stove.
Wood pellet and firewood heating are popular because the fuel source is renewable and can be a cost-effective home heating option once the system is installed. New, high-efficiency pellet and wood stoves also produce less smoke pollution and reduce creosote buildup in chimneys.
Wood pellets present another option out of Maine’s diverse energy mix. When it comes to home heating, few heating sources are more local to Maine than wood and wood pellets. Relying on our storied lumber industry, local production and local delivery, pellet and wood heating will continue to be a viable fuel source for Mainers who are looking to reduce their carbon footprint and improve energy efficiency.
Explore the rest of Maine Energy Facts to learn about oilheat, propane and more, and to understand the importance of having a diverse range of fuel options in Maine.