The prices of wood pellets, also called pellets, have finally declined after years of uninterrupted increases due to the energy crisis. In the second quarter of 2024, the average cost of wood pellets fell by more than 10%, providing relief to pellet-heated homes.
However, this good news should not make us forget an essential precaution: not all pellets are equal, and choosing quality products is crucial to avoid maintenance problems and optimize the performance of your stove or boiler.
A significant price drop in the second quarter of 2024
According to figures from Boisreduc, a platform specializing in the sale of firewood, the prices of wood pellets in France continue to decrease. In the second quarter of 2024, the cost of bulk pellets averaged 7.62 euro cents including tax per kWh, a decrease of 13% compared to the previous quarter when the price reached 8.77 euro cents. Tax included per kWh. Bagged pellets are also following this downward trend, with an average price of 7.55 euro cents including tax per kWh, down around 11% in three months.
This drop in prices is part of a trend that began in 2023. After reaching a peak in the fourth quarter of 2022, prices for wood pellets gradually decreased, due to a better balance between supply and demand. With new production units opened in France and Europe, the pellet market is stabilizing, and consumers are feeling the beneficial effects.
Why a quality label is essential for your wood pellets
While this price drop is obviously good news for consumers, it nevertheless carries a risk: that of sacrificing quality to save more. Not all wood pellets guarantee the same performance, and those of lower quality can quickly clog stoves and require more frequent maintenance, thus increasing the overall heating cost in the long term.
To ensure the quality of the pellets, several certification labels are preferred, in particular:
- NF (French Standard) : This label guarantees a specific level of quality according to French standards for domestic heating.
- DINplus (German Standard) : Very widespread in Europe, this label imposes strict quality requirements, in particular a humidity level of less than 10%.
- ENplus (European Standard) : Recognized on a European scale, this label guarantees a minimum calorific value of 4.6 kWh/kg, ideal for optimizing the efficiency of your heating appliances.
These labels, all aligned with high standards, ensure efficient combustion and good maintenance of equipment. By opting for certified pellets, consumers can heat their homes more economically and more ecologically.
How to save money without compromising quality?
With prices falling, it is tempting to choose the cheapest pellets. However, it may be more judicious to invest in quality, labeled pellets, which offer better combustion and reduce maintenance costs. The UFC-Que Choisir association therefore recommends that consumers check certification labels, but also compare prices per kilo according to the options available.
Should you buy in bulk or in bags?
The choice between bulk and bagged pellets depends on individual needs and the equipment available. Bulk pellets are often more economical per kilo, but require adequate storage, while bagged pellets offer more flexibility and can be more practical for smaller consumptions. However, whether for bulk or bags, choosing certified products remains a priority to guarantee long-term savings.
Vigilance and labels for worry-free heating
With prices falling by more than 10% in three months, wood pellets are becoming an increasingly accessible heating solution. However, choosing quality pellets, bearing a certification label, remains essential to benefit from efficient heating and limit the inconvenience linked to the maintenance of pellet stoves. At a time when every energy saving counts, this compromise between price and quality becomes more important than ever.
