CHOOSING THE RIGHT PRODUCT CAN BE DIFFICULT IF YOU ARE NOT AN EXPERT IN THE SECTOR… 

 

Gruppo Ravelli offers you its advice for making intelligent purchases in the residential heating sector and some suggestions for avoiding unpleasant surprises.

 

 

1. PERSONAL 

      REQUIREMENTS

 

Some main points are: the number of rooms and the volume to be heated, the type of insulation in the house and the place where the house is located. But also if you wish to heat the water for radiators; if you prefer manual  (wood) or automatic (pellet) loading; how much room do you have, and finally, naturally, the aesthetic furnishing requirements and personal taste. (see home page: HEATING YOUR HOME”).
But there are other factors to be taken into consideration. Let's analyse them one at a time...

2. MANUFACTURERS

 

 

Checking the country where the stove comes from is of fundamental importance in choosing a quality product. The low cost offer of eastern Europe that has recently invaded the market is technologically and qualitatively less reliable than the products of manufacturers with great experience in the sector and a made in Italy product. Unknown makes and low cost stoves could be built with low quality components and may not guarantee an adequate assistance and spare parts service.

3. CERTIFICATES  AND TAX

       DEDUCTIONS 

 

Certification protects the consumer since it guarantees that the data on the label about power performances, energy efficiency and the product's features correspond to the truth. The State is highly involved in implementing economic energy saving policies which take the form of the issue of subsidies on the purchase of a stove whose technical qualities are recognised by appropriate certification authorities. (see home page: “TAX DEDUCTIONS”).

4. SAFETY

 

The pellet stove has become part of the home environment. Therefore it must be equipped with appropriate safety systems, studied in detail to prevent any type of risk and to guarantee maximum safety and reliability. To date the prevention of accidents was made possible by the utilisation of safety sensors that put the stove into alarm mode if any malfunctions or faults occur. Safety is important: always make sure you are aware of the risk prevention systems with which the stove is fitted.

5. MATERIALS THAT

        COMPOSE THE STOVE

 

Another important factor to take into consideration is the quality of the individual parts that make up the stove. Manufacturers of low quality stoves  with prices that are obviously lower than the average market value, probably use poor quality electronic components: beware of these manufacturers because they are certainly not to be trusted, as happens with may products offered at knockdown prices, especially those fitted with electronic devices.

6. CONVENIENCE

 

The great advantage of the pellet is that of combining the pleasure of the traditional wood-burning fire place with total programmability. Modern stoves also offer further advantages that make their use even more practical: a control panel allows the user to set daily and weekly programming; via a remote control the stove can be controlled while you sit comfortably in your armchair; the GPS also allows you to turn the stove on before you get home so that the place is warm and welcoming on your arrival.

7. SALE POINT AND

       TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

 

Beware of purchases made at wholesalers and large stores: the price will certainly be lower, but what happens if the stove needs technical assistance? Specialised retailers always guarantee a post sales service, that includes the installation and inspection service for the stove and any type of technical assistance and maintenance. Moreover, the specialised retailer will be able to give you good advice, helping you in selecting the product that is most suitable for your needs.