{"id":57542,"date":"2026-09-29T16:07:32","date_gmt":"2026-09-29T15:07:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ecoforest.com\/?p=57542"},"modified":"2026-09-29T16:13:32","modified_gmt":"2026-09-29T15:13:32","slug":"pellet-hydro-stoves-for-radiators-installation-diagram-and-how-to-replace-your-old-oil-boiler","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ecoforest.com\/en\/news\/pellet-hydro-stoves-for-radiators-installation-diagram-and-how-to-replace-your-old-oil-boiler\/","title":{"rendered":"Pellet hydro stoves for radiators: Installation diagram and how to replace your old oil boiler"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you have radiators at home but your heating bill keeps rising because of the price of heating oil, you\u2019re in the right place. Switching to more sustainable and affordable heating doesn\u2019t always require a complete renovation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pellet hydro stoves<\/a><\/strong> (also called water-heating stoves) have become the ideal solution for anyone looking to use their existing radiator network while replacing an old fossil-fuel boiler with a renewable, CO2-neutral and significantly cheaper energy source.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What exactly is a pellet hydro stove?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Unlike a conventional air stove, which heats the room it is in, a hydro stove works much like a boiler. It contains a heat exchanger that heats water, which a circulation pump then distributes throughout the home\u2019s radiator circuit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At Ecoforest, as the pioneers who invented the pellet hydro stove<\/a> in 1993, we have refined this technology to make integration virtually “plug & play”.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Benefits of replacing your oil boiler with pellets<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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  1. Cost savings:<\/strong> Pellets are between 30% and 50% cheaper than heating oil.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Sustainability:<\/strong> You reduce your carbon footprint by using biomass, a renewable fuel.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Use of your existing system:<\/strong> You don\u2019t need to replace your aluminium or cast-iron radiators.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Appearance and comfort:<\/strong> As well as heating the water, the hydro stove brings radiant heat and the visual appeal of a flame into your living room.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Installation diagram: How it connects to your radiators<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    To ensure an efficient replacement, it\u2019s essential to understand the hydraulic layout. An Ecoforest hydro stove already contains most of the necessary components (circulation pump, expansion vessel and safety valve), greatly simplifying installation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    1. Direct connection to the radiators<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    This is the simplest configuration. The hydro stove connects to the flow and return manifolds of the old boiler.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    2. Domestic hot water (DHW) production<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    If you also want to replace your oil boiler\u2019s hot water supply, you can add an external DHW tank<\/a>. Ecoforest\u2019s advanced electronics will automatically control a three-way valve to prioritise hot water for the shower or heating as needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    3. Using a buffer tank (Optional but recommended)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Installing a buffer tank is recommended to reduce the number of start-ups and extend the equipment\u2019s service life. This allows the hydro stove to run at full power for longer, storing excess heat in the water until the radiators need it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Steps to replace your old oil boiler<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    If you\u2019ve decided to make the switch, this is the technical process a qualified installer will follow:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    1. Removal of the old equipment:<\/strong> The circuit is drained, and the oil boiler and its fuel tank are removed (freeing up valuable space in your home).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    2. Adaptation of the flue:<\/strong> Unlike oil boilers, pellet stoves<\/a> require a stainless-steel flue (usually 80mm or 100mm) that ensures proper draught and complies with RITE regulations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    3. Hydraulic connection:<\/strong> The hydro stove\u2019s flow and return connections are linked to the radiator network. This is the ideal time to install a sludge filter to protect your new investment.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    4. Electronic commissioning:<\/strong> Ecoforest models offer WiFi control. You\u2019ll be able to turn on the heating from your phone before you get home.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

      Which Ecoforest model should you choose?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      Ecoforest offers a range of power outputs depending on the size of your home and the number of radiators:<\/p>\n\n\n\n