Essentials of biomass boilers
With fuel prices seemingly constantly on the rise, it’s perhaps no surprise that people are looking for alternative ways of heating their homes. Biomass boilers are a popular choice but what exactly are they? And how much do they cost to install and run?
What is a biomass boiler?
A biomass boiler burns organic material. Unlike a solid wood burner which is designed to heat one room and you have to add extra fuel when it’s needed, a biomass boiler uses a hopper to guarantee a constant supply of fuel. Most biomass boilers run on pellets or chips. Rather than just heating one rooms, biomass boilers are a whole house heating solution and can be used to heat water too. The main benefit of biomass boilers is that they are more environmentally friendly than boilers run on gas or oil as they don’t pump out carbon dioxide in the same way. In some areas, for some people, there may be government grants available for investing in this technology.
What are the practicalities of installing a biomass boiler?
Installing any new heating system is major building work and getting a biomass boiler is no exception. You’ll need more space for a biomass boiler than for other types of heating system as you’ll need to store the solid fuel too. For these reasons, the most common time to install a biomass boiler is when you’re totally renovating your house or planning a new-build project. Installing biomass boilers is still a fairly niche area of the market and depending on where you live, you might struggle to find an appropriately qualified plumber or heating engineer to do the work for you.
What are the costs of biomass boilers?
Biomass boilers aren’t cheap. A fully automated system with a hopper to supply the fuel could cost around £25,000, plus installation. Biomass boilers do currently qualify for the government’s Renewable Heat Incentive, which pays you for the heat you generate. This incentive could reduce costs. You’ll also have ongoing costs in terms of fuel. There’s lots of fuels around for biomass boilers, but they vary hugely in terms of quality. The key is finding a local, reliable supply which is decent quality. If you’re claiming for renewable heat incentive payments, you’ll have to use an approved supplier for your fuel. The average fuel cost is around £1500 per year, but many people claim back incentive payments of more than that. As with any large household purchase, do your homework, crunch the figures and work out whether it’s an investment worth making.
What's involved with installing and maintaining biomass boilers?
You’ll need a specialist company to take charge of your biomass boiler installation – this isn’t a job for your standard plumber. Search online for details of local companies and to see details of projects they’ve completed in the past. Biomass boilers produce ash, which you’ll need to dispose of. It’s a great fertiliser though, and any gardener or famer will be grateful for it. Biomass boilers also need thoroughly cleaned and then serviced once per year, usually in summer when it’s warmer.
