All You Need About Biomass Boilers

Biomass boilers operate by burning wood. Wood can be considered as a highly sustainable, renewable and carbon neutral fuel. Although it sounds like an old way of generating heat, it is still quite reliable. Biomass boilers are a great option if you’re looking for an alternative option for fossil fuel.

The best biomass boilers

To classify a biomass boiler as good, it must have the ability to be efficient and to reduce your heating bills. A good biomass boiler should keep your running cost low.

The Windhager LogWIN Premium biomass boiler is a great option if you live near a wooded area and have access to wood logs.

A great feature of Windhager LogWIN Premium Touch biomass boilers is that they boast a large combustion chamber. This allows them to store more fuel. So you won’t have to worry about refilling it so often.

While you could heat your home for free with wood logs, they take up a fair amount of space. So if you’re looking to save space then consider the alternatives: wood.

What is the running cost of biomass boilers?

The upfront cost of a biomass boiler might sound higher than that of a gas boiler, but you have to keep in mind that the running cost of a biomass boiler is lower. In short, a biomass boiler can save you money in the long run through running cost.

Types of biomass boilers fuel

There are different fuels which can be used by biomass boilers. However, wood chips, wood pellets and wood logs are the most common. These three options have the ability to save you money over electricity, gas and oil.

If you live near a wooded area, you can easily gather some wood logs if you know where to look. They would cost you nothing.

It is better to buy biomass boilers in bulk in order to be stored at your home. That is why you should look at the cost per tonne. Pellets are higher in cost, while wood chips are more affordable.

Does a biomass boiler need to be serviced?

Just like other boiler types, biomass boilers need to be serviced on a regular basis, once a year is quite good.

Are biomass boilers suitable for all homes?

If you are living in a small house, you should not consider getting a biomass boiler. Biomass boilers are not a good option for 1-2 bedroom homes. They are better suited for larger homes.

Before getting a biomass boiler you should keep some important considerations in mind.

A large heat delivery system might be needed such as bigger radiators or underfloor heating.
To ensure that the heat would remain inside, you might need sufficient cavity wall, loft and floor insulation.
To store domestic hot water you will need a hot water cylinder.

What are the advantages of biomass boilers?

There are different pros to having a biomass boiler. These include:

High efficiency of over 90%

Efficiency is determined by how much fuel is converted into energy. Biomass boilers have an efficiency of over 90%.

Renewal energy source

Wood is a renewable energy source. Fuel for biomass boilers will always be available as long as plants are being planted.

Affordable to run

Biomass boilers are cheaper per kW in comparison with oil, gas and electricity. If you have a supply or access to wood, then a biomass boiler can be financially beneficial for you.

What are the disadvantages of biomass boilers?

upfront cost might be high

Although biomass boilers are cheap to run, they do have a high upfront cost. However, some schemes offer you money to help pay for the cost.

Needs a lot of space

Biomass boilers require some space in your home. Biomass boilers that can automatically fuel themselves will take up the most amount of space. It might take up to 10m².

In addition to the boiler, you will also need space for storing the fuel. You can keep the wood in your garage or a well protected and dry area.

Maintenance is required for manually-fed models

With a manual biomass boiler you will need to empty the ash weekly as well as refuel the boiler almost every day. On the other hand, automatic biomass boilers have the ability to refuel themselves and are self-cleaning.

Biomass boilers fuel types

3 types of biomass boiler design are available. They can run on:

Wood logs
Wood chips
Wood pellets

Wood logs

Wood logs have to be fed into the boiler due to being the largest fuel type used by biomass boilers. You will have a free supply of logs if you live near a wooded area.

Wood chips

Although wood chips are cheaper than pellets, they are less efficient. Biomass boilers which use wood chips as fuel will need to be checked on a regular basis.

Wood pellets

Wood pellets are a combination of compressed sawdust and shaving of wood. An automatic biomass boiler is able to feed itself wood pellets using a hopper. Make sure to choose the right shape, size and moisture of the pellets that are suitable for your boiler.

What does biomass boilers installation include?

Biomass boilers require plenty of space. In addition to the boiler itself you’ll need space to install other parts:

Storage for fuel

You will need a container to store wood which is a physical fuel. This will also depend on the type of boiler you have; whether you have a manual or an automatic biomass boiler.

Buffer tank

This tank will function as hot water storage. It plays the role of a heat storage battery. Biomass boilers do not fire on and off immediately. Because they use chips or pellets they will take some time. So a buffer tank can store heat and release it to your home later on.

Expansion vessel

An expansion vessel has both air and water in order to maintain the correct pressure level within your heating system.

Flue pipe

A flue pipe is used to release waste gases out of your property. It can be fitted into a chimney. Of course, that would depend on the location of your biomass boiler.

Hot water cylinder

Domestic hot water will need to be stored within a hot water storage cylinder. The perfect place for a biomass boiler is in your garage or in a purpose-built outhouse due to the space required by the boiler.

FAQ

Are biomass boilers cheap to run?

Generally speaking, biomass boilers are cheaper to run. Wood pellets and chips are relatively inexpensive. And if you live near a wooded area and have access to wood logs, then it will cost you nothing.

How often do I need to fill a biomass boiler?

This will depend on your heat demand. However, general speaking, in winter you might need to fill your biomass boiler 4 times a week. And in summer every third week.

Am I required to get planning permissions for biomass boilers?

You are not normally required to get planning permissions for domestic biomass boilers.

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