Biomass Boilers
Overview
Biomass boilers are similar to conventional gas boilers, providing space heating and hot water for the entire home. However, instead of using gas or oil, they combust sustainably sourced wood pellets.
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Using wood as a fuel source helps combat long-term climate change, as carbon dioxide released during combustion was absorbed by the tree while it was growing, making biomass essentially carbon-neutral.
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In the UK, around 8.5m tonnes of wood ends up in landfill each year. This waste wood could be repurposed for biomass boilers (if converted into pellets) or burned in wood-burning stoves. This would not only provide heat and hot water, but also reduce pressure on landfill capacity.
How Do Biomass Boilers Work?
Biomass boilers utilise a process called gasification to produce heat. This involves a two-stage burn process: the fuel is initially burned around 600°C, releasing gasses, which are then re-burned to reach temperatures of around 1200°C. The hot gasses pass through a metal heat exchanger, heating the water on the other side.
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In most installations, thermal stores are used. These large tanks of water (upwards of 30 litres per kW of boiler output) act as heat batteries, storing hot water from the boiler that is then circulated to the central heating system. The biomass boiler includes temperature sensors in the thermal store, allowing it to maintain predefined temperatures. The boiler automatically turns o when the thermal store drops below a certain temperature and switches off when the desired temperature is reached to conserve fuel.
Why use biomass instead of fossil fuel?
The integration of a biomass system is relatively straight-forward. In most cases, these systems are retro-fitted to replace a fossil fuel boiler. The biomass boiler replaces the existing fossil fuel unit, while the downstream heating system will remain unchanged, meaning there's no need to replace the radiators or other existing emitters.
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There are three main advantages in switching to biomass:
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Fuel savings
Heating with biomass can be a lot cheaper. Where there is an existing wood supply, you can see savings of around 80% against oil after factoring in costs for processing the wood
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Using biomass can qualify you for the governments Renewable Heat Incentive
This pays you quarterly for the heat used over a period of twenty years. Not only does it cover the initial capital expenditure, but it also provides a healthy return throughout its lifetime.
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Less Emissions
Biomass boilers are regarded as carbon neutral because they release the same amount of CO2 during combustion as the trees absorbed throughout their lives. According to the Biomass Energy Centre, they can reduce emissions by up to 96%.
FAQs
Can biomass boilers be used with radiators or underfloor heating?
Yes. Biomass boilers are capable of heating your whole building and domestic hot water and work extremely well with radiators and underfloor heating.
Can Biomass be used for all of my heating and hot water needs?
When sized correctly, a biomass boiler can effectively replace a traditional boiler offering greater environmental benefits and efficiency. An average home typically consumes 23,000 kWh of heat annually for heating and hot water - For a reasonably well insulated home a 15kW biomass boiler should be adequate.
Do biomass boilers smell?
Not at all – biomass fuel is burned in a closed, well-designed flue system, meaning it should produce no more smell or smoke than a standard gas boiler.
Is biomass fuel expensive?
If you have access to free logs, then it won't cost you a penny to produce hot water or heat your home. Using pellets is much cheaper than oil, LPG or electricity with fuel prices continuously rising, you can expect significant savings when switching from fossil fuels to biomass with the Governments Renewable Heat Incentive, your system could even earn you money.
Can a biomass boiler be connected to my existing heating system?
A Biomass boiler can be seamlessly integrated into your existing heating system. It is no different than replacing your existing Gas or Oil boiler.
How often do you have to empty the ash?
This depends on whether you're using logs or pellets and what time of year. With pellets most people find themselves emptying the ash bin about every 2 weeks, but your roses will benefit from it!
Do biomass boilers require much maintenance?
Biomass boilers need to be kept clean. Ensure you have sufficient fuel in the hopper, check the flue periodically, and empty the ash bin every couple of weeks. We would recommend setting up an annual maintenance contract with your installation company.
Where can I obtain pellets and store the fuel?
Greenio can help you find a good quality supplier near you.
Can I use a biomass boiler with a solar thermal system?
Few technologies complement each other as well as these two. Solar thermal panels are the most efficient option for generating hot water in the summer, while your biomass boiler will step in during the winter when your solar panels can't provide enough heat or hot water.
Do your biomass systems come with a warranty?
All Biomass boilers come with the manufacturers warranty and Greenio's 12 month workmanship Gaurantee
Why Greenio?
Our Expertise
Greenio's friendly experts are always on hand to answer your questions and help you find the right Biomass solution for your needs.
The Best Engineers
Greenio Engineers are fully qualified and bring years of experience and expertise to the table. As a forward-thinking, professional, and friendly company, we ensure only the best electricians join our team
One-Stop-Shop
We manage every step of the process from the initial quote to the installation, so you only need one number for updates or questions.
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Customer Service
Our customer service is unmatched by design, and we're proud to have received over 100 five-star reviews on google from our satisfied customers.
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Warranty
All equipment installed by Greenio comes with the manufacturers warranty, and every Solar PV installation includes a standard 24-month workmanship guarantee.
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HETAS
All service and maintenance work should be performed by a HETAS-approved contractor. Be sure to confirm with your contractor beforehand, as you'll need a certificate for your RHI payments.
Interested in a free quote?
Fill in our Enquiry Form or Call us on 0800 810 0565
