Biomass boilers, also referred to as domestic wood-fuelled heating systems, unsurprisingly, burn wood chips, pellets and logs to generate energy. The biomass materials used for fuel are inclusive of industrial waste, animals and food.
Biomass boilers & stoves
In terms of domestic eco heating solutions, biomass stoves can be used to warm up a single room or smaller area of a home, whilst biomass boilers can be viewed as a replacement to a gas boiler or central heating system, providing heat and hot water for an entire property. Refer to our previously linked heat pump grants guide for better insight, but only certain biomass stove installations are financially incentivized by the UK government, namely pellet versions that feature a back boiler.
Biomass heating systems are able to operate sustainably due to the fact that the carbon dioxide emissions that result from their burning of wood is the same as that absorbed over the course of the plant growing.
One notable sticking point for would-be switchers to biomass heating solutions is whether or not they can obtain or source the required fuels locally with relative ease or not. Plus, the required maintenance of biomass boilers and stoves can potentially be off-putting as well – each system needs to be cleaned frequently for the removal of ash and debris unless a budget-stretching self-cleaning system is the order. In the case of both boilers and stoves, homeowners will have to make sure both chimney and flue pipes undergo a professional sweep at least once a year.
In addition to these elements, the size of biomass boilers has to be a significant consideration as well; they are a deal bigger than oil and gas boiler systems. Any potential biomass buyers would need to ensure they comfortably have the required space for the necessary fuel as well as a flue that meets regulations – that being either an insulated stainless steel pipe or, more commonly, an existing lined chimney. Any biomass heating system installation must also be compliant with building regulations, so it is advisable to seek guidance or reassurance from your local council or planning authority to determine if planning permission will have to be sought.
Ultimately, in terms of energy-efficient performance and eventual potential savings, the good outweighs the bad as it pertains to biomass heating solutions. It is reasonable to suggest that the boiler option is favourable where possible, as they can make use of the same fuel to provide hot water for an entire property whilst also warming the whole home via central heating functionality. Whilst they cost a pretty penny from the outset, government assistance can ease the financial burden, and given how excellent an alternative they can prove to gas boilers for all the reasons aforementioned, they provide returns to more than justify a hefty initial price.
Biomass boiler & stove advantages
- Excellent green heating solution which can be carbon-neutral
- Potential to save up to £800 per year on energy bills in comparison with gas or oil alternatives
- Very cheap source of fuel
- Eligible for government funding assistance as an incentivization to install
Biomass boiler & stove disadvantages
- Expensive to purchase and install
- Fuel prices can fluctuate depending on area, how much is available and the type of wood
- Regulation-meeting flue is a requirement
- Significantly larger than a standard gas boiler so bigger space is needed for fitting and storing
- Require regular maintenance in terms of cleaning and refuelling
