Biomass Boilers

BIOMASS BOILERS

Bio fuel Boilers for burning wood pellets and wood logs, are easy to install, simplistic in operation and maintenance. They offer a cheaper fuel resource in comparison to gas and oil and are becoming popular in newly built homes, factories, office blocks and schools, or as replacements for existing less environmentally and efficient boilers. The timber fuel is carbon neutral, as the amount of CO2 emitted is less than that consumed by the process of growing the fuel.  

Is a biomass boiler suitable for my home?

• Wood burning stoves are suitable for heating any room that has a chimney or a flue.
• Some burn the wood so cleanly that they are certified for use in smokeless zones.
• To install a back boiler check with a plumber to see what changes need to be made to your plumbing.
• You will need about 6-7 cubic metres of space near where the boiler is sited to store the fuel (for an average size house).
• The fuel store also needs to be accessible for a delivery lorry.
• The boiler will need a flue (existing chimneys can be lined).
• If you live in a listed building or a conservation area you will need to check with your local planning authority before fitting a new flue.

   
How do biomass boilers work?

• Automatic pellet stoves which operate at 85 to 90 per cent efficiency, spread the heat through convection.
  
• They have an integrated hopper, which automatically tops up the fuel.
  
• They generally hold enough fuel for one to three days operation.
• Biomass boilers can replace oil or gas boilers to heat hot water and radiators (or under floor heating).

Renewable heat incentive
The proposed renewable heat incentive (RHI) aims that 12% of heat is generated renewably by 2020.

How it works

(Phase 1) The domestic renewable heat scheme will not be introduced until October 2012, to coincide with the Green Deal. Eligible heat systems installed since 15 July 2009 will be entitled to claim.

• In the interim, the government has allocated £15m for an RHI Premium Payment on up to 25,000 domestic installations.
  
• Rates will be confirmed in the summer 2011, but they are expected to be as follows:
• A one off paymen, not annual.
• Biomass Boilers - £950/unit
• The premium payment scheme will start in July 2011.
• To qualify for the payments you will need a "well insulated house based on its energy performance certificate"
• And use an MCS certified installer.