Purchasing and Installing a Biomass Boiler

A biomass boiler is included as part of the Renewable Heat Incentive, which is an initiative from the UK government that pays homeowners for installing a renewable system and generating energy with it. However, it can seem like a daunting and confusing process of purchasing a biomass boiler as well as installing one as you will need to make sure that you choose the right boiler to fit the size of your home.

So, what we aim to do is help you understand the process of installing a biomass boiler while helping you find the one that fits your needs best.

The following factors will impact the type of boiler that you choose:

• The type of fuel – The type of fuel that you choose to burn will be important for cost and availability. You can choose from a variety of fuels such as a log, wood pellet and wood chip. You will need to find out how easy it is to find the fuel in your area prior to making a choice. Biomass boilers are not small and storing the fuel that you need is also a consideration as you will need some form of storage in or around your home. You might need more storage for different fuels and this will need to form part of your research.

• Automatic or Manual – You can have a manual boiler or an automatic boiler that will feed in your fuel manually. What this means is that you can either choose to add the fuel yourself or have the boiler do it via an automatic timer. If you choose a manual system then this will cost less but you will need to remember to keep it topped up.

Biomass boilers can be found in a range of sizes and the size that you need will be dictated by a number of factors:

• The number of buildings – The size of boiler you will require will be determined by how many buildings you wish to heat using one boiler and the size of each building. The size of your biomass boiler will depend on the amount of kW output each year and so, the bigger the output the bigger the boiler. 

• A Backup boiler – If you decide that you need a backup boiler alongside your biomass boiler then this will have an impact on its size. A backup system will usually be used for larger systems that are used to heat bigger homes.

• Control System – You might require a specialised control system to override the currency system, this enables them to be used together or alongside each other.

The first thing you need to do is speak with specialists as they will be able to give you advice and arrange a consultation. They will visit your property and will complete a full survey. Then this will provide you with a quote and a proposal that will highlight what is required. You then have the option of deciding who you want to use.

What Will the Proposal Contain?

The proposal will include a breakdown of all the equipment that you need as part of your installation and this will include a clear breakdown of all costs and potential costs. This can include the delivery of equipment, the removal of the old system and even the application for the Renewable Heat Incentive. 

Is it Worth Installing a Biomass Boiler?

 Biomass is more expensive than gas or oil boilers but you now have to consider the future and your impact on the environment. You’ll need to consider how much you will save on your bills as well as how much you will get back from the Renewable Heat Incentive as this can all make it worthwhile.