Biomass Boilers

Thinking about replacing your heating system? You might be wondering whether a biomass boiler could be the right choice. While gas boilers have traditionally been the go-to option for UK homes, an increasing number of people are exploring greener alternatives. It’s not just about reducing your carbon footprint either, with rising energy costs, homeowners are also looking for ways to bring down their fuel bills.

So, if you’re considering moving away from your combi boiler and switching to biomass, what should you know before making the change? In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key points to help you decide if a biomass boiler is the right fit for your home.

What are biomass boilers?

When you first look at a biomass boiler you’ll see that there are plenty of similarities with a gas boiler. Both are a vital part of your home as they are both used to provide you with heating and hot water. The difference between a biomass boiler and the boilers that you are probably used to is the fuel that is used. Rather than burning gas, a biomass boiler burns wood pellets that have been sustainably sourced.

One of the attractions of a biomass boiler is the impact on climate change. These boilers are shown to have a low carbon footprint. While they release carbon while the fuel is being burnt, this is offset by the amount of carbon that the trees absorbed while they were growing. The UK generates around 4–5 million tonnes of waste wood annually, much of which is already recycled or used for biomass energy. For one, there are the environmental benefits and, secondly, it removes our reliance on other countries for the supply of gas.

The workings of a biomass boiler

The workings of a biomass boiler almost mirror what is seen in a traditional boiler. Fuel is combusted to produce heat. This heat is then used to produce heating and hot water. Perhaps the biggest difference that you see between a biomass boiler and, say, a combi boiler, is the size. A biomass boiler needs to be significantly larger to hold the wood pellets: these obviously take up more space than gas.

More space may also be required for an automatic feed hopper. This stores wood pellets and feeds them into the boiler when needed. This is a must in terms of convenience. Space is also needed for you to store wood pellets or logs. Logs can be used in most biomass boilers and can prove to be a cheap alternative. These can even be free depending upon where you live and your surroundings.

A biomass boiler will produce ash due to the pellets or logs that are burnt. The amount produced is minimal, but you will need to clear this to keep your boiler working at its optimum. You can expect to need to empty the ash every four weeks or so.

Biomass vs traditional heating systems

There can be a little argument when it comes to the green credentials of a biomass boiler vs that of a gas boiler. The first is low carbon and can’t be beaten. However, one of the biggest influencing factors when it comes to boiler installation is the running costs. The good news is that biomass is pretty favourable here too.

You can check running costs by visiting the Biomass Energy Centre. One thing to note is that the savings that are already available are likely to increase substantially over the coming months.

What if I don’t have room for a biomass boiler?

One of the main challenges with biomass boilers is the space they require. Unlike compact combi boilers, a biomass system is much larger and needs room not only for the unit itself but also for storing fuel such as wood pellets or logs. For many homes, particularly smaller properties or those without outdoor storage, this can be a dealbreaker.

If you don’t have the space for a full-sized biomass boiler, there are still alternatives worth considering:

• Wood-burning or pellet stoves – These are smaller, standalone appliances designed to heat a single room. While they won’t provide whole-home heating on their own, they can reduce your reliance on your main boiler, helping to cut energy use.
• Stoves with back boilers – Some stoves can be fitted with a small back boiler that allows them to provide limited hot water or central heating in addition to room heat. However, they won’t replace a full heating system.
• Community or district biomass heating – In some areas, properties are connected to a shared biomass heating network, which provides renewable heat without each home needing its own boiler.

If your property can’t accommodate a biomass system, you may want to look at other renewable heating options, such as air source or ground source heat pumps. These can be more space-efficient and may qualify for government incentives.

Pros and cons of a biomass boiler

Just like any heating system, there are pros and cons to weigh up when looking at a biomass boiler. Here’s a look at the main ones that you should consider:

The pros of a biomass boiler

• The fuels used in a biomass boiler are environmentally friendly and do not contribute to carbon dioxide emissions. What is emitted during the burning process is offset by what was absorbed as the tree was growing.
• When you compare the cost of a biomass heating system with solid fuel or electricity, even before the price cap changes, you can save money on fuel costs.
• A ready supply of logs can see you heating your home.

The cons of a biomass boiler

• Biomass boilers are large and are not suitable for all homes.
• You will need to consider storage space for fuel.
• The upfront cost is significant. A biomass boiler with an automatic feed can be as much as £11,000.