Is a Biomass Boiler Suitable for My Home?

Biomass

Published date: 11 September 2024

Read time: 5 mins

As homeowners look to renewable energy sources, biomass boilers are becoming more popular. And, with what seems like never-ending ongoing energy price hikes, there's little wonder more of us are actively considering more affordable heating solutions.

Yet, with such a surge in heat pumps, some people may be wondering just how good biomass boilers are and just what they can do for them. So, here at City Plumbing, our Renewables Team offers a little insight into just what these boilers are all about to help you decide if they're the best for your home.

What Is a Biomass Boiler?

A biomass boiler may look like a typical conventional boiler and its purpose remains the same, that is to offer hot water while heating the property. Yet, the difference here is all about the matter that a biomass boiler burns. Whereas conventional boilers burn fossil fuels, biomass boilers burn natural fuel sources.

What Can You Use In A Biomass Boiler?

Biomass energy is generated from wood, plants and any suitable organic matter such as manure and household food. All this can fuel a biomass boiler thus allowing you to heat both your home and your water.

Typically, most people use wood for their biomass boiler in the form of logs, pellets, and chips. Pellets are favoured by many for their ease of use especially when they can be bought in bags, as bulk buy, and instantly ready for hand feeding. Yet, for those homes that can access a plentiful supply of wood onsite, then logs and chips are usually favoured.

Is a Biomass Boiler A Good Idea For My Property?

Those homeowners living in rural settings may find a biomass boiler a good alternative to oil and solid fuel appliances. This is especially so for homes that lack modern insulation or are harder to heat fully.

Biomass boilers generally tend to be the bigger of boiler types primarily due to their need to accommodate larger volumes of burn matter to work with. This therefore means considering the available space for both installing the boiler and when manoeuvring around it. However, some homeowners prefer to add an automatic feed into a biomass boiler so they don't have to continually manually refill it.

Additionally, biomass boilers need access to a flue in order to satisfy the requirements of wood-burning appliances. So, if you’re intended to use an existing chimney, it will require lining to ensure safety. But, a biomass boiler can be fitted to a stainless steel flue pipe.

Finally, although they don’t typically require planning permission, it’s good practice to double-check whether you can have a biomass boiler for your property type beforehand.

Is There Any Financial Help for Installing A Biomass Boiler?

Though your property type and the actual system you choose will determine the cost of your new biomass boiler, some homeowners do find them the more expensive of choices. However, it’s worth noting that the existing radiators in your home can still be utilised when you install a biomass boiler.

The UK government's BUS (Boiler Upgrade Scheme) includes the purchase of biomass boilers for rural areas. This means that those properties eligible can apply for a grant of up to £5,000 which could help with the cost and indeed installation of a biomass boiler.

What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of a Biomass Boiler?

Ultimately, there are several pros and cons regarding a biomass boiler that are worth considering before selecting this boiler type.

Advantages of Biomass Boilers:

A biomass boiler helps promote a green home and environment as it uses renewable fuel.
The fuel required by a biomass boiler can be cheaper than fossil fuels and therefore reduces running costs long-term.
Some homeowners can source logs for a biomass boiler at no cost.
Biomass boilers work all year round but can be turned off during warmer months if required.
When coupled with solar heating a biomass boiler can save you even more money, as you use solar for your hot water during summer months.
For those homeowners eligible for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, you can access as much as up to £5,000 of cost and installation.

Disadvantages of Biomass Boilers:

Not all homes are suitable for a biomass boiler, especially those with properties that don’t have the space and capacity to house this large structure.
Biomass boilers require regular loading for the boiler to provide continuous energy.
Access to wood supplies is crucial when running a biomass boiler, so you may have to schedule regular bulk deliveries, meaning ensuring adequate space for long-term storage.
Biomass boilers will need emptying several times throughout the year, with some of the more premium models only requiring two to three times. This waste can be used on a compost heap thus helping fertile the soil.

Trust City Plumbing For All Your Heating Solutions

If you're looking for further information or help with choosing the best heating solution, contact our Renewables Team at City Plumbing. Experts in the latest energy-efficient technologies, we're perfectly placed to help homes and businesses make the smooth transition to renewable technology.