Installing Biomass Heating

Biomass boilers can replace gas, oil or coal burning boilers in your central heating system to provide wholehouse space heating and hot water.

• Stand-alone stoves can provide space heating for individual rooms, or used with a back boiler to provide hot water.
• A storage tank can/should be installed to act as a ‘buffer’ to maximise performance and provide heat at both peak and minimal loads.
• Can be unsuitable for smaller properties e.g. flats as need space for boiler/stove and to store fuel in a dry, sheltered area. Should also consider how easy it is to carry fuel up to storage area/heating appliance.
• Fuel costs are broadly comparable to gas at current prices, and cheaper than electric heating/bottled gas. More expensive than mains coal, but has high carbon savings in comparison.
• Find out more information on Biomass boilers.
  

The only constraints are cost and practicality. It is expensive to fit and will require you to adapt your home.

You will need:

• Storage space for the fuel and a local supplier
• Full house insulation
• A suitable Chimney or flue
• Check that there are no planning rules preventing the burning of fuels in your area, check with your local council

To install you will need

• To decide if you want a wood burning stove or a full biomass boiler system
• Decide on your fuel, this should be dictated by local supply
• All installations have to comply with building regulations
• Use should consult a HETAS registered installer for all installations

Further information:

• How Biomass works
• Saving potential
• Frequently asked questions
• Integration information

Further reading:

• HETAS for specialist advice on biomass fuels and installers www.hetas.co.uk
• Low Carbon Building Programme – government renewables grant body Tel: 0800 915 0990 www.lowcarbonbuildings.org.uk
• Energy Saving Trust consumer publication ‘Biomass Buyer’s Guide’