Exploring the Benefits of a Biomass Boiler

Every now and again some television program seems to mention the word biomass as if we are all supposed to know what it is. Bio would suggest some kind of renewable element is involved and mass you’d think means something bulky. So I’ll get on and explain what it actually is. Biomass comes from material which at one time was living such as wood, straw, or even cotton waste. This material is generally made into easy to handle and easy to burn pellets. During the time it took to grow, this material will have absorbed carbon which is obviously released again when burnt. Therefore biomass pellets should be produced from replenished sources, ideally from fairly local supplies in order to maintain a low carbon balance.

Burning biomass calls for a special boiler which replaces a regular gas or oil boiler. One of the big considerations is for storage of the biomass material as the boiler will need plenty of supplies. Compared to mains gas storage is possibly the biggest consideration to the whole idea. The efficiency of a biomass boiler will compare favourably to gas or oil and its low carbon credentials help make it an increasing popular choice.

Getting a biomass boiler fitted is quite easy. It is a job for a professional however, who will need to size up your property to ensure sufficient heat output. Coming back to the point about storing pellets, finding or indeed building a good sized store room is a must. Large boilers may require a space of around 3 x 4 meters to house everything but the issue could well be solved through something as simple as largish shed.

Expect to pay around £12,000 for a 3 bedroom house which will include automatic pellet feed and store. It’s a large investment, perhaps a good £8,000 beyond that of a replacement gas boiler. But you are buying into something much greener than the norm which has to be part of the reason for doing it in the first place. For new builds or homes out of the reach of mains gas this really has to be a credible alternative to oil. Once fitted running costs are pretty good. Per KWh biomass fuel can be purchased for between 3p – 4p. Contrast this with gas at around 4.8p and oil at 5.8p and the ongoing cost gives you something to be just a little bit smug about. Before you commit yourself other fairly green alternatives such as air and ground source pumps are well worth comparing with biomass as the installation costs are not dissimilar.

If you are convinced this is for you first check if there are any restrictions in your area with your local authority. If you live in a location designated as smoke free you may need to enquire after an exemption to burn biomass. With such a big push to promote low carbon housing you’d expect local authorities to be sympathetic, but you can’t take it for granted. Check this little wrinkle out first before you get too excited.

This article is free to republish provided the resource information below and article links remain intact.

Paul Coupe is Online Marketing Manager for Quote4Removals.
http://www.quote4removals.com