One of the biggest selling points of a biomass boiler is its ease of use and sense of simplicity. You are really going back to basics, burning a sustainable and renewable fuel to produce heat and energy. This renewable heating system works much like the existing boiler in your home, making the switch from traditional fossil fuel heating to a greener solution much easier.
Biomass heating works by burning the natural fuel designed for your specific system, whether wood pellets, logs or wood chips, to produce heat that can be used as part of a heating system or for a localized area. To keep the boiler running, it needs to be fed with fuel, this can be done automatically or manually depending on your preference and budget. Your biomass heating system will require little maintenance to operate, however the ash that builds up from burning fuel will need to be removed from time to time, and regular biomass boiler service or maintenance wouldn't be a bad idea.
It is important to think about which biomass boiler fuel will work well for your home, as well as the logistics of getting your fuel on a regular basis.
Wood Chip Boilers
Wood chips are small pieces of wood taken from logs and other common wood waste. Wood chips are relatively inexpensive and readily available, but not always as efficient as their pellet counterparts. Wood chips are more suitable for heating larger buildings. Like pellets, wood chips can be used in an automated system that uses a hopper to feed the boiler.
Wood Pellet Boilers
Made from compacted sawdust, woodworking/forestry waste or wood chips, wood pellets are the most commonly used fuel for residential biomass boilers. They work well with the automated hopper system and are often sold in bulk so you can stock up for future use. Wood pellets take up little space but offer great efficiency. Wood pellets are the most consistent and reliable fuel option, with low moisture content and standardized sizes for ease of use.
Wood Logs Boilers
Logs are perhaps the least common choice for biomass boilers today. The use of wood logs is a valid option, but the fuel must be delivered by hand. Purchasing logs can be inexpensive, but the number of logs required to achieve satisfactory heat levels can be high. It is recommended for those with a larger property with more suitable storage space, as well as those looking for more control over the fuel input.
Which biomass boiler best suits your needs?
When installing a biomass boiler, the installer will advise you on which boiler is best for your home and requirements, for example a pellet boiler is ideal for an urban home, but larger properties may benefit from having a larger or more complex system installed. There are advantages and disadvantages to each biomass system, so it is difficult to give a definitive answer as to which renewable heating system is best.
Woodchip boilers often take up the most space and are suitable if you have a large property and space to install. However, a pellet boiler will take up less space due to its smaller size, but will still be able to heat a room just as effectively. If you're looking to install a renewable heating system in your home, you'll probably be looking for a medium sized biomass boiler that won't feel cramped in the space available; unfortunately, these systems tend to be larger than their gas and oil alternatives. However, this size difference isn't always significant and certainly doesn't preclude installation, especially with the development of wood pellet boilers becoming a viable heating system in modern homes.