Are you considering a switch from a traditional fossil fuel boiler to a more sustainable wood pellet boiler? Gaining a basic understanding of biomass boiler operations is crucial to ensure that the system you choose meets your heating needs effectively.
What are your options for installing a biomass boiler?
The size and age of your property will determine the appropriate type and size of wood pellet biomass boiler required to meet your family’s needs for warmth and hot water. When considering such a significant household upgrade, it’s crucial to gather multiple opinions and quotes for comparison.
Selecting the right installer for your biomass boiler is essential, as this is a system you’ll rely on for the next two decades. Make sure to choose someone with proven experience in installing biomass boiler systems. Ask to see examples of similar installations they have completed, ensuring they align with your expectations. It’s vital that they understand your specific requirements from the biomass boiler pellets system.
How does a biomass boiler work?
A biomass boiler operates by transferring wood pellets from the hopper into the combustion chamber at a controlled rate—either manually or automatically. Here, the pellets are burned to generate heat. The rate at which the pellets are fed into the chamber determines the amount of heat produced. Thermostats strategically placed throughout your home control the heat levels in different zones, allowing you to adjust the room temperature according to your needs, much like a traditional oil or gas boiler.
Like any combustion process, operating a biomass boiler results in the production of waste products such as ash and flue gases. The flue gases are automatically expelled through the chimney, with emissions tightly regulated to ensure environmental compliance. However, ash accumulates in the ash drawer and must be periodically removed. Notably, the volume of ash produced correlates with the amount of biomass boiler pellets burned and with their quality—for instance, 5 tonnes of ENPlus certified pellets will yield no more than 5kg of ash.
Regarding hopper options, you can choose between manual or automatic systems, each with its own benefits and limitations. An automatic hopper feeds pellets from a nearby fuel store, ideal if you have suitable outbuildings. This setup, while convenient, may increase the overall cost of your system. Conversely, a manual feed hopper is a cost-effective option if space or budget constraints exist, though it requires physically loading the pellets into the hopper. Pellets are typically available in 10kg bags for easier handling. Some installations start with a manual hopper and upgrade to an automatic system as finances and space become available.
To maintain efficiency and reliability, it is crucial to service all types of boilers, including wood pellet biomass boilers, at regular intervals. Regular maintenance is also a requirement to qualify for the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI).
Installation Considerations for Your Biomass Boiler
The installation location of your biomass boiler largely depends on the size and layout of your home, but typically it replaces an old oil or gas boiler, using the same space. However, there are additional factors to consider:
1. Space Requirements
A wood pellet biomass boiler generally occupies more space than a traditional boiler. The available space in your home may influence the type of wood fuel delivery system you choose—bagged versus bulk. Each option has its spatial implications and may affect how you plan the installation area.
2. Hopper Types
As previously discussed, if you have adequate space near the installation site, you might opt for bagged delivery, which involves manually loading the hopper. Conversely, if you have access to a suitable outbuilding, it can be adapted for bulk wood pellet storage. This allows pellets to be fed automatically into your biomass boiler, eliminating the need for manual handling.
3. Chimney and Flue Requirements
Your biomass boiler will require a specially designed chimney or flue to accommodate wood fuel. Depending on your location, modifications to your home such as these might require planning permission, particularly if you reside in a smokeless zone.
4. Delivery Access
Both bulk and bagged wood pellet deliveries necessitate adequate access for delivery vehicles to manoeuvre and unload near your storage area. Ensuring easy access to either a bulk hopper or a bagged pellet storage area simplifies delivery and ongoing maintenance.
To ensure a consistent supply of high-quality wood pellets for your biomass boiler, consider visiting our Woodlets purchase page for more information.