Wood-fuelled heating systems / Biomass
Biomass is considered to be the only true cardon neutral technology and is currently far more cost effective than oil.
What is Biomass?
Wood-fuelled heating systems, also called biomass systems, burn wood pellets, chips or logs to to provide warmth in a single room or to power central heating and hot water boilers.
A stove burns logs or pellets to heat a single room - and may be fitted with a back boiler to provide water heating as well.
A boiler burns logs, pellets or chips, and is connected to a central heating and hot water system. A wood-fuelled boiler could save you nearly £600 a year compared to electric heating.
The latest biomass boilers area a blend of old and new technologies. They are conventionally flued and fit into a modern system with modern controls.
Biomass is a more interactive technology than other technologies as the fuel supply needs to be checked and topped up. In addition, the ash will need to be emptied about once a month.
Top Tip: The ash makes an excellent fertiliser for the garden!
Why choose Biomass?
Affordable heating fuel: although the price of wood fuel varies considerably, it is often cheaper than other heating options.
Financial support: wood fuel boiler systems could benefit from the Renewable Heat Premium Payment and the Renewable Heat Incentive.
A low-carbon option: the carbon dioxide emitted when wood is burned is the same amount that was absorbed over the months and years that the plant was growing. The process is sustainable as long as new plants continue to grow in place of those used for fuel. There are some carbon emissions caused by the cultivation, manufacture and transportation of the fuel, but as long as the fuel is sourced locally, these are much lower than the emissions from fossil fuels.
This information has been taken from the Energy Saving Trust website. For more information please click here.
