Is your condensing boiler winter ready?
14th September 2023
As the conversation continues on the global effort to reduce carbon emissions, you may have heard a number of alternative energy sources being discussed. One such alternative solution is the biomass boiler. Gaining popularity in UK homes, the sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional heating systems, biomass boilers could hold the answer to lowering your home’s carbon footprint.
These boilers use organic materials, such as wood pellets, wood chips, or logs as fuel to generate heat for your home. While there are a number of great benefits, which we’ll go into more below, there are a few things you need to consider before taking the leap to biomass fuel:
- Fuel availability
- Fuel storage
- Cost of both fuel and the boiler itself
With all that in mind, they’re still a brilliant step on the road to carbon neutral. Here’s why:
They’re powered by renewable energy
Biomass is considered a renewable energy source because the plants and trees used for fuel can be re-grown. This contrasts with fossil fuels, which are finite resources and sadly, big polluters too. Biomass boilers contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly approach to heating.
They produce lower carbon emissions
Burning biomass fuel releases carbon dioxide, but the plants grown for fuel absorb an equivalent amount of CO2 during their growth. This creates a closed carbon cycle, meaning minimal net carbon emissions. As a result, biomass boilers help reduce the overall carbon footprint of heating systems compared to traditional fossil fuel alternatives.
They allow you to become ‘energy independent’
We all remember the various gas crises of the recent past, don’t we? Resources that are in high demand, and imported, can become political bargaining tools, leaving those reliant on them at the mercy of governmental bickering. Biomass fuels, such as wood, are often sourced more locally, providing a degree of energy independence.
They could come with financial incentives
The UK government has introduced various financial incentives and support schemes for renewable energy technologies, including biomass boilers. Homeowners may be eligible for government grants, subsidies, or Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) payments, which can help offset the initial installation costs and provide ongoing financial benefits. It’s worth checking what you may be entitled to, if your current boiler is on its last legs and you’re considering a biomass replacement.
They’re versatile
Biomass boilers offer flexibility in terms of fuel types. You can choose from wood pellets, wood chips, or logs based on availability, cost, and personal preference. This makes life easier and means you can always shop around for the cheapest version available.
They’re highly efficient
Modern biomass boilers are designed with the very latest in green boiler technology. They incorporate advanced combustion technology and automation systems to optimise fuel combustion, maximise heat output, and minimise emissions. So you can pop your feet up in your warm, green, cost-effective home and give yourself a pat on the back.
While biomass boilers are a guiding light on the horizon that we may all be aiming for in due course, they’re not yet a mass market product in the UK. There is also the added cost of getting a new boiler installed to be considered. If you’re keen to do your bit by the environment, but are holding out a few more years before your next boiler (biomass or otherwise), there are some things you can do to stay green, safe and warm in your home:
- Make sure you’ve had your existing boiler serviced this year. Annual services mean boilers operate more efficiently, wasting less energy and lessening emissions.
- You could consider a boiler cover plan, to keep your boiler up to date and functioning at peak performance.
- Consider a Magna filter for your boiler; extending its lifespan and efficiency.
If you’d like to discuss biomass boilers, or how to get the best from your existing home beating system, get in touch with our friendly team.
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