Biomass - Modern Eco Heating for Domestic Use

The greatest contributors by far to energy costs in an average household are heating and hot water, this account’s for around 89% of energy consumption. Replacing old inefficient heating systems will achieve the greatest savings after insulating your home.

What is Biomass?

Biomass heating systems burn fuel such as wood pellets chips or logs to provide central heating and hot water in a home. Biomass-only boilers are designed to provide heat using a ‘wet system’ (eg through radiators) and provide hot water. Pellet stoves with integrated boilers are designed to burn only wood pellets and can heat the room they are in, as well as provide heat to the rest of the home using a wet system and provide hot water.

Is Biomass a Green Solution?

At first glance the idea of burning wood does not seem like a “Green” solution. However, burning Biomass fuel creates a carbon cycle and removes the need for burning Fossil fuels.

When we burn Fossil fuels, large carbon stores are removed from the earth and pumped into the atmosphere. This raises the level of C02 and increases global warming. When we burn Biomass fuel we release the same amount of CO2 which was absorbed from the atmosphere by the plant. It also releases the same amount of C02 as would be released through a natural cycle of decay.

The diagram below shows how Biomass fits into the natural Carbon cycle:-

Why Consider Biomass?

There are many reasons why Biomass could be a viable and rewarding heat solution for your home:

Biomass is a modern solution for lower fuel costs and reduced emissions. Biomass Boilers link in with existing heating systems and should be considered

as a viable alternative when replacing or installing an Oil, LPG or Gas Boiler Wood Fuel is clean, carbon neutral and significantly lowers your carbon footprint Incentives such as the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI)* maximise the financial

returns of switching to Biomass. Switching to Biomass gives independence from fluctuating fossil fuel prices (see

Wood Pellet section below)

Wood Fuel generates low levels of atmospheric pollutants UK sourced wood fuel supports local business and the rural community Reduced storage and security costs of fuel as apposed to Oil and LPG. Reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to a greener planet State of the art technology, affordable and easy to use

Wood pellets

Wood pellets have all the properties that you would expect from a modern fuel. They are sustainable, economical and convenient. The price is lower and more stable, without the volatile effects from social or political unrest experienced with fossil fuel supply. Regionally produced wood pellets made from sawdust provide independence from expensive fossil fuels and protect the environment with a carbon neutral cycle.

A comparison of the price changes in gas, oil and pellets over the last 12 years makes it very clear: the pellet price is reliably low and stable.

Multiple System Options

The Renewable Energy Industry has developed over a many years but in recent times added pressure has seen huge investment in product innovation. Today there are many options on Biomass Boilers and other Renewable Energy products that are proven to be effective, durable and suit most customer requirements.

Running a Biomass Boiler

Modern Biomass boilers are almost completely automated. They light feed and even clean themselves. Simple heating controls run the heating and hot water just as a conventional system.

Biomass systems can work in most properties replacing gas, LPG or oil boilers. They can be connected to existing heating systems with minimal disturbance.

Biomass Domestic RHI has been launched

The RHI is a financial incentive scheme designed to encourage uptake of renewable heating among domestic consumers. 

The objective of the Domestic RHI is to significantly increase the proportion of heat generated from renewable sources. The RHI should help the UK meet EU targets to

reduce carbon emissions. In addition the Domestic RHI has the wider potential of developing ‘green jobs’ and supporting green product innovation.

Biomass only boilers and Biomass pellet stoves with integrated boilers are currently set at 12.2p/kWh. Please see details below.

Technology TariffAir-source Heat Pumps 7.3p/kWhGround and water-source heat pumps 18.8/kWhBiomass-only boilers and biomass pellet Stoves with integrated boilers

12.2p/kWh

Solar Thermal Panels (flat plate and evacuated tube for hot water only)

19.2p/kWh

Solar PV 14.9pkWh + 4.6p export tariff

Estimated returns

On page 6 we have provided a guide for your information only, it shows a common example of what could be achieved.

A wood pellet boiler could receive £1,900 for an 8KW boiler to approx £11,000 for a larger commercial 45KW system per year. Please contact us to arrange a professional calculation of returns based on your property.

What’s Next?

Our recommendation to those interested in Biomass or Renewable Energy would be to do some research and then contact us with any questions you may have. Our expert and experienced Technical Consultants will be able to help you. We provide a FREE visit to your property and will provide you with a comprehensive quotation that includes the potential design, system and estimated returns.

Heppelthwaite, part of the RG Evans Group is an established family business with over 50 years experience in Plumbing and Heating services. We are fully qualified to undertake installations of Renewable Energy and pride ourselves on being at the forefront of modern technologies that support sustainability in creating a greener planet.

Contact us now on 01628 533 550 or via Jamie.howard@heppelthwaite.co.uk

Guide only – All systems differ and would require a full site visit prior to us being able to provide estimated returns for individual installations.

Evans Group: www.ecogreenbuildings / www.redvanplumbers.co.uk / www.rgevans.co.uk