Beginner’s Guide to Biomass Boilers: Compare & Save
A fitted automatic pellet biomass boiler for a typical home costs about £9,200–£20,000, before the £5,000 Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant for eligible rural, off-gas homes in England and Wales.
Introduction
Are you interested in biomass boilers, but you aren’t sure where to start?
You’re in luck.
Deciding which biomass boiler is the right fit for you, especially with all the confusing information out there, can be tough even if you’re an experienced boiler buyer.
In this guide, you’ll find out what you need to know about biomass boilers for beginners, including what they are, where you can find them, and their pricing.
What is a biomass boiler?
A biomass boiler uses renewable and sustainable energy to power your home, such as wood chips and pellets that might be reclaimed or recycled.
These boilers are usually more eco-friendly than gas or oil alternatives, and they tend to be more efficient in general.
Although biomass boilers can be more expensive, they cost considerably less to run and could help you save on your annual bills.
What are the benefits of biomass boilers?
Some of the advantages of installing biomass boilers include:
- ✔ Highly efficient
- ✔ Carbon-neutral
- ✔ Environmentally friendly
- ✔ Low running costs
- ✔ RHI (renewable heat incentive) payments might be available
- ✔ Reduced emissions by up to 96%
- ✔ Many designs to choose from
What types of biomass fuel for boilers are there?
There are three viable options for your biomass fuel:
Wood logs
- ✔ Environmentally friendly
- ✔ Burns slowly
- ✔ Easy to access
- ✔ Quick purchasing options
✗ Needs to be fed into the boiler
✗ Less automation
✗ Wood needs to be seasoned and dry
Wood chips
- ✔ Releases less carbon dioxide
- ✔ Takes up less space than logs
- ✔ Can be automated
- ✔ Inexpensive fuel
✗ Takes up more space than pellets
✗ They aren’t as efficient as pellets
Wood pellets
- ✔ High energy content
- ✔ Takes up less space than chips
- ✔ Can be automated
- ✔ Boilers are compact
✗ Releases more carbon than other options
What is the best biomass boiler?
The best biomass boiler and supplier for you depends on the following factors:
- Your budget
- The space available
- Your heating needs
- Space for fuel storage
- How energy efficient you want your boiler to be
- If you wish to benefit from a warranty or free delivery and after-sales support
Because there are so many factors involved, you should always compare your available options.
Fill out the quick and handy form at the top of the page to find out more.
Or, you can look at the Ecopreneurist guides to find out more about your boiler options and their benefits.
Are biomass boilers environmentally friendly?
Biomass boilers use organic fuel (versus fossil fuels) so they will always be the more sustainable option.
Biomass energy is carbon-neutral, as the carbon dioxide that it produces is equal to the amount absorbed by the fuel to grow.
If you really want to ensure that your boiler is as eco-friendly as possible, you should acquire local fuel to minimize your carbon footprint.
Moreover, the ash produced by burning your biomass fuel can be typically used in compost, which means you won’t be producing any waste.
Another way that biomass boilers are environmentally friendly is that for every plant that is harvested to use as fuel, you can replant trees in its place.
You can also choose a boiler that’s made out of recyclable materials, such as steel, to make sure that it can be reused after its lifecycle.
What are RHI payments?
The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) is a government scheme that encourages homeowners to utilise renewable energy for their heating and hot water needs.
You will receive payments quarterly for 7 years, and the amount will be specified based on different factors, such as technology, tariffs, and metering.
Check out the calculator here which can help you to work out how much you could earn.
Some of the technology/devices eligible for RHI payments include:
- Biomass boilers
- Pellet stoves with back boilers
- Ground-to-water heat pumps
- Solar panels
- Air-to-water heat pumps
Furthermore, you can apply for RHI payments if you are a homeowner, self-builder, landlord, or a provider of social housing.
Where can I find biomass boilers?
Here are some biomass boiler suppliers you can consider:
- Piping Hot Stoves
- Modern Stoves
- Stoves Are Us
- Woodman Store
- Stove World UK
If you are unsure where to start, you can also compare your options by filling out the quick form at the top of the page or scroll down to see the top 10 list of biomass boilers in the UK right now.
How much do biomass boilers cost?
Typically, biomass boilers can cost anywhere from £400 to £21,000, depending on the size and fuel used.
Top 10 Biomass Boilers
1. La Nordica Termo DSA Liberty Wood Burning Boiler Cooker
Type: Wood
Power output: 19.4kW
Efficiency percentage: 79.9%
Supplier: Stoves Are Us
Pricing: £2,849
This cooker combined with a biomass boiler comes in a compact size, which can fit in with your existing furniture.
This boiler cooker will give you 19.4kW of heat, which can help heat a one-or two-bedroom flat or house.
Some of the benefits of this boiler cooker are that it uses sustainable fuel and has a sleek and modern design that suits many kinds of interiors.
- ✔ Sustainable fuel
- ✔ Adjustable air
- ✔ Cooker and boiler
- ✔ Economical
- ✔ Stainless steel front
- ✔ Modern design
2. Henley Elm Eco 8kW Pellet Stove
Type: Wood
Power output: 8kW
Efficiency percentage: 91%
Supplier: Stoves Are Us
Pricing: £1,795
This model has an 8kW output, which is suitable for a two-bedroom home, and features a high-efficiency percentage of 91%.
It has 5 combustion and 5 ventilation speed levels, making it very customizable.
This pellet stove also has an A+ energy rating and a 5-year warranty.
- ✔ High efficiency
- ✔ Steel body is easy to clean
- ✔ Remote control
- ✔ Modern design
- ✔ Daily time settings
3. Extraflame PK30 Pellet Boiler
Type: Wood
Power output: 30kW
Efficiency percentage: 91.5%
Supplier: Piping Hot Stoves
Pricing: £7,215
This pellet boiler will give you a 30kW power output, which would be suitable to heat a three- or four-bedroom home with one bathroom.
The main benefits of choosing this boiler include a ceramic igniter, fuel storage, an air relief valve, and a self-cleaning function.
Pellet boilers allow you to utilise green energy, with low running costs and a user-friendly interface.
- ✔ High efficiency
- ✔ 30kW power output
- ✔ Thermally efficient
- ✔ Self-cleaning device
- ✔ Automatic ignition
4. Vittoria Biomass Pellet Burner with Back Boiler for Central Heating
Type: Wood
Power output: 21kW
Efficiency percentage: 90%
Supplier: Modern Stoves
Pricing: £2,199.99
This boiler has a 21kW power output, a high-efficiency rating of 92.1%, and many attractive modern features, such as internal fuel storage and automatic feeding.
This type of boiler might be suitable for a one- or two- bedroom house and can be controlled remotely, with a compact size to fit in most locations.
It also has a large 26-litre pellet storage, an A+ energy rating, and a 2-year warranty.
- ✔ 92% efficiency
- ✔ Low emissions
- ✔ Controlled remotely
- ✔ Compact design
- ✔ Timer and thermostat
- ✔ Integrates with existing systems
5. Klover Smart 120 Wood Pellet Stove
Type: Wood
Power output: 22kW
Supplier: Stoves Online
Efficiency percentage: 88.1%
Pricing: £7,995
This smart wood pellet stove is highly programmable and offers up to 5 heating power levels.
It also has an 88.1% efficiency, an A+ energy rating, and a boiler touchscreen.
This boiler holds 32 kilos of pellets, which can be fed automatically into the chamber. Plus, its stainless steel body makes it easy to clean.
- ✔ 22kW power output
- ✔ Sustainable fuel
- ✔ High-performance unit
- ✔ Automatic feeder
- ✔ Easy to clean and install
- ✔ Very customizable/programmable
6. La Nordica Diadema ACS Idro Pellet Stove
Type: Wood
Power output: 32kW
Efficiency percentage: 90.9%
Supplier: Stoves Are Us
Pricing: £5,449
This model comes with high energy efficiency, low costs, convenience, and renewable energy.
This boiler will provide 32kW of power, which would be best suited for a three-bedroom home with one or two bathrooms.
This pellet stove has an A+ energy rating and a warranty of two years for the body.
- ✔ High-efficiency percentage
- ✔ 32kW power output
- ✔ Sustainable fuels
- ✔ Made from steel
- ✔ Self-cleaning grate
- ✔ Sleek modern design
7. Condor BO 12kW Multi-Fuel Cooker Oven with Back Boiler
Type: Wood
Power output: 12kW
Supplier: Modern Stoves
Pricing: £1,649.99
This low-cost option will give you 12kW of power, which is best suited for a one-bedroom flat, and un-vented or vented hot water systems.
These types of boilers are handcrafted and finished in various colours and high-quality materials.
You can also use this appliance for cooking, making it a multi-functional product that can fit within many different interiors.
- ✔ Low cost
- ✔ Environmentally friendly
- ✔ Variety of colours
- ✔ High-quality materials
- ✔ Cooker and boiler
- ✔ 2-year warranty
8. Ruben B 21kw Contemporary Multi-fuel Wood Burning Stove with Back Boiler
Type: Wood
Power output: 21kW
Efficiency percentage: 80%
Supplier: Modern Stoves
Pricing: £1,199.99
This model is suitable for a two- or three-bedroom home with one bathroom.
Some of the best features of this boiler are its high-power output, its Eco Design that consumes 6 times less fuel, and an affordable price.
This boiler has a 2-year warranty and can be delivered for free to those who live in the UK mainland.
- ✔ 21kW power output
- ✔ Affordable price
- ✔ Environmentally friendly
- ✔ Sustainable fuel
- ✔ Variety of colours and finishes
- ✔ 2-year warranty
9. Rio Deluxe 12kW Multi-Fuel Wood Burning Stove
Type: Wood
Power output: 12-15kW
Efficiency percentage: 77%
Supplier: Modern Stoves
Pricing: £599.99
This model comes with a back boiler as part of your package, with up to 15kW of power which can be split between your hot water and your central heating system.
You can benefit from this boiler stove’s high efficiency, performance, and heating with low emissions.
Moreover, this environmentally friendly option comes at a very affordable price, which includes free delivery to your location in the UK mainland.
- ✔ Up to 15kW power output
- ✔ Highly efficient
- ✔ Low emissions
- ✔ Environmentally friendly
- ✔ Multiple fuels
- ✔ Eco Design 2022
10. Firebelly Stoves FB2 Wood Burner with Boiler
Type: Wood
Power output: 7.1-8kW
Efficiency percentage: 78%
Supplier: Flames
Pricing: £3,379
The Firebelly Stoves FB2 Wood Burner with Boiler will give you 7-8kW of power, a high-efficiency rating of 78%, and a stylish design that comes in sleek finishes.
Some of the main advantages of this boiler are the various finishes, the fact that it’s designed and built in the UK, and its 5-year guarantee.
There is also a range of optional features to choose from, such as a log box which lifts the height of the boiler and creates a section to store your logs.
- ✔ High-energy efficiency
- ✔ 2-year guarantee
- ✔ Range of colours available
- ✔ UK-designed and built
- ✔ Stylish design
Conclusion
Biomass boilers are a good option if you want to be sustainable and save on energy costs in the long-term. These boilers’ organic fuels makes them carbon-neutral.
Do you want to compare all of your available boiler options right now?
Check out the Ecopreneurist guides here or fill out the form at the top of the page for a custom quote.
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