BIOMASS (wood fuelled heating systems)

HOW IT WORKS.

A Boiler burning pellets, logs or chips connected to a central heating and hot water system.

The boilers generally need to be filled with wood by hand although some pellet and chip burners use automatic feeders which refill them at regular intervals from fuel storage units called hoppers

THE BENEFITS.

A low carbon option; the carbon dioxide emitted when wood fuel is burned is the same amount that was absorbed over the previous months and years as the plant was growing.

As long as new plants continue to grow in place of those used for fuel, the process is sustainable.

A good use for waste wood; burning wood can be a convenient means of disposing of waste that might otherwise be sent to a landfill site.

IS IT SUITABLE FOR MY PROPERTY.

Do you have enough space ?
You`ll need a large dry area close to the boiler to store your wood. Ideally this should be close to where the wood is delivered to your home to minimise the distance you have to carry it.

Do you have a suitable flue ?
You need a vent which is specifically designed for wood fuel appliances, with sufficient air movement for proper operation of the stove. Your existing chimney can be fitted with a lined flue, which is relatively inexpensive.

Do you live in a smokeless zone ?
If so then wood can only be burnt in certain exempted appliances: http://www.uksmokecontrolareas.co.uk/locations.php

Do you need planning permission ?
You will need to contact your local authority to enquire.