Cost of Installing a Biomass Boiler

Installing a biomass boiler is a large investment but could result in reduced bills as well as reducing your carbon footprint due to them not producing and carbon dioxide emissions.

To give you a rough idea, the cost of biomass boiler installation will likely be around £8,000 on average.

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It's essential to do your research before committing to such a hefty investment in biomass heating. This article will explain everything you need to know about biomass boilers, including what they are, how they're installed and how much they cost.

How Much is a Biomass Boiler?

Unlike alternative fuel methods, the burning of wood and other biological matter does not produce carbon dioxide emissions. In fact, the amount of waste emissions is believed to be equivalent during the growing process of trees.

You should expect a biomass boiler to cost somewhere between £3,000 and £14,000 depending on the model you opt for. Generally speaking, the cost of purchasing and installing a biomass boiler can be pretty high. A typical installation will cost up to £12,000 to £14,000 , for an automatically fed boiler. A hand-fed furnace will cost much less and could save you up to £6,000.

You should expect to pay anywhere between £14,000 to £19,000 for an automatically fed biomass boiler in the UK. This cost will include the purchase, installation and fuel storage of your new boiler.

However, it is essential to recognise that these costs will vary depending on the size and model of the boiler you decide on. Larger biomass boilers will typically cost a lot more to install and run for the initial year.

Biomass boilers can significantly decrease your energy charges. Not only that, but they will drastically reduce carbon dioxide emissions compared with alternative heating systems.

Biomass boilers also require very little electricity to run, which will ultimately reduce your electricity bills. However, it is important to recognise that the long-term gain is an investment process, so it may take a few years for you to see the benefits.

Biomass Boiler Prices

Many factors can affect the initial cost of a biomass boiler. These cost affecting factors include the fuel type and capacity of the boiler, the initial investment charges and the complexity of your installation.

In order for you to gain a better understanding of how these factors will apply to your project, we have included tables below for you to compare. Please note, these prices are estimated and should be used as a guide only.

Labour Costs and Time Scales

To install a biomass boiler, it should take no more than 1-2 days. This will depend on how big a system you’re installing, and what type of biomass boiler you’ve chosen.

You can expect to pay, on average £200-£250 per day for a tradesperson in labour costs. This will depend on what trader you choose to complete the job and where your property is located in the country.

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What is a Biomass Boiler?

A biomass boiler is similar to a conventional gas boiler and supplies a property with hot water and heating, but instead of using gas or oil, sustainably sourced wood pellets are used.

Using wood pellets in place of fossil fuels is an eco-friendlier option and helps to combat climate change. There are increasing in popularity, and if you’re concerned about your environmental impact, it may be a good choice for your home.

What's Involved with Installing a Biomass Boiler?

A qualified, reputable installation company should ideally install your new biomass boiler. Before you hire a professional to install your biomass boiler, it would be helpful if you considered a few factors first.

Biomass boilers work by lighting organic elements to create a heating system. Wood and other biological materials can be fed either automatically or manually, depending on the type of boiler you have, into what's known as the combustion chamber where they will burn.

Biomass boilers combine an ancient way of creating heat by using organic materials, with modernised technology.

As with conventional boiler systems, installing a biomass boiler can be expensive and complicated. This is why only a qualified, experienced plumber should take on the job.

Before installing your new biomass boiler, you should consult a professional to assess whether it is the right system for your domestic needs. Many people often forget to check the space requirements before purchasing a biomass boiler. If space is an issue, then you may wish to consider an alternative heating solution.

An experienced engineer will always try to make the installation as simplistic and efficient as possible. A straightforward biomass boiler installation should take no longer than one working day to complete. They should shield your furnishings and carpets, be equipped with the right materials and tools for the job and work practically and safely.

A reputable tradesperson should adhere to the proper legislation and regulations at all times, along with leaving your home safe and free of debris.

Before the installation, your professional trader will likely visit your home to assess a few things. They will likely check how many radiators you have, your water pressure, the number of bedrooms in your home and the location where your boiler will be installed.

Boiler installation costs can be expensive, and quotes can vary wildly, depending on your engineer. A typical gas boiler installation can cost anywhere between £3,000 and £5,000. However, biomass boiler installs are generally much more expensive. Consider this when setting your project budget.

You can expect to pay at least £5000 for a typical log burner boiler and around £15,000 for a wood pellet boiler. Biomass boilers that are fully automatic with fuel storage and a complex delivery system could cost you upwards of £25,000 to install.

There is often no need for you to replace your existing radiators when having a Biomass Boiler installed. Biomass boilers are designed to connect to your current heating system in the same way as your previous boiler would. They are designed to work with any standard conventional heating systems, so it is unlikely that you will need to replace any radiators.

Some engineers will offer a service to remove your previous boiler at an additional cost. Alternatively, most local waste disposal organisations will accept old and unwanted boilers, providing that you can deliver it without the need for collection.

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DIY Installing a Biomass Boiler

Installing any boiler is a tedious job that is best left to the professionals. There are many risks that you face when attempting the install, yourself, especially if you are uneducated and inexperienced.

You should consider these risks before carrying out any installation unsupervised, as they pose an imminent danger to yourself, your family and financially can be costly to correct.

The main issue with attempting the install of your biomass boiler yourself is that you face damaging the unit itself. If you do not know how to install your new furnace correctly, you could end up causing damage to the internal components, causing the boiler not to work correctly.

As we mentioned earlier, biomass boilers can be very expensive to purchase, which means you could end up with extensive damages that are costly to repair.

Secondly, installing any boiler system is dangerous to your health if done incorrectly. Improper connection and installations can increase the chance of hazardous carbon monoxide poisoning.

Carbon monoxide is deadly when inhaled because it deprives your heart, brain and other vital organs of oxygen. Large quantities of carbon monoxide exposure may cause you to lose consciousness and suffocate.

Another fact to consider is that many product warranties are only valid if a registered engineer has installed the boiler. Installing your boiler, yourself can result in your product not being insured against malfunctions or damages.

We always recommend you seek the advice of a professional boiler installation team before attempting to carry out any work yourself.

Different Types of Biomass Boiler Systems

In order for you to decide on which type of biomass boiler is right for you, you should first understand the advantages and disadvantages of each.

Log-fed Biomass Boilers Cost

Usually more affordable than automatic biomass boilers, log fed boilers are fitting for those using firewood. The logs must be hand-fed into the combustion chamber, which can be more time-consuming.

However, with the proper buffer tank, these biomass boiler systems are an extremely cost-effective solution for larger households and reducing energy bills. These boilers usually cost £6,000 to £8,000.

The Moving Grate System Cost

Moving grate biomass boilers are the most expensive form of system to install. The moving grate system requires a lot more space to allow for the larger combustion chamber, along with many more additional components in comparison with alternative systems.

The fuel is mixed inside the chamber using mechanical grates, which in turn remove any excess moisture from the fuel. By removing the humidity, the fuel can burn more effectively, producing more heat. These boilers are one of the more expensive types and can cost between £12,000 to £14,000.

The Plane Grate System Cost

Plane grate systems are perfect for use with drier fuel materials with low moisture content. With a much smaller combustion chamber, the plane grate system can be installed in almost any space.

However, the smaller chamber means that higher-quality fuels must be inserted manually into the furnace, with much lower moisture content. This often means that more expensive fuels must be sourced to operate the plane grate boiler. You can expect to pay around £5,000 to £8,000 for this type of boiler.

The Stoker Burner System Cost

The stoker burner system is commonly more straightforward to operate when compared with alternative biomass boiler systems. Due to being a lot more accessible, the cost of purchasing and installing a stoker burner boiler is generally more affordable.

These burners typically also have a small combustion chamber, meaning that they can adapt to smaller areas. However, the small chamber means that like other systems, higher quality and dry fuels are essential. This type of biomass boiler is typically £4,000 to £6,000.

The Batch Fired System Cost

This system requires more manual effort than alternative biomass boiler systems, as the fuel source must be manually fed into the combustion chamber each day. The fuel is incinerated in larger batches, rather than continuously, with individual fans to ensure that all matter is combusted.

The downside is that these systems tend to be less efficient when compared to alternative methods, and they require much more effort from the operator as the fuel is not automatically fed into the chamber. This batch fired biomass boiler is around £3,000 to £7,000.

The Cost of Removing a Biomass Boiler

You may want to remove a biomass boiler from a property and switch it to a conventional gas boiler or replace it with an updated biomass boiler. It’s recommended that you hire a professional to do this, as it is a complicated process. You can expect to pay £200-£250 per tradesman a day, and it should take no longer than a day to remove.

Hiring a Biomass Boiler Installer Checklist

• Research local traders and engineers in your area.
• Compare at prices from various professionals to ensure that you receive the best price. We recommend acquiring at least three quotes.
• Discuss with your professional the multiple types of biomass boilers and which one would better work with your household requirements.
• Never pay the full amount upfront and always ask for written confirmation of any transactions.
• Ensure that your engineer is qualified and experienced to carry out the installation.
• Be sure to discuss any warranties you will have with your new biomass boiler before the installation takes place.
• Ask about any necessary maintenance and aftercare following the installation.

FAQs

Sources

https://www.thegreenage.co.uk/tech/biomass-boiler/
https://www.renewableenergyhub.co.uk/main/biomass-boiler-information/biomass-boiler-types-the-different-types-of-biomass-boilers/
https://www.greenmatch.co.uk/blog/2015/02/how-much-does-a-biomass-boiler-cost