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myBiomass Boiler Cost
At a Glance
- The average cost of installing a biomass boiler is around £13,200.
- The job will take approximately 1 to 2 days to complete.
- A complete pricing breakdown, which includes the different types to consider, along with what such a task usually involves.
- How long the job should approximately take, and a general overview of what kind of jobs can be performed.
- How to find and hire a heating engineer.
Installing a biomass boiler is a significant investment, but could result in reduced bills, as well as a lower carbon footprint.
Although biomass boilers still produce carbon dioxide while burning, the emissions are largely reabsorbed as plants grow, making them "carbon neutral".
The cost of biomass boiler installation is likely be around £13,200, on average.
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It's essential to do your research before committing to biomass heating. This guide will explain everything you need to know about biomass boilers - let's get started.
£13,200
Table of Contents
- How Much is a Biomass Boiler?
- Biomass Boiler Labour Costs and Timescales
- What is a Biomass Boiler?
- What To Consider When Installing a Biomass Boiler
- Comparing Biomass Boiler Prices to Other Heating Systems
- DIY Installing a Biomass Boiler
- Different Types of Biomass Boiler Systems
- Cost of Removing a Biomass Boiler
- Hiring a Biomass Boiler Installer Checklist
- FAQs
How Much is a Biomass Boiler?
So, what biomass boiler costs can I expect?
You should expect a biomass boiler to cost anywhere between £7,000 to £20,000, depending on the model you opt for.
However, it's important to understand that these costs will vary depending on the size and model of the boiler you decide on. Larger biomass boilers will typically cost much more to install and run for the initial year.
Biomass boilers also require very little electricity to run, ultimately reducing your electricity bills. However, it is important to recognise that long-term gains are part of the investment process, so it may take a few years for you to see the benefits.
How often should a biomass boiler be serviced? Is this a legal requirement?
"As manufacturer instructions recommended every twelve months."
Biomass Prices
Many factors can affect the initial cost of a biomass boiler. These cost affecting factors include:
- The fuel type
- The capacity of the boiler
- The complexity of your installation
To better understand how these factors will apply to your project, the table below lays out different biomass boiler prices.
Please note, these prices are estimated, and should be used as a guide only.
| Fuel Type | Fuel System | Total Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Logs | Manual | £7,000 - £12,000 |
| Pellets | Automated | £10,000 - £20,000 |
| Wood Chips | Automated | £10,000 - £20,000 |
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Biomass Boiler Annual Fuel Costs
Let's take a look at some estimated biomass boiler fuel costs per year to give you an idea of potential running costs for different fuel types:
| Fuel Type | Annual Heating Demand | Annual Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Logs | 10,000 kWh | £800 - £1,500 |
| Pellets | 20,000 kWh | £600 - £1,400 |
| Wood Chips | 25,000 kWh | £600 - £1,100 |
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Biomass Boiler Labour Costs and Timescales
Installing a biomass boiler should take no more than 1 to 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 to £250 per day in labour costs.
This will depend on which trader you choose to complete the job, and where your property is located in the country.
What is a Biomass Boiler?
A biomass boiler is similar to a conventional gas or oil boiler, and supplies a property with hot water and heating. Instead of gas or oil, sustainably sourced wood pellets, chips, or logs are used.
Using wood pellets instead of fossil fuels is an eco-friendly option, and helps combat climate change.
Biomass boilers work by burning organic fuels (logs, pellets, wood chips). Fuel can be fed either automatically or manually, depending on the type of boiler you have.
Biomass boilers are increasing in popularity, and if you’re concerned about your environmental impact, it may be a good choice for your home.
What To Consider When Installing a Biomass Boiler
Only a qualified, HETAS-registered heating engineer should install your new biomass boiler.
As with conventional boiler systems, installing a biomass boiler can be expensive and complicated. This is why only a qualified engineer 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 simple and efficient as possible. 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 will adhere to the proper legislation and regulations at all times, 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.
Comparing Biomass Boiler Prices to Other Heating Systems
Boiler installation costs can be expensive, but biomass boiler prices are especially high in relation to other heating systems. Let's see how they compare to other systems:
- Combi boilers cost £2,750, and are the most common boiler system in the UK.
- Installing an oil boiler costs £2,450, offering a solution for homes off the main gas grid.
- Air source heat pumps cost £8,000, working by extracting warmth from the air outside your property to heat your home.
- Log burner installation costs £2,300, and are useful heating solutions in off-grid areas.
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DIY Installing a Biomass Boiler
Installing any boiler is a job best left to the professionals.
You face many risks when attempting to install yourself, especially if you are inexperienced.
You should consider these risks before carrying out any installation unsupervised, as they pose an imminent danger to yourself, your family, and can be financially costly to correct:
- The main issue with attempting the installation 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.
- Biomass boilers can be very expensive to purchase, which means you could end up with extensive damage that is costly to repair.
- Installing any boiler system is dangerous to your health if done incorrectly. Improper connections 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.
- 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 damage.
We recommend that you seek the advice of a professional boiler installation team, instead of 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 suitable 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 for reducing energy bills. These boilers usually cost £7,000 to £12,000.
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 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 upwards of £20,000.
Fixed Grate System Cost
Fixed grate systems are perfect for use with drier fuel materials with low moisture content. With a much smaller combustion chamber, the fixed 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 fixed grate boiler.
You can expect to pay around £7,000 to £12,000 for this type of boiler.
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 £6,000 to £10,000.
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.
Batch fired biomass boilers cost around £5,000 to £8,000.
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 to £250 per tradesman, per day. It should take no longer than a day to remove.
Hiring a Biomass Boiler Installer Checklist
If you're considering biomass boiler installation, here's what you need to know when hiring a heating professional:
- Research local traders and engineers in your area using MyJobQuote.
- Compare prices from at least 3 contractors to ensure you receive the best price.
- Always ask for a written, itemised breakdown of costs so nothing is hidden.
- 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
How does a biomass boiler work?
Biomass boilers work by lighting organic materials, such as wood and other biological matter, to produce heat to fuel the entire heating system.
What size biomass boiler do I need?
This often depends on the size of your property. Generally, the bigger the house is, the higher the demand for domestic heating.
How much fuel does a biomass boiler use?
You can expect to use between 3 and 8 tonnes of fuel each year on average. The amount you use will vary from household to household. Other factors include the model, type of system, and the size of your biomass boiler.
