Energy efficiency with biomass boilers

Biomass boilers: An eco-friendly way to save energy and money

When looking at how to save energy, there has been a lot of talk about Biomass boilers. More people are realising that by using them, they can keep their homes warm in a more cost effective and green way.

Biomass energy is quite simply energy that we take from natural materials, such as flora and fauna. Municipal, industrial and animal waste are other material biomass energy can be taken from. The main selling point of biomass energy is that it is highly renewable, and in a world where more traditional fuels are becoming scare and prices are escalating, this can go a long way. Also, as it is the practise of sourcing energy from the natural world, biomass can be found all around us and is the most evenly distributed energy resource on the planet.

The only difference in the way biomass and standard boilers operate are the fuel they use, biomass boilers using renewable fuel. They can directly burn organic fuel such as wood logs, pellets or chips, or gas produced from decaying biomass. It is the latter that makes for a particularly eco-friendly option, as this derives energy from methane, which can be converted from much of the waste we produce every day.

With mass production of consumer products worldwide, something that creates energy from the waste created from these products is fantastic for the environment. Unfortunately, the initial cost of a business changing to biomass is usually so high, that it puts a lot of companies off, despite the fact that it will save them money in the long term.

Biomass boilers powered by wood pellets are the most prevalent. Normally sawdust would be sent to landfills, but in this instance it is compressed and made into wood pellets.

Another plus of biomass energy is that it is carbon neutral. This means that plants and trees take carbon dioxide from the atmosphere whilst growing, then release the same amount when they decompose or burn. This keeps the levels of CO2 in the atmosphere at a steady level. Alternatively, the burning of fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide that has been stored for millions of years, therefore increasing the levels of CO2. This is the main source of global warming.

Although there are the advantages discussed earlier, there are also a few caveats. Biomass boilers are much larger than standard boilers and so you need to consider the space you have. There would also have to be enough space for wood storage as well. You would also need to have a chimney which was lined for wood fuel. You have to have a chimney structure present, and then you can retrofit the lining. Some homes fall into a smoke free zone enforced by the local government, so you need to check that your home isn't in one of these areas. Your local planning department will also have to be consulted regarding such a development.

If you have the money and space to install a biomass boiler, it would be wise to reduce your carbon footprint and aid the environment. It is also an effective solution to the question how to save energy as well as money, if you are looking at long term savings.