If you want to heat your home with wood, the most common option is to use a woodchip boiler. Wood chip boilers are relatively new products that have only become available in recent years. They’re often used as a supplement or backup heating system for homes that already have central heating systems, but they can also be used on their own as an entire heating system if you don’t have access to natural gas or electricity. Wood chip boilers come in different sizes and styles so it’s important to research all of your options before deciding which model is right for you and your family.
What is a Wood Chip Boiler?
wood chip boiler for sale
Wood chip boilers are central heating systems that use wood chips as a source of fuel. These boilers burn wood chips in a combustion chamber, generating heat that is distributed throughout a building via a heating system. The heat produced by wood chip boilers can be used for various purposes, including space heating, water heating, and even powering industrial processes.
How does wood chip heating work?
Wood chip heating systems work by burning wood chips in a combustion chamber, where the heat generated is then transferred to a heat exchanger. This heat is then used to warm water, which can be circulated through radiators or underfloor heating systems to provide warmth to your home or building. The process also produces a small amount of ash, which needs to be removed periodically.
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What is the efficiency of a woodchip boiler?
biomass wood chip boiler efficiency
The efficiency of a wood chip boiler can vary depending on factors such as the design, technology, and specific model of the boiler. However, wood chip boilers are generally considered to be more efficient than log boilers due to their automated feeding systems and controlled combustion.
The efficiency of a wood chip boiler typically ranges from 80% to 90%. This means that the boiler can convert 80% to 90% of the energy in the wood chips into usable heat. Wood chip boilers can achieve these efficiency levels by optimizing combustion processes, utilizing advanced heat exchangers, and incorporating features to minimize heat loss.
What is the difference between wood chips and pellets?
Wood chips and pellets are both types of biomass fuel used in heating systems. The primary difference between the two lies in their size, shape, and production process. Wood chips are typically larger, irregularly shaped pieces of wood, while wood pellets are smaller, uniform cylinders. Wood pellets are produced by compressing sawdust or other wood waste products under high pressure, resulting in a denser and more energy-dense fuel compared to wood chips.
What are the different types of wood boilers?
There are several types of wood boilers available, including:
- Wood chip boilers: These boilers use wood chips as fuel and are known for their high efficiency and eco-friendly nature.
- Wood pellet boilers: These boilers use wood pellets as fuel and offer convenience and ease of use due to their uniform size and shape.
- Log boilers: These boilers use logs as fuel and are typically more suited for larger homes or buildings with ample space for log storage.
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What is the cost of a wood chip boiler?
The cost of a wood chip boiler can vary depending on factors such as the manufacturer, model, size, and additional features. Here is a general price range for wood chip boilers:
- Small-Scale Boilers (10-50 kW): The price range for small-scale wood chip boilers typically starts at around $5,000 and can go up to approximately $15,000.
- Medium-Scale Boilers (50-150 kW): Medium-scale wood chip boilers generally range in price from $15,000 to $30,000.
- Large-Scale Boilers (150-500+ kW): The price range for large-scale wood chip boilers can vary significantly, starting from $30,000 and potentially exceeding $100,000, depending on the size and specifications of the system.
Type of Biomass Fuel | Price per Tonne (£) | Price for a Boiler |
---|---|---|
Wood Pellets | £245 | From £12,999 (Automated) From £4,000 (Manually-fed) |
Logs | £99 | From £7.999 (Manual) |
Wood Chips | £59 | From £7,999 (Automated) From £4,000 (Manually-fed) |
The best way to keep the costs of fuel low is by buying in bulk in the winter. The most popular biomass fuel is wood pellets. An average house needs approximately 2-5 tons of wood pellets during the winter season.
Using renewable energy as a heating source is not just environmentally friendly but can also significantly reduce your electricity bills when you replace your old heating system.
Average running costs and carbon emissions of different fuel types per year
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Type of Fuel | Coal | Oil | Natural Gas | Electricity | LPG | Wood Pellet | Wood Chips |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Approximate Running Costs (£/year) | £1,499 | £1,669 | £999 | £2,690 | £1,920 | £869 | £895 |
CO2 Emissions (kg/year) | 13,541kg | 9,219kg | 6,406kg | 10,184kg* | 7,663kg | 766kg | 550kg |
Conclusion
The woodchip boiler is a great way to heat your home, but it is not for everyone. If you have access to a large supply of woodchips, then this option may be more cost-effective than other heating methods. However, if you don’t have enough feedstock or need more control over temperature fluctuations then there are other options available such as pellet boilers which use pellets instead of chips.