Biomass boilers are starting to become more and more popular in the UK, as a viable way to avoid paying extortionate gas and electricity prices. Rather than spending money on grid power, biomass boilers allow you to generate your own ‘green’, cheap energy.
The biomass boiler would replace your existing heating system and is fuelled with wood chips, pellets or logs. There are many different boilers to choose from, with efficiency levels and prices varying greatly.
As with any home improvement, one of your priorities should be finding the right tradesman for the job. So take a look at some of the things you should be asking when a contractor visits your home.
1. How long has the company been operating? This will give you an idea of how long the installer has been in the business and assurance that they’re a quality company.
2. Do they have references? There’s nothing better than being able to speak to a previous customer who can tell you in detail how they’ve found the new biomass boiler. They’ll also fill you in on the company’s work ethic and professionalism.
3. When you meet the biomass installer for the first time, it’s important to ascertain if they have sound technical knowledge. They should be able to explain exactly how the right boiler will be picked for your home.
4. Ensure the salesperson or installer explains how fuel will be delivered to your home. This is something you’ll need to take charge of for more than two decades, so it pays to listen.
5. Find out if the company uses their own heating engineers or subcontracts. Essentially you want to know who’s at fault if something goes wrong.
6. Try to bargain for an annual service and maintenance package. The last thing you want is something to go wrong and need to fork out more money.
7. The biomass boiler should be sized according to your home and heating requirements. Make sure you don’t end up with the company’s standard fit.
8. Before signing the dotted line, always do your own research on the manufacturers the company uses.
9. Always double and triple check what’s included with any quote you’re given. You don’t want any nasty extras added on later down the line. This would include:
- Connecting the biomass boiler to your existing heating system
- The equipment delivery
- Any electrical work that’s needed
- The application for the Renewable Heat Incentive to Ofgem
- The full removal of your old boiler
10. Also make sure the installer gives you a detailed explanation of payback. By this we mean how much you’ll earn with the RHI and save on heating bills.
11. Try to highlight some local fuel suppliers before signing up, to calculate how much fuel will be per tonne.
12. Make sure to ask plenty of questions on the RHI. It pays to use a company who will complete the application and send it off on your behalf.
Facts & Figures You’ll Love To Share
- [tweetable alt=””]Replacing your boiler will help you to save over £300 a year as you exchange an inefficient system for an efficient one.[/tweetable]
- [tweetable alt=””]A-rated boilers are the most efficient and will help improve your home’s Energy Performance Certificate rating.[/tweetable]
- [tweetable alt=””]By replacing your old boiler you’ll be able to avoid the costly repair bills if something goes wrong to your old boiler.[/tweetable]
- [tweetable alt=””]Ensure to have a regular boiler service so any hidden faults can be identified before anything goes wrong.[/tweetable]