Is my home suitable?
You should consider the following issues if you're thinking about a biomass boiler or stove. An accredited installer will be able to provide more detailed advice.
- Wood fuel - you will need storage space for the fuel, appropriate access to the boiler for loading and a local fuel supplier
- Chimney / Flue - the vent material must be designed for wood fuel appliances and there must be sufficient air movement for proper operation of the stove. Chimneys can be fitted with a lined flue.
- Regulations - the system must meet all safety and building regulations.
- Smokeless zones - wood can only be burnt in exempted appliances, under the Clean Air Act
- Planning - if the building is listed or in an area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB), then you will need to check with your Local Authority Planning Department before a flue is fitted.
- Wood fuel is one of the best renewable energy technologies for heating the home. Logs and pellets are the two fuels that are most appropriate for domestic properties. Woodchips are generally not suitable because of the extra equipment needed.
You can burn wood in a smokeless zone if the type of stove or boiler you use has an Exemption Certificate.
A full list of appliances that have Exemption Certificates can be found at http://www.uksmokecontrolareas.co.uk/appliances.php?country=e
