Do biomass boilers require much maintenance?

People assume that owning a biomass boiler is no different from owning its less environmentally friendly cousins, the oil and gas boilers. Nothing could be further from the truth, and it is this very misconception which leads to abuse and neglect of the maintenance that a biomass boiler needs, if it is to retain its environmental and economic saving potential. This is especially true given the tendency of many installers to skimp on providing the proper support services and education to their customers.

Manufacturer provided efficiency rates can be especially misleading in this regard, based as they usually are, on performance in laboratory conditions. A boiler with the stated efficiency rate of 92% is likely to have an efficiency rate closer to 85% once in use.

The basic requirements of your biomass boiler are simple but vital to remain on top of, it largely boils down to ash and clinker.

Additional maintenance concerns lie with the boiler’s flue, which requires annual sweeping to maintain proper efficiency. Failing to do so is not only detrimental to your boiler’s operation, it also runs the risk of flue fires, which can be a significant hazard to the health of the property.