Biomass Boilers and Furnaces
Wood and pellet fuels are a renewable way to heat your home or business. Pellets and wood are a popular fuel choice due to their affordability over fossil fuels and the fact that Maine has significant, locally-produced wood fuel supplies.
A biomass boiler burns pellets or cordwood and is connected to a forced hot water distribution system. Many Mainers are familiar with pellet stoves but pellet boilers are a relatively new technology in our region. Pellet boilers operate like conventional fuel central heating systems, but require pellet storage space (hoppers are frequently located in the basement adjacent to the boiler). Many boilers include self-cleaning systems and require less cleaning than pellet stoves. Bulk pellet delivery is offered in many regions of the state.
Advantages
- Lower heating costs — Biomass systems typically cost less to operate than other systems. Click here to compare operating costs of different heating systems.
- Convenient, whole-house, renewable heat — Whole-house pellet boilers are more convenient than typical pellet and wood stoves. They are controlled by a thermostat and pellets are automatically fed into the boiler. Ashes can be allowed to accumulate for an extended period.
Disadvantages
- Installation costs — Biomass boilers and furnaces can be more expensive to install than conventional heating systems.
- Installation challenges — Biomass boilers and furnaces require the storage of pellets or wood, often in large hoppers located in the basement. Not all basements are suitable for fuel storage.
- Operator Maintenance – Unlike traditional heating systems, pellet and wood boilers require regular ash removal.