How Much Does a Biomass Boiler Cost?
For domestic properties, the cost ranges from €3,000 to €25,000.
| Brand | Estimated Price Range |
|---|---|
| Woodco | €5,000 - €15,000 |
| Grant | €5,000 - €12,000 |
| HDG | €8,000 - €20,000 |
| ETA | €8,000 - €25,000 |
| KWB | €8,000 - €25,000 |
Installation Cost: €1,500 — €4,000
Factors to include in a quote:
- Chimney/flue requirements
- Fuel storage and logistics
- Thermal store integration
- Access and location
- Integration with existing system
Need a Boiler Service or Upgrade?
Our experts at Selectra help you compare boiler service providers and find the best deal for your home — completely free.
How Much Does Biomass Boiler Fuel Cost?
- Small bags (10-15 kg): ~€500 per tonne
- Large bags (bulk): ~€460
- Bulk deliveries: ~€430
What Is a Biomass Boiler?
A biomass boiler uses organic materials (wood logs, chips, pellets, straw) to generate heat. Common biomass fuels include wood (logs, chips, pellets), straw, animal waste, agricultural waste, and crops.
How Does a Biomass Boiler Work?
- Biomass materials fed into combustion chamber and burned.
- Burning process produces hot gas and air.
- Hot gas passes through flue.
- Passes through heat exchanger to transfer heat to central heating system water.
- Excess heat stored in thermal tank.
Lifespan: Around 20 years with regular servicing (annual or every 2,500 running hours).
Why a Thermal Store Is Crucial
A thermal store (accumulator/buffer tank) typically holds 500 to 2,000 litres of water. It allows the boiler to run at full, clean, efficient power and prevents short cycling.
How Efficient Are Biomass Boilers?
Efficiency rating: 80% to 90% when properly installed and maintained.
| Attribute | Biomass | Gas | Oil | Electric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Cost | High | Moderate | High | Low |
| Running Cost | Low | Moderate | High | High |
| Efficiency | 80-90% | 70-90% | 70-90% | 95-99% |
| Environmental Impact | Low | Moderate | High | Low |
| Maintenance | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate | Low |
Are Biomass Boilers Carbon Neutral?
Biomass is considered carbon neutral because the CO2 released when burned equals the CO2 the tree absorbed during growth, creating a closed carbon loop. However, emissions are generated during cultivation, harvesting, processing, and transportation.
Need a Boiler Service or Upgrade?
Our experts at Selectra help you compare boiler service providers and find the best deal for your home — completely free.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages
- Renewable energy source
- Suitable for off-grid locations
- Utilises waste wood effectively
- Less susceptible to price increases vs gas, oil, electricity
Disadvantages
- Requires more space
- Needs storage space for fuel
- Increased maintenance requirements
- Higher upfront costs