To Biomass or Not to Biomass. That is the question

Well, we're now firmly in to November, and the temperate has certainly dropped! We've had a few frosty mornings, and without a central heating system, trying to keep the house warm is proving costly! The log burner has certainly been a bit of a saviour, and although the lounge is still far from finished we've spent many days and evenings sitting in front of it. We've also caved and really started to use the electric heaters in the key rooms (predominantly the master bedroom), but the house is cold....!

Both of us can see our own breath when in the bathroom...and there is condensation and dampness forming...the utility room has gone as low as 6 degrees (I think even the fridge is shivering)...and so, it's time to start solving the cold problem!

If you've followed us from the beginning and watched any of our YouTube videos, you'll know we have all sorts of plans for renovating our beloved bungalow (an update blog to follow in the coming weeks) and as previously mentioned, we've already installed a log burner which was a mission in itself but well worth it...so now it's time to install the 'heart of the house'.

As we don't have mains gas in the village, we've (well Rich has) researched all sorts of energy sources from oil and LPG to more renewable options such as ground source heat pump and biomass, and they all have their pros and cons. They all vary in cost, from initial installation through to daily running costs - and some benefit from government grant schemes. So after much deliberation....we've decided to pursue a biomass, wood pellet boiler system. In it's early stages, the biomass boiler will provide us with our hot water, and then as the renovation progresses we will be looking to feed an under floor heating system off it.

Unlike traditional gas combi boiler installations, the installation of the biomass boiler and water cylinder will take a few days...and tomorrow is day 1.

We went round to the chaps house who is working with us on the installation to see his boiler in action, and at the moment it's the only photo I have....

More posts and photos over the next few days to follow!

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