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Maintenance for Biomass and Pellet Boilers
Biomass boilers require more regular maintenance than gas and oil boilers, but are generally straightforward to maintain when correctly specified and installed. There are a few things that must be done periodically in order to maximise the efficiency and life span of the installation:
- Boilers should be cleaned regularly (typically weekly for many domestic systems) in order to keep it free of ash, though some more expensive systems are self-cleaning. Non-self-cleaning boilers will need to be shut down while cleaning takes place. The burner should be checked regularly (often daily on non-automated systems) and any ash and residue cleaned and removed.
- When undertaking any internal inspection please ensure the boiler is switched off at the mains and has cooled sufficiently to allow safe access. Also be aware of sprung components and clean with caution.
- Inspection of the feed system will have to be undertaken regularly (often weekly) to check and oil any bearings and agitate any pellets or wood chips away from parts of the feed system that could be prone to blockage or unwanted build-up and compression.
- The heat exchanger and flue will also need to be cleaned in order to prevent blockages caused by soot and any other debris.
- Stoves will require de-ashing after regular use, but to enable the optimum efficiency of the appliance you must leave a bed of embers on which you lay the next fire.
- Log boilers (if not automatic de-ashing) will require frequent cleaning, and will also require a bed of ashes left for the next burn, be careful to check all air vents during this process and clean the fan thoroughly once every quarter or in line with manufacturers recommendations.
- It is recommended that all biomass boilers be checked annually by a qualified technician. The technician will:
- Undertake a full internal clean and inspection
- Replace all worn components (grates etc.)
- Lubricate any applicable moving components
- For appliances that automatically clean the flue a small compressor is installed with jets of air that are sent through the flue blowing the soot from the boiler. This method is more costly but increases maintenance intervals dramatically.
A well installed and maintained biomass boiler should last for 20 years or more, depending on usage, fuel quality and servicing practices.
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