Over 2000 of our industry-leading GlenFarrow biomass boilers are keeping businesses warm across the UK. But just like most things in life, they require some TLC to make sure they are running efficiently. Keeping on top of your boiler maintenance is the best way to ensure you are getting the most out of your system.
We have put together the top 5 things you should be doing to maintain your biomass boiler:
Annual servicing
The best way to make sure your boiler is in tip-top condition is to have annual servicing checks carried out by a HETAS registered engineer. This is because….
- It will increase your boiler efficiency, which can help to reduce fuel consumption and associated running costs
- If your biomass boiler is accredited to the non-domestic RHI (Renewable Heat Incentive scheme), it is a requirement of the scheme to have your boiler serviced annually by a HETAS approved engineer (GlenFarrow servicing engineers are HETAS approved). Failure to do so could result in suspended payments and even removal from the scheme.
- Servicing also means you will be able to maximise your RHI payments.
- Regular servicing helps to prevent the risks of breakdowns and could even extend the life span of your system
Clean, clean, clean!
Your GlenFarrow biomass boiler needs to be cleaned at least once a week. With every boiler, the customer is supplied with appropriate tools to carry out regular cleaning of the boiler. Due to the nature of a biomass boiler, over time a build-up of debris and ash can occur. Cleaning the boiler helps to protect from damage and increase its lifespan.
Winter protection
The GlenFarrow biomass boiler and heating equipment are not frost protected – so it is important to make preparations for the winter months.
How is this done?
The best way to protect your boiler from frost is to drain your system if it will not be in use – this is to prevent any water from freezing and damaging/cracking equipment. You can find out how to drain your system in the boiler O&M manual. Alternatively, if you are unsure on how to do this, you can call us and one of our engineers will be able to talk you through the process.
Daily and weekly checks
Performing regular checks on your boiler helps to make sure it is running efficiently. It also helps you to avoid breakdowns. A full list of daily and weekly checks you should be carrying out on your boiler is in the boiler O&M manual.
Use the correct fuel(s)
You should only be using fuel that is compatible with the biomass boiler. Materials that should NOT be burnt that can cause damage to the boiler and cause a hazard include (but are not limited to):
- Plastic
- Rubber
- Wood pellets, briquettes and sawdust
- Fossil fuel (eg coal, gas, oil)
- Peat
- Any man-made product
- Wood with moisture content above 23%
- Oil seed rape straw (OSR)
- Corn or grain
- Treated wood
If your boiler is accredited to the RHI scheme, you should only be burning fuel that is documented in your RHI application and associated emissions certificate.
A complete list of maintenance activities can be found in your O&M manual.
If you would like to book in for biomass boiler servicing, call us on 01775 722327.
