Specifications
Objectives of this Guide?
Whether installing a wood boiler in a new or existing dwelling, the initial capital investment will generally
be greater than for a conventional boiler. Modern wood burning technologies might be relatively new to
you and it is possible that you may have already gathered some useful information with regard to specic
products and systems.
The aim of this guide is to provide you with an insight into wood fuelled boiler systems that will allow you to
can make more informed decisions when considering purchasing a wood burning technology.
The guide has been organised into the following sections:
Introduction
Section 1: Technology Overview
Section 2: Fuels
Section 3: Feasibility and Design
Section 4: Procurement and Purchase
Section 5: Boiler Installation
Section 6: Operation and Maintenance
The sections run in a similar order to what might be encountered when planning your installation. It is
recommended that you read all the sections as it will give you a good knowledge of the processes involved
and allow you to make more informed decisions with regard to:
Choosing the right system; and
After installation, how to operate the system eciently.
Introduction
Heating with wood is not a new concept in Ireland. Up to the recent past, wood was most commonly burned
in log form in an open re. The re would also, in most cases, have a back boiler to provide central heating
and hot water as well as space heating in the room itself.
Open res create a special atmosphere in a room and for that reason are still very popular in Ireland. However,
they are also very inecient, with approximately 70% of the energy available in the wood wasted up the
chimney. Modern closed appliances such as stoves with built-in back boilers can oer eciencies of 90% or
more, while at the same time recreating the ambience of an open re.
This guide does not cover room heating stove appliances (i.e. stove appliances that heat air only), but rather
concentrates on wood burning technologies that provide whole house heating solutions.
For further information on wood stoves, please see the SEAI REIO consumer guide for wood burning stoves.