Our business is to help you with your journey towards alternative energy solutions. We are here to answer questions that will help you make decisions about heating and we welcome your concerns. Contact us with your questions.
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Just what is a corn furnace or boiler?
A biomass or corn/pellet furnace or boiler is very much the same as those that burn fossil fuels. But instead of burning oil or gas, they burn whole kernel corn or pellets. They are heating appliances with a fuel storage system and controls which can usually heat your whole house.
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Which biomass fuels are readily available in this area?
Corn and wood pellets.
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I’m familiar with wood pellets, but what is the advantage of using corn as a fuel?
Corn is a local fuel that requires only 180 days to grow. This is compared to decades for growing wood fuel and millennia for fossil fuels. The energy value in corn per pound is similar to the energy available in wood pellets. But, more importantly, the carbon dioxide emitted in the burning of the corn is almost entirely absorbed by the growing of the next years crop, so there are nearly no net greenhouse gases produced.
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How does the cost of corn compare with oil and other fuels?
Corn has been significantly less costly than fossil fuels. Nationwide, the cost of corn per BTU of heat provided has ranged from 25% to 75% less than the cost of oil. This range is based on three factors: a. the outrageous swings in the cost of oil; b. a variation in cost of corn; and c. a relatively small variation of the energy value of corn.
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How would purchasing a Biomass heating system help me heat my home?
A biomass heating system is generally sized to heat your entire home. It is most easily connected right through the existing heating system. The heat is then distributed to your house through the existing ducts and registers for the furnace, and pipes and radiators for the boiler. Because corn and other biomass fuels are less expensive than fossil fuels to use, your system will pay for itself in a short period of time. Corn burns cleaner than oil, so there is no smoke, creosote.
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Where would I store biomass fuel?
As part of the system, the biomass fuels are stored in a bulk hopper that holds 700 pounds of fuel. In addition, we are working on providing larger storage and delivery systems to greatly extend the time between deliveries of fuel.
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How do I get biomass fuel to my home?
Corn is grown locally in New England and in stock at all times. It can be picked up at the stores or delivered directly to your home. There are no high production costs or inflation by speculators that come with oil, propane, natural gas, electricity or third party hidden costs.
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Is there enough corn for everyone who wants to use it?
Biomass units utilize field corn which is not allowed to be used for human consumption. There has been a surplus of corn in previous years including 2007. Our farmers are currently planting more acres to keep up with demand.
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What if something goes wrong with my system?
We are able to service you unit. These systems use many of the same controls as your current heating system and are subject to the same type of service issues. The components which are unique to the burning of biomass fuel are serviceable and replaceable just like the other component in your current heating system. These systems have a 1 year warranty on all movable parts and 5 years on the rest. It is important to point out that utilizing Biomass is not a brand new technology; there have been over 10,000 systems such as these installed nationwide in the past ten years.
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Are biomass heating systems and stoves easy to use?
They are nearly as easy to use as a pellet stove with minimal weekly cleaning. A biomass heating system uses an automatic fuel delivery system to feed the fuel into the fire. So, these systems are easier to use than a conventional wood burning systems. However, they may require a periodic attention to make sure the fuel is burning properly and as such are more “hands on” than an oil or gas unit.
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What is a fireplace insert?
These are corn fired stoves that fit right into your existing fireplace and burn corn. They directly vent right to your chimney and provide up to 50,000 BTU of heat.
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What if I run out of fuel in the winter? What about wood pellets with my biomass stove?
We always have enough corn on hand to supply you throughout the heating season. Boilers and furnaces are biomass units, which allows you the choice of other fuels including wood pellets.
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What kind of corn do I need to burn?
The units use whole kernel corn. The best corn is clean and dry (15% or less). Clean corn burns great, but dirty corn with excessive debris like cobs and stalks may cause some problems.
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Do I need a chimney?
Inserts and Stoves can be directly vented to the outside or into an existing fireplace or free
flue in a chimney. Furnaces and boilers require a 6” class A chimney. This means that it has to have natural draft, it cannot exhaust out a wall. -
Can I use an existing brick chimney for a boiler or furnace?
If you have a free 8x8 lined flue then you can use that. If that is not available, it is recommended to install a 6” stainless steel liner in the existing chimney to connect to the boiler or furnace.
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Can I vent the furnace with other appliances?
No, you are not allowed to hook any other appliances into the chimney that is venting the corn burner.
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Can this tie in with my existing heating system?
Yes, our units are manufactured to either be a stand alone unit or as an add on to an existing system.
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Who does the installations?
Professional installation is a requirement for warranty. We have licensed and experienced installers available.
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Are your units compatible with air conditioning?
Yes, the furnaces are wired ready to be connected with your A/C system.
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Are these outdoor or indoor units?
These units are indoor units.
