Once you have determined your energy needs and the availability of woodfuel, you need to pick the most suitable type of equipment to meet your needs. A range of different types of technology is available from the domestic to large-scale and it is only possible to provide a basic outline in these pages. Expert advice is essential, especially when considering a larger heating system. Often early dialogue with the fuel supplier will determine which system you can use based on the manufacture's standards.

Apart from the wood-burning equipment, other items include the boiler house, storage, access for delivery, pipework, chimneys and flues. In some cases, additional items such as accumulator tanks will improve the efficiency of the system. If you are planning to link several buildings on a district heating scheme, special pre-insulated pipes will be needed. Whether you are managing an installation yourself or using a contractor, you need to check that the whole package will meet your energy needs.

For more information on costs and sizing boilers.

See also Enhanced Allowance Scheme list and exempt appliances list.