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Biomass Combustion Energy Self Assessment

The Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) biomass heating self assessment tool has been developed to increase renewable energy utilization. Before considering biomass for space or water heating, it is recommended that you maximize energy efficiency measures for your current system first as energy efficiency measures will almost always have a faster payback and return on investment than energy production. Suggestions for energy efficiency improvements are offered through our Energy Self Assessment Tools. The Biomass Energy tool considers the cost effectiveness of using biomass fuels such as cord wood, corn, rye, wood pellets or prairie grass pellets to fuel a furnace or boiler versus using fossil fuels. The tool evaluates the annual cost of a variety of biomass fuels based on the amount of heat you would like displaced by the chosen biomass fuel compared to a fossil fuel.

This tool does not provide a site-specific renewable energy assessment. It evaluates thermal energy use based on user input.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is a biomass fuel?
Can biomass combustion be considered “carbon neutral?”
What are some of the byproducts of biomass combustion?
Are there current regulations on biomass combustion systems?
What is combustion?
What is the energy content of biomass fuel?
What are some applications where biomass can be utilized for heat?
What is the difference between a biomass boiler system and a furnace?
How are biomass combustion efficiencies calculated?
How can biomass combustion efficiency be improved?
How much labor and management is required with a biomass combustion system?
How can I calculate how much fuel I currently consume?
What should I consider before purchasing wood pellets, cord wood, corn, or mixed grass pellets?