Heating
How much does it cost to heat your home? Heating systems such as electric heaters and boilers consume a significant amount of energy, making heating a large expense for many UK homes and commercial properties.
Heating accounts for more than 40% of the energy used in a typical home. Since the majority of homes use such a huge percentage of their total energy consumption on energy, small changes to your energy system can result in huge savings.
Making your home’s heating system more energy efficient is surprisingly easy. From air and ground source heat pumps to micro-CHP and biomass systems, a wide range of energy efficient, renewable heating systems are now available in the UK.
Would you like to significantly lower your home’s energy usage and heat your home using renewable energy? Read on to discover the energy efficient heating solutions available for homes and commercial properties in the UK.
Air Source Heat Pumps
Air source heat pumps extract heat from the air outside your home and use this heat to keep your property warm and comfortable. Heat from an air source heat pump is suitable for use with an HVAC system, radiator or underfloor heating.
Because heat pumps merely extract heat from outside, rather than creating heat by burning a fossil fuel such as natural gas, they generate heat without the use of non-renewable fuels.
Air source heat pumps are energy efficient, using less energy than a typical boiler or electrical heater to deliver a steady flow of heat into your building. This makes them an energy efficient, eco-friendly solution for residential and commercial buildings.
On average, an air source heat pump can deliver 150% to 300% as much heat as the amount of energy required to operate. When used effectively, air source heat pumps can deliver significant savings for homeowners and commercial property owners.
Like many other renewable heat systems, certain air source heat pumps are eligible for the domestic RHI. Learn more about the benefits of air source heat pumps in our Guide to Air Source Heat.
Ground Source Heat Pumps
Ground source heat pumps extract heat from the terrain surrounding your property and distribute it throughout your building.
Like air source heat pumps, ground source heat pumps don’t create heat – instead, they extract heat from the ground surrounding your home and, using a compressor system, heat a water loop to supply your property with warm air or water.
Because the earth’s temperature stays relatively consistent throughout the year, it’s a great source of heat. During winter, a ground source heat pump can supply heat to your property extremely efficiently, reducing your energy consumption and costs.
Most ground source heat pumps supply heat to a conventional radiator, underfloor heating network or HVAC system. Like an air source heat pump, ground source heat does not involve the burning of any non-renewable fossil fuels.
Ground source heat pumps are eligible for the domestic RHI. Learn more about the benefits of ground source heat pumps in our Guide to Ground Source Heat.
Micro-CHP Systems
Micro combined heat and power (micro-CHP) systems generate heat and electricity simultaneously, supplying your home with an energy efficient source of heat as well as sufficient electricity to power lights and other important appliances.
Unlike many other renewable heating systems, micro-CHP systems burn fossil fuels such as natural gas or LPG to generate heat and power. Despite this, micro-CHP is a significantly more efficient source of heat and power than many other options.
The electricity generated by a micro-CHP boiler can be used immediately to power lights and small electrical appliances, or stored in batteries for use during a period of peak electricity consumption.
Micro-CHP systems are most energy efficient during winter. This is because energy is created as a by-product of generating heat, allowing for electricity generation as your home or commercial property is heated.
Like energy efficient heat pumps, micro-CHP boilers are eligible for the ROI. Learn more about the benefits of micro-CHP systems in our Guide to Micro-CHP.
Biomass Boilers
Biomass boilers generate energy efficient heat using plant matter. Since biomass is organic material that’s regrown over time, biomass boilers produce renewable heat that has a minimal impact on the environment.
The plant matter used in biomass heat systems absorbs carbon dioxide throughout its lifespan. This means that biomass heat is carbon neutral, absorbing just as much carbon dioxide as it produced during combustion.
In addition to its minimal impact on the environment, biomass is a cheap source of fuel that makes heating your home significantly more cost effective than a standard boiler or electrical heater.
Like other renewable heating technology, heat generated using biomass is eligible for the domestic RHI. Learn more about the benefits of biomass heating technology in our Guide to Biomass.
Solar Water Heating
Solar water heating uses the heat generated by the sun to provide your home with a consistent supply of hot water. Unlike solar PV electricity, solar water heating does not use the sun’s light as an energy source – instead, it absorbs its heat.
Unlike other renewable heating technology, solar water heating is primarily used to heat your home’s water supply instead of supplying heat to radiators or underfloor heating.
Solar water heating can be used independently or alongside solar electricity panels to provide a source of hot water and renewable electricity. Learn more about how solar water heating differs from solar electricity in our Solar Water vs. PV Guide.
Are you interested in green energy?
From heating your home to powering lighting and appliances, switching to green sources of energy such as solar or residential wind power can reduce the amount you spend on energy every month.
It’s never been more cost effective to switch to green energy. We specialise in solar energy systems and energy efficiency for residential and commercial buildings, and our experienced team can help you make the switch.
Would you like to learn more about the green energy solutions available for your residential or commercial property? Contact us to learn how much you can save on your energy bills using renewable energy technology.