It has become more important than ever that governments and organisations around the world focus on introducing new ways to tackle climate change by implementing eco-friendly technologies such as ground source pump also sometimes referred to as geothermal heating, air source heat pump (air-to-water heating), solar PV, solar thermal, wind and tidal energy.
The UK residential and commercial usage of gas to provide heating and hot water is one of the major challenges for the UK Government as the average household generates 2,745kg of CO2 emissions as per Energy Catapult analysis from 2017. This is around 31% of the total CO2 emissions.
It is impossible to reduce our carbon emissions from heating and hot water sufficiently if we continue to use natural gas, oil, LPG to heat our properties.
To tackle climate change UK has legal commitments to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. This means we need to install more eco-friendly heating systems such as ground source and air source heat pumps.
Which heating systems are not environmentally friendly?
Traditional heating systems include ones that we are all very familiar with and these include; combi gas boilers, oil boilers, LPG boilers, electric storage heaters, electric boilers, coal boilers and solid wood fuel systems.
If you are looking to replace any of the above systems please consider installing a more eco-friendly form of heating. You will not only save money by doing so you will also be playing your part in working to reduce carbon immersions and in turn helping the environment.
The most eco-friendly heating systems include ground source heat pumps and air source heat pumps.
If you are thinking of installing or replacing your old central heating system installing an air source or ground source heat pump could be one of your best decisions ever. Clean and green form of heating is the future and attracts a lot of Government support to help cover the cost of the system installation. To find out which eco-friendly heating system would best suit your property please contact us.
The benefits of using heat pumps to heat your home
Some of the biggest benefits you can get from installing a heat pump are lowering your fuel bills as well as lowering your carbon emissions making it a perfect eco-friendly heating solution.
As well as benefiting from lower fuel bills and helping the environment you can also gain a potential income through the Renewable Heat Incentive also known as the RHI. This Government scheme is helping tackle climate change by offering applicants regular payments over 7 years making heat pumps a great investment.
Annual fuel savings when installing a standard air source heat pump
| Old Gas Boiler | £400 – £465 |
| Old Oil Boiler | £460 – £545 |
| Old Electric Storage | £800 – £900 |
| Old LPG Boiler | £1,145 – £1,350 |
Figures above show potential annual savings of installing a standard air source heat pump in an average-sized, four-bedroom detached home. Figures courtesy of the Energy Saving Trust website. Accurate as of June 2018
Other benefits from installing heat pumps include;
- Ease of operation
- Minimal maintenance
- District heating opportunities
- Combine with Underfloor Heating
Heat pumps are not only efficient but also flexible in the sense you can replace any existing traditional heat system and still meet your heating requirements. This applies to both domestic and commercial applications as well as multi-property heating also known as district heating. To help customers install eco-friendly heating systems the Government has introduced low interest loans which can be used for both the domestic and commercial market. To find out more contact us today.
Which heat pump should you choose?
Air Source Heat Pumps – Great if you don’t have space inside the home to house the unit as they can be installed on the outside wall. High output ensures the home is comfortably warm and lower running costs compared with LPG and electric storage heaters. Lower install costs compared with ground source heat pumps.
Ground Source Heat Pumps – Higher cost to install but higher RHI returns making it a great investment. Ground temperatures are constant throughout the year so you benefit from lower running costs compared with air source heat pumps. Ground collectors can be installed using trenches if enough land is available but if the land is limited boreholes can be used.
Heat pumps grants & loans
Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) – Get paid straight into your bank account every 3 months for 7 years (payments based on your EPC report.) RHI applications are made after your new heating system has been installed with successful applications guaranteed.
Home Energy Scotland Loan – £10,000.00 (0% interest). To register your interest in the Home Energy Scotland Loan call 0808 808 2282 and see how much you can claim.
District Heating Loan Fund – Loans of up to £1M are available through the Energy Saving Trust with low interest rates payable over 10-15 years. Limited funding available each year.