The ongoing search for alternative heating solutions

For many years in the UK, a gas or oil-fired boiler has been considered the standard form of heating for homes, however with new regulation on the way restricting their installation in new builds from next year and in all properties from 2035, what alternatives are there?

Electric boilers, heat pumps, biomass, solar thermal and Micro-CHP (Micro Combined Heat and Power) could all be options to consider, with some installations even using multiple technologies to give more flexibility to reduce energy costs depending on the time of year.

So which technologies are leading the race?

Heat pumps are currently being championed as the go-to for most properties. They work by drawing heat out of either the air, the ground or a body of water depending on the type of system. For efficiency they run at lower temperatures than conventional heating, but are usually run nearly constantly. Most systems will require a tank to collect and store the heat plus larger than average radiators to distribute the lower temperature evenly and effectively throughout a house.

Electric boilers could be a good option for a smaller property as they are cheaper to install, however they do struggle to supply sufficient hot water for larger properties. They work like a gas combi boiler, heating water on demand for both the heating and hot water.

Whether it’s currently on your radar or not, selecting an alternative heating solution is something that we all will need to address sooner or later, so taking steps now to get to grips with the different technologies available will pay dividends in the years to come as new regulations are introduced. The important first step is to review the pros and cons of each system with a qualified MCS installer who can advise you in relation to your own property, as well as discussing any further home improvements which may allow you to get optimum efficiency from your system. It’s also important to keep abreast of any government grants that may be available in certain circumstances to cover a proportion of the cost. To give you a head start, we’ve gathered a few useful links below to get you moving on your greener heating journey.

https://mcscertified.com/installers-manufacturers/

https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/energy-at-home/

https://www.gov.uk/apply-boiler-upgrade-scheme