Choosing the right heating system for your home is an important decision that can impact your comfort, energy bills, and carbon footprint. With various options available, from gas boilers to heat pumps, it can be tricky to know which is best suited for your home. Here are the top 4 heating systems to consider for UK homes:
Wood Burning Stoves
Wood burning stoves are one of the most popular home heating systems in the UK. They burn wood pellets or logs to provide radiant heat that warms up your rooms efficiently. Modern wood stoves are very efficient, converting over 80% of the wood’s energy into heat. They are also carbon-neutral since they release roughly the same amount of CO2 that was absorbed by the trees as they grew.
Wood stoves provide a cosy, natural warmth that makes them appealing for lounge areas. Top-end models have large glass windows to let you enjoy the flames. They can heat areas up to 130 m2 in size.The cost of installing wood burning stove is worth it when you consider the fact that you won’t be relying as much on your central heating. With the rising costs of fossil fuels, wood stoves give you independence and stability as wood is a renewable fuel that can be sourced sustainably within the UK.
Thoroughly research how much does it cost to install a wood burner to make sure it is the right option for your home.
Gas Central Heating
Gas central heating is the most common type of home heating system found in UK homes. It consists of a natural gas boiler that heats water which is then pumped through radiators around your home. The boiler can also provide hot water for your taps and shower.
Gas heating provides consistent, convenient warmth. As gas is piped directly into your home, you don’t need to store fuel. The upfront costs are lower than many other systems too. Modern condensing combi boilers are over 90% efficient and their carbon emissions are lower than oil or electric heaters.
Underfloor Heating
Underfloor heating pipes warm water through pipes under the floor rather than radiators on your walls. It provides a pleasant ambient warmth from toe to head. Underfloor heating works with any boiler but is especially effective with heat pumps.
It can be installed in a new extension or retrofitted to an existing room. While the installation cost is higher, the running costs are lower as the system operates at a lower temperature.
Solar Thermal Panels
Solar thermal panels are an innovative option suitable for environmentally friendly households. Roof-mounted panels harness heat from the sun, which is used to warm up water stored in a cylinder. This solar-heated water feeds into your heating system’s radiators or underfloor heating system.
On sunny days, heating and hot water can be provided entirely free. Solar thermal systems work all year round in the UK, even on cloudy days.
With options ranging from tried-and-true gas boilers to eco-friendly wood burning stoves and solar panels, UK homes have a variety of effective heating systems to choose from.