Updated: Jul 27, 2022
Sustainability is at the forefront of progress. As we continue to develop new technologies, there is a focus on using these technologies to make processes more sustainable. Sustainability is great for the planet and can also save money in the long term. One of the best ways to help save the planet is with eco heating options.
So read on for this guide to eco heating from the experts at UK Energy Management.
What Is Eco Heating?
Energy bills are soaring and redundant heating options are causing more harm to the environment than good. Eco heating is the solution to some of these problems, helping to heat homes efficiently while keeping the impact on the environment to a minimum. The price cap on energy bills has recently been lifted, so people are on the lookout for energy-efficient methods that will save them money.
The environmental impact of heating is staggering, with home heating being one of the most polluting sectors in the UK. Gas-fired boilers produce a lot of greenhouse gases a year, which are terrible for the environment. But home heating doesn’t have to be terrible for the environment or expensive to run. Eco heating options can help to reduce carbon emissions and slash your energy bills in the long run.
The government has a goal to reach net-zero emissions by 2050 and is working hard to achieve this through a variety of methods. With government programs set up, you can get eco heating measures replaced or installed in your home for absolutely free. Here are some of the replacements you can make today to transform your home with eco heating.
ECO3 Boiler Replacement
It must first be stated that gas boilers are not all terrible for the environment. When they are running efficiently, their impact on the environment still occurs but is less extreme than most people think. However, the problem with boilers is that they generally lose their efficiency and effectiveness over time. When this happens, they require more fuel to burn, leading to more pollution going into the atmosphere.
Having your boiler replaced can help turn it into a green boiler. A green boiler converts more of the fuel it burns into heat energy with as little excess fumes being created as possible. The more fumes created, the more carbon will be emitted into the atmosphere.
Some green options include condensing boilers. This type of boiler is fitted with a Flue Gas Heat Recovery System, which allows them to recycle/recover the heat from gases and reuse it, instead of it being released into the atmosphere. This means they produce more heat from the energy they burn and waste less energy. However, they are not completely green, as they still burn fuel.
Electric boilers are another great eco-heating option. These boilers are considered 100% green as they are powered by electricity instead of burning fuel, converting energy directly into heat and not producing any emissions. Many electric boilers have achieved 100% energy efficiency, using all the energy up and not losing any via exhaust fumes.
Biomass boilers use biomass fuels such as logs and wood chips. They are considered carbon-neutral as the only carbon released is the carbon that is absorbed during the lifespan of the tree. To be completely carbon-neutral, however, new trees have to be planted for every tree that is used in a biomass boiler.
Hydrogen boilers are another green option, as they use hydrogen gas instead of fuel. The boiling of hydrogen only produces water vapour, so it has zero carbon output and doesn’t produce any harmful greenhouse gases.
Upgrading your boiler can help to reduce your carbon emissions and save money. It’s estimated you could save up to £300 a year with a new boiler
Heat Pumps
Heat pumps are a popular option for eco heating, and can play a big role in the decarbonisation of heating. Heat pumps can be divided into three types: ground source, air source and hybrid. They work according to their name, either absorbing heat from the air, ground or water to provide hot water and central heating to a property.
Heat pumps use the external source of heat to heat water in a hot water tank, radiator or boiler. Heat pumps count as eco heating as they run on very small amounts of electricity and use the environment to function, achieving energy efficiency ratings that can exceed 300%. Heat pumps can be costly to install, but government grants are available for money off or even free installation.
Cavity Wall Insulation
Cavity wall insulation has been used for years to help keep homes nice and cosy while reducing the bills. This form of eco heating works to keep the cold out and the heat in. It is usually made of foam, bead or mineral wool that is inserted into a gap between two layers of brick.
By trapping heat inside, you’ll have to use your other heating solutions less, meaning you’ll see a reduction in your energy bills. Trapping the heat inside means your boiler or other heating will have to work less, producing less harmful greenhouse gases.
Solar Power
Another popular eco-heating option is utilising solar power for your home. Simply install solar panels on your roof and you can enjoy the benefits of the energy they absorb all day long. Combine them with an energy storage system and you can make the most of your renewable solar energy even during the night-time when the sun isn’t out.
Solid Wall Insulation
If you don’t have cavity walls fit for insulation it’s no matter, as you can also install solid wall insulation in your home. This can include installing solid sheets onto your walls that will help keep your home warm and insulated.
Smart Thermostat
Taking control of your heating is a great way to manage your costs and environmental impact. One eco heating feature you can do this with is by installing a smart thermostat in your home. Most of these thermostats can be controlled from your phone or computer, meaning you can adjust the temperature inside your home from anywhere.
You can schedule your system to run less when you’re not in, so you won’t be wasting energy heating an empty home. You can also program it to start as you approach on the way home, so you don’t have to spend time frozen while you’re waiting for the house to heat up. It’s handy if you’re away on a trip and don’t want your pipes to freeze, as you can wirelessly blast the heating for an hour or two and then turn it off with the click of a button.
You can also track your energy usage so you can see how much you’re spending, letting you make smart choices to decrease your energy costs even more. If you’re using a lot of energy at peak times, you can then choose to decrease this if you want. Most smart thermostats have movement detectors, so they can start to learn your routine and automatically make adjustments. They can even check the internet for the weather forecast and change the temperature. This is useful if a sudden cold chill sets in overnight and you need a bit more heat to get up in the morning!
Eco Heating Grants Through UK Energy Management
UK Energy Management is seeking to help as many people as possible get free replacements for their heating systems, including access to a variety of amazing eco heating options. We do this through the Energy Company Obligation, a scheme that helps tackle fuel poverty and improve energy efficiency in the UK. The scheme is currently in its final phase, ECO4, and is due to come to an end on 31st March 2026.
The scheme is supported by medium and large-sized energy companies and helps to reduce carbon emissions and improve living conditions by providing funding to low-income, fuel-poor and vulnerable households. This funding provides energy-efficient measures such as heating systems, insulation and boilers.
UK Energy Management helps by giving customers a method to access the funding they need. Simply enter a few details on our website and we can tell you if you are eligible for free electric heating system replacement. If approved we can send out engineers to survey your property and book an installation date.
Wondering if you’re eligible? You can get new, energy-efficient eco heating if you receive any of a selection of benefits including Jobseeker’s Allowance, Working or Child Tax Credit, Universal Credit and more.
If you have questions about your eligibility or how we can help you, call today on 0191 466 1185. Find out more about ECO4 funding and what eco heating is available by visiting our website now.
