Many of us are becoming more aware of our carbon footprint and taking active steps to reduce it, whether that’s eating less meat, avoiding flying short distances or reducing plastic waste. These are all good steps to take, but have you thought about the impact of your heating system? Over 90% of homes in the UK are heated by a gas or oil boiler, but these systems produce an average of 2.75 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions every year. This is the equivalent of driving 11,770 miles in an average car, or flying 11 round trips to and from Rome!
Luckily, there are several eco-friendly heating options which will keep your home warm and cosy and do their bit for the planet. If you want to know more about how to reduce your carbon footprint, see below for some effective eco-friendly heating alternatives.
Insulation
Extra insulation is a great place to start and there are many options, including loft insulation and cavity wall insulation. Insulation helps to retain heat far more efficiently, reducing your energy bills and helping to lower your carbon footprint in the process. Some households may be eligible for free insulation installation thanks to the government’s Energy Company Obligation scheme.
High-heat retention storage heaters
These electric heaters are far more efficient than old fashioned storage heaters and they’re easy to install. Currently high-heat retention storage heaters won’t reduce your greenhouse gas pollution compared to your gas boiler (especially if you already have smart heating controls). However, they will in a few years’ time, as the electricity grid gets more power from renewables, so it’s worth considering them if your boiler needs to be replaced.
Heat pumps
Heat pumps extract heat from an outside source (like the ground or the air) and then transfer it to your home’s heating system. Heat pumps are a form of renewable energy so they can help to significantly reduce your home’s carbon footprint. They operate efficiently, even at low ambient temperatures, and some models can provide both heating and cooling.
Heat batteries
Heat pumps are relatively new on the scene and they can store heat produced by your heat pump for later use. The heat can then be used to provide instant hot water, as well as heating for your radiators. Heat batteries allow you to use your heat pump when the price or carbon intensity of electricity is low (e.g. during the middle of the night) and you can then use the heat when you need it most.
Looking to upgrade your home’s heating system but worried about the cost? Get in touch with UK Energy Management (NE) Ltd to see if you’re eligible for an eco heating grant. You could be eligible for a range of eco-friendly heating upgrades, including loft insulation and high heat retention electric storage heaters. We source funding via the government’s ECO3 scheme so you can enjoy more energy efficient heating without having to pay a penny. For more information, give us a call today or contact us online to see if you qualify.
