FUTUREPROOFING YOUR HOME
Time to turn off the gas
When choosing a heating system for your new-build project, it’s now time to move away from the previous default option of a conventional gas boiler. James Chaplen of Mitsubishi Electric says that UK’s net zero target is just one reason to shift your decision-making criteria
N
et zero is now high on the Government’s agenda, meaning the days for fossil fuel heating
solutions are numbered. Opting for a low-carbon alternative, such as a heat pump, not only helps you stay ahead of upcoming regulations but also comes with a host of other benefits that are good for your wallet and the planet. One of the big benefits of choosing a heat pump is that it saves money in the long run. While the upfront cost may be a bit higher than traditional systems – like gas boilers – the energy savings and reduced heating bills over time make it a smart financial move. But it’s not just about the money. Choosing a low-carbon heating option like a heat pump also aligns with the broader goal of sustainability. By cutting back on fossil fuels, you’re directly reducing harmful greenhouse gas emissions, which is crucial for combating climate change. Additionally, having an eco-friendly heating system can enhance the value of your property, making it more attractive to environmentally conscious buyers.
In this changing landscape of eco-
awareness and evolving energy choices, opting for a low-carbon heating solution like a heat pump is not just a practical decision; it’s a step towards a brighter, greener future. It saves you money, makes a positive impact on the environment, and keeps your project in line with future regulations – a win-win for you and the planet.
WHAT ABOUT HYDROGEN? Hydrogen has been a buzzword in the low-carbon world for a while, and while it sounds promising, it’s not always as energy efficient as it’s made out to be. Producing hydrogen requires a huge
produced this way in 2022. So, while hydrogen might be getting some attention in the context of low- carbon heating options, sometimes the simplest solutions are the best. Heat pumps are a proven way to achieve efficient, eco-friendly heating for a home.
THE HEAT PUMP SOLUTION IN A COST-OF-LIVING CRISIS
amount of electricity. The electricity used to produce hydrogen could be put to much better use. One compelling alternative is to channel that electricity directly into heat pumps. By opting for heat pumps instead of hydrogen production, the UK will be able to reach net zero in a more efficient way that is more manageable for consumers over time. Hydrogen also is not guaranteed as a
fully renewable energy source due to its varying production methods – known as Grey, Blue, and Green. While Green runs off renewable energy sources like solar and wind, Blue and Grey still use fossil fuels to power production. Grey is also the most toxic to the environment, as carbon emissions are not captured once released. Unfortunately, Grey is the most widely used production method at the moment – with 92% of global hydrogen
The cost of home heating is at front of mind for us all, and recent research by Mitsubishi Electric and Ipsos shows that 55% of Britons want the cost- of-living crisis to be a priority on the Government’s agenda. As we approach winter, this concern is ever present. How can we heat our homes in a way that is both cost-effective and healthy for the planet? Luckily, there is a solution. Heat pumps are extremely energy efficient – capable of providing up to three times more energy than they consume. This makes them a great choice for savvy homebuilders looking to save money while reducing carbon emissions. Heat pump technology allows for highly energy efficient residential heating, as for every kW of electricity consumed, a heat pump can produce 3 kWs of heat energy. In comparison, a typical gas boiler produces less than 1 kW of heat energy. Less energy used means less money spent on bills. When two in three Britons think that the worst is yet to come with the cost-of-living crisis, a money saving option like heat pumps couldn’t be more relevant.
FUTUREPROOFING WITH HEAT PUMPS Investing in a heat pump is not just a smart choice for today, but also a crucial step towards futureproofing your home. In an era marked by growing
When two in three Britons think that the worst is yet to come with the cost of living crisis, a money-saving option like heat pumps couldn’t be more relevant
nov/dec 2023
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