ALTERNATIVE FUELS
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Thinking outside the box for inefficient properties
Oliver Baker, chief executive of Ambion Heating looks at the low-carbon heating options that could help energy-inefficient properties reduce both carbon and energy bills
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n order to comply with global climate goals by 2050, the government has introduced low-carbon heating initiatives such as the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, as well as consulting on the potential for hydrogen to replace methane as a fuel source. Compliance with the Future Homes Standard (FHS) will also become mandatory in 2025.
Looking at a range of heating solutions
While these initatives are welcome, there is a strong focus on heat pumps as the primary technology to decarbonise UK homes. This is particularly true following the UK Energy Minister’s claims that hydrogen won’t be a major player in home heating. Yet, heat pumps offer just one solution for supporting decarbonisation. There are elements of heat pumps and hydrogen heating that may not be optimal for every environment – especially poorly insulated homes and lower energy efficiency-rated buildings. The idea that one or even two heating solutions alone will be enough to achieve 100% zero emissions is impractical. So, what low-carbon heating options could help
energy-inefficient properties make the switch to reduce both carbon and energy bills? One option is low-carbon infrared heating panels, which offer a cost-effective alternative to fossil fuel systems, with little disruption from installation. Infrared heat works like the sun, without ultraviolet rays. The infrared is absorbed and stored as heat by the fabric of the building and materials within a room, which makes it easier to maintain an ambient temperature for longer.
Heating properties with poor insulation
One of the biggest challenges faced by owners of heating energy-inefficient properties is the loss of warm air through poorly insulated windows and gaps, which is a common issue in older properties. When heat pumps are used to heat a space, they warm the surrounding air. Naturally, this warm air rises, escaping through gaps and crevices. To compensate for this heat loss, these properties would need to install a larger heat pump, adding to the upfront investment as well as being an inefficient way to heat a space. This may also affect the owner’s eligibility to apply for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme. Additionally, for homes or
26 January 2024
buildings with poor insulation, a heat pump may not be the best option and can be more expensive to run than the existing setup. In contrast, infrared heating panels emit infrared
which warms the materials, such as walls and furniture, instead of the air. This reduces the effect of heat loss arising from warm air escaping through drafts and poorly insulated walls and ceilings. Heat pumps are also not as effective in combating mould and damp issues - a result of badly insulated homes. Condensation occurs when warm, moisture- packed air from the heating system settles on cold and poorly insulated surfaces. In an inefficient building, condensation can become a problem and can potentially cause or aggravate respiratory problems like asthma or allergies. In contrast, infrared heats the fabric of the home rather than the air, removing the conditions for condensation.
Supporting homes with inefficient heating systems
Off-grid and rural living often bring to mind period properties – beautiful stone cottages with open fires in every room, settled amongst
wide open green spaces. Although picturesque, off-grid properties are more likely to have Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ratings of D or below. Alongside poor insulation concerns, many rural
properties remain off-grid and unconnected from main gas networks. Currently, there are more than four million households not connected to the gas grid. For these properties, hydrogen as a source of heating is not an option, as hydrogen would likely require a connection to the gas grid. In the meantime, these properties are left with inefficient systems for heating, such as oil and LPG boilers, coal or log fireplaces, which are costly both in terms of energy and carbon emissions. There is the option for a heat pump, but the fact is that many older properties weren’t built with energy efficiency in mind, and a heat pump might still not be the most efficient way to heat a building.
Off-grid properties could potentially opt for a biomass boiler through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, which generates heat by burning wood, plants and other organic materials. Although biomass boilers produce fewer emissions than fossil fuel boilers, they still emit gases. Alternatively, infrared heating panels are an
excellent option for rural and off-grid property owners who want to improve the energy performance of their homes. For instance, independent reviews have shown that on average our technology uses 63% less electricity than conventional systems, resulting in a 63% reduction in carbon emissions.
Looking into the future
As we move closer to achieving the government’s net zero by 2050 target, the requirements for homeowners and landlords to enhance their property’s energy efficiency are likely to increase. The good news is there are several low-carbon heating solutions available to improve energy performance while reducing energy bills too. Although many of the low-carbon heating technologies supported by the government have environmental benefits, not all of them will be right for every property’s heating needs, potentially leading to further costly upgrades in the near future. Therefore, it is essential to consider what’s best in the long-term when selecting a heating system by speaking with a professional installer to assess your home.
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