ALTERNATIVE FUEL SOURCES
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Net Zero heating - why are we only talking about heat pumps?
Keith Bastian, chief executive of electric heating company Fischer Future Heat looks at five ‘zero emission’ alternatives to heat pumps
W
ith Net Zero targets looming larger in the rear view mirror, air source heat pumps (ASHPs) have been lauded as the main
alternative to gas boilers. But despite the offer of a £5,000 grant towards the cost of installation, take up for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme has been muted. The government aims to give out 30,000 vouchers
annually but only managed 9,888 between the scheme’s launch in May and the end of last year. So far, annual ASHP installation is under 40,000. As it stands, the government’s target to install 600,000 a year by 2028 seems optimistic at best.
Problematic pumps
Criticism of heat pumps and in particular their lack of suitability for many UK homes may account for the poor uptake. Complaints from homeowners include heat pumps struggling to reach comfortable temperatures in colder weather and unwelcome noise can often be an issue due to the outdoor fan which is usually placed in the garden. For the millions of UK homes that suffer from poor insulation, heating experts remain sceptical on the effectiveness of heat pumps, which may also
require an upgrade to larger radiators for users to feel any benefit.
Pricey pumps
Price is also an issue for many homeowners with purchase and installation costs ranging anywhere between £7,000 and £14,000 – considerably higher than the £2,000 average for a replacement gas boiler.
Legally binding
If Net Zero targets are to be achieved, it is clear that we need to change the way we heat our homes sooner rather than later. So what are the alternative options for homes that are not suitable for an air source heat pump? There’s no question that heat pumps will play a part in helping us to Net Zero. But heating homes in the UK is not a one-size-fits-all solution. The Government needs to put just as much effort into highlighting other forms of zero emission heating – giving consumers greater choice to suit their circumstances.”
If you are thinking of cleaning up your heating
system but are wary of a heat pump. Here are five alternative options that offer the same environmental benefits of a heat pump, but may be more effective at heating your home.
Electric boilers
Electric boilers offer high levels of efficiency and produce zero emissions in the home. With no requirement for external flues, and minimal moving parts, maintenance is a lot easier compared to heat pumps and gas boilers. They are available as a combi-boiler which can be swapped directly with a gas boiler to provide heating and hot water. Similar to heat pumps, a well-insulated home is important but installation is relatively straightforward and can be completed in under a day.
Electric radiators
Modern electric radiators are a far cry from the big and bulky storage radiators of the 1970s and can be an effective and efficient method to provide your home’s heating. The best electric heaters come with
26 June 2023
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