HOW TO GO ‘GAS FREE’ WITH HOME HEATING
Experts at Electric Radiators Direct offer their advice to British homeowners looking to ditch fossil fuels and move to greener heating options as we approach colder months
many Brits may be looking to switch to alternative heating solutions to improve their home’s energy efficiency.
W In the last three months alone,
searches for ‘electric radiators’ have increased by 50%, with 40.5k Brits searching for the heating solution each month. Meanwhile, searches related to heat pumps have soared by 83% in the same period, to 60.5k per month.
But at the end of 2021, almost half (43%) of UK residents admitted that cost was the biggest obstacle to ‘going green’ with their home heating, in a study by Electric Radiators Direct.With the cost of living crisis having worsened throughout 2022, the affordability of heating will be a significant concern for many Brits this winter.
For some, investing in new energy solutions may not be a viable option right now.
However, for those
choosing to make the switch, ditching gas has a few benefits, including first and foremost lowering your home’s carbon footprint and minimising energy waste.
For those looking to make
improvements that could lower their emissions, make their home more energy-efficient and reduce their bills, there are options available.
What to consider before ‘making the switch’ If rising energy costs are your immediate concern, it may not be feasible to invest in new energy solutions for your home right now. It could be helpful, however, to consider the long-term benefits of ditching gas, and plan ahead for a switchover in small steps.
Although gas is a cheap energy
source per unit, there are other options that can work out less expensive in the long run and are also better for the planet. Electricity, for example, is more expensive per unit, but electric heating is 100% efficient at its point of use, which means that every watt
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ith household energy bills still set to rise by about 6.5% under the UK government’s new price cap,
and feed it back into the National Grid, making your home heating carbon free.
In terms of costs, electric radiators can be between £200 and £550 per unit, depending on wattage and model. They generally have no installation fees and could cost around £2,247 a year collectively to run for an average three-bedroom home.
Electric radiators can also come with a range of smart features to help you minimise your energy usage, such as zoned heating, open window detection, Wi-Fi and smartphone control apps.
of electricity you use is converted into heat, and nothing goes to waste. Gas central heating, however, sustains system losses, which naturally occur at the point of combustion, as well as across the pipe network. Up to 50% of the heat produced by a gas boiler can be lost through the pipes, especially if they’re not well insulated. This means you end up paying for warmth that you aren’t benefiting from.
Heating options
As our survey has shown, many feel they need more information about what their options are and would like some guidance on what the best solution would be for them. If you’re looking to move on from gas central heating for example, you may want to do some research into the best alternatives for your home before you commit. Heat pumps - The Government is
offering help and grants to encourage the nation to install low carbon heating systems, including heat pumps for example.
Heat pumps work by taking the
heat from outside a property, either from the surrounding ground or the air, and transferring it indoors. They are highly efficient and could also be used to cool down the house in warmer months. As such, for the right household, they could be the answer. Typically, air heat pumps cost
around £8,000 to install, while ground source pumps, which extract solar energy from the earth and convert it into power, can be closer to £35,000 for a two to three bedroom house. Even with Government help, the
total cost to install could be around £3,000 for an air pump, and £30,000 for a ground pump so for many this is a big investment and something they’d only consider installing in a property they’re planning on living in for some time. In terms of running costs, outgoings for a heat pump in an average-sized home could be around £1,725 a year in total.
Biomass boilers - Biomass boilers
are another carbon-free heating solution the Government is offering grants for, as part of their new scheme to encourage Brits to move away from gas.
They use materials such as wood pellets or logs to create heat. As such, they could be a good option for rural homes, and for those able to source suitable matter that can be turned into fuel.
On average, they can cost between £5,000 and £13,000 to install, but can be quite cheap to run as the cost of fuel needed is around £5p per Kw/h. If you’re looking to choose a biomass boiler as an option, though, you must ensure you have enough space to house it, as they can be a considerable size. Electric radiators - If you’re not able to install a heat pump or biomass boiler but are still looking to switch to a greener alternative, you could also choose to adopt a green tariff and pair this with electric heaters. Switching to a green tariff means that your provider is agreeing to buy energy only from renewable generation methods. Green energy suppliers can also replace the electricity you use with renewables
Infrared heaters - Infrared heaters could be a good solution if your home is not perfectly insulated, as they don’t work by warming the surrounding air, but produce heat that travels in a wave. Through this, they heat surfaces
directly, reducing the chance of warmth being lost to draughts. They are generally of a lower wattage compared to radiators, which means they use less electricity, but may need to run for longer if your home is very spacious or poorly insulated. It’s always worth noting that
running costs and potential savings for each solution vary based on a number of factors, including the size and location of your home, as well as insulation, so it’s always advisable to consult a professional before you make your final decision.
Getting rid of a gas system Due to high risks involved, whichever solution you choose, you will need professional help to get rid of an old gas system, which includes the boiler and pipework.
The overall cost will depend on several factors, such as the size of the house, the age of the boiler and how many radiators and pipes there are, so it’s always worth comparing quotes from a few different professionals in order to get the best one. Before you do so, always ensure you’re only getting in touch with Gas Safe registered engineers, in order to avoid any risks.
NOVEMBER 2022 DIY WEEK 21
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