What is the Best Heating System?

Heating our homes efficiently and sustainably is becoming a pressing priority, considering the rising energy costs and environmental challenges we face today. Choosing the best heating system not only impacts our comfort but also plays a crucial role in reducing energy bills and our overall carbon footprint. In this article, we will explore various heating options, including gas central heating, best underfloor heating systems, and renewable energy systems. By understanding the benefits and drawbacks of each, we can make informed decisions to create a greener and more environmentally conscious living space.

Understanding heating in the home

In the current scenario of high energy costs, the method you choose to heat your home holds immense significance. While the government’s Energy Price Guarantee (EPG) offers some protection for household energy bills, they remain at unprecedented levels. Consequently, choosing the best heating system not only determines your winter comfort but also has a substantial impact on your energy expenses and carbon footprint.

As you consider upgrading your heating system, it’s essential to explore the various types available, each running on different fuels, to make an informed decision that aligns with your needs and preferences.

Gas central heating dominates as the most common home heating system in England, Wales, and Scotland. However, it’s crucial to note that over one million homes still lack connection to the gas grid and rely on alternatives such as electric heating or other fuel options. Interestingly, many individuals are contemplating a shift away from the gas grid to embrace new technologies that offer enhanced efficiency and lower carbon emissions in their heating choices.

Northern Ireland presents a unique scenario, where more than two-thirds of homes rely on oil boilers as their primary heating source.

If your home is off the gas grid or you simply desire a different heating approach, several options are available to meet your needs. These alternatives include:

• Oil Central Heating

• Traditional Electric Heating

• Renewable Heating

If you seek greater efficiency and a reduced carbon footprint, an all-or-nothing transition is not necessary, especially if your current boiler is still functional. Instead, consider adopting a phased approach, gradually incorporating new technologies to lower your bills and emissions. A step-by-step transition to low-carbon heating is a practical path toward a sustainable future.

Regardless of the type of heating system you have, optimizing its usage will further contribute to cost savings and reduced environmental impact. Efficient heating practices, such as proper insulation, smart thermostats, and mindful usage, can significantly cut your energy bills and promote a greener household.

Underfloor Heating

When it comes to efficient and comfortable heating options, underfloor heating stands out as a popular choice. There are two main types of underfloor heating: warm water underfloor heating and electric underfloor heating. Leading to the question, what is the best underfloor heating system?

Water-Based Underfloor Heating

Water-based underfloor heating involves a network of pipes strategically placed beneath the floorboards of your home. These pipes are then connected to a heating system, such as a boiler or a heat pump. The connection is facilitated through a heating manifold, which houses all the necessary taps. As the size of the underfloor heating system increases, the manifold becomes more intricate to accommodate the additional pipes.

The warm water from the heating system is then pumped through the pipes, effectively heating the room from the floor up. One of the key advantages of water-based underfloor heating is its ability to provide consistent and even heating throughout the room, surpassing the performance of traditional radiators, making it one of the best underfloor heating systems.

Electric Underfloor Heating

Electric underfloor heating operates similarly to water-based systems, but instead of pipes, heating wires are installed beneath the floor. When the system is turned on, these wires heat up, radiating warmth upward into the room. Electric underfloor heating is relatively easy to install and is an excellent option for specific heating needs or room renovations.

The Benefits of Underfloor Heating

The advantages of both types of underfloor heating include:

• Maximises space – As underfloor heating operates underneath the floorboards; you eliminate the need for radiators in that area. This both frees up space and makes for a stylish and attractive living space.
• 25% more efficient than radiators – Whilst underfloor heating isn’t zero carbon, it is able to heat the room much more efficiently than traditional heating types. Warm water underfloor heating is around 25% more efficient than radiators, and this figure rises to 40% when paired with a heat pump.
• Low carbon alternative – In light of the fact they are a low temperature heating system, warm water underfloor heating is kinder on our planet than other forms of heating and will help you to reduce your carbon footprint. Making it the best underfloor heating for environmentally conscious homes.
• Luxury feel – One of the main advantages of underfloor heating is the way they feel. Walking on a comfortably heated floor feels both luxurious and cosy and is much better than stepping onto a freezing cold one.
• Compatible with all floor types – Despite popular opinion, underfloor heating isn’t only compatible with wooden or tiled floors, it also works with carpet, vinyl, and many more floor types. This means it’s unlikely you’ll need a new floor when you purchase underfloor heating.

Check our guide on 10 benefits of underfloor heating.

The Drawbacks of Underfloor Heating

While underfloor heating offers numerous advantages, it’s essential to acknowledge its disadvantages before making an informed decision. Here are some considerations to bear in mind:

• Installation – Though underfloor heating remains relatively straightforward to install, even as a retrofit, some temporary disturbance during installation is unavoidable. This aspect is common with any new installation process. Additionally, warm water underfloor heating may pose some complexity during installation. However, to ease the process, detailed design drawings are provided, simplifying the overall procedure.

• Cost – One notable drawback of underfloor heating is its higher installation cost compared to traditional heating systems, especially when employed in a renovation. However, it’s crucial to recognize that many low/no carbon heating systems typically incur higher initial purchase and installation expenses. The underlying principle is that these eco-friendly systems significantly reduce energy consumption over time, ultimately offsetting the initial investment.

For more guidance on the pros and cons for underfloor heating, check out our guide.

Ideal Homes for Underfloor Heating

Underfloor heating thrives when coupled with a heat pump. Therefore, homes equipped with a heat pump or those considering installing one may find underfloor heating a complementary addition.

Additionally, open-plan living spaces with substantial floor areas are well-suited for underfloor heating. Its efficient heat distribution throughout such open areas ensures consistent and comfortable warmth. No matter what type of home you have, we can help provide the best underfloor heating system for you.

Gas Central Heating

When it comes to homes equipped with a natural gas grid connection, a gas central heating system stands as the most cost-effective option for heating. However, it is essential to recognize that gas is a fossil fuel, and relying solely on it for heating is not sustainable in the long run. If environmental sustainability is a primary concern for you, it’s probably not going to be the best heating system for your home.

For homeowners with old and inefficient gas boilers nearing the end of their lifespan, upgrading to a modern, efficient gas boiler can significantly reduce heating bills and minimize running costs. To learn more about how to take a meter reading, refer to our comprehensive guide.

We encourage you to explore survey results, providing insights into the best boiler brands based on feedback from boiler owners and engineers. This information can assist you in making an informed decision when choosing the best heating system.

While gas central heating remains a prevalent choice, you can further optimize its energy usage by utilizing effective heating controls. With the right settings, you can ensure comfort while minimizing energy consumption.

Oil Central Heating and LPG

For homes connected to the natural gas grid, a gas central heating system typically presents the most cost-effective heating solution. However, it’s essential to acknowledge that gas is a fossil fuel, making long-term reliance on it unsustainable. If environmental sustainability is a top priority, exploring renewable or electric heating options becomes paramount.

Upgrading an old and inefficient gas boiler can lead to substantial savings on heating bills and minimize running costs.

To optimize energy consumption while maintaining comfort within a gas central heating system, leverage efficient heating controls, such as a programmable thermostat. These settings empower you to minimize energy usage without compromising on warmth.

In Northern Ireland, oil stands as the primary power source for home heating systems. To utilize oil heating, an external tank is required for oil storage, necessitating bulk purchases. However, the volatility of liquid petroleum gas (LPG) and other heating oil prices can lead to expensive refills.

The government’s initiative to provide an additional £200 to households using alternative fuels for heating during the winter of 2022 is a beneficial measure. If you are an electricity supplier customer, you should have received this automatically in February 2023. Otherwise, you can apply for it on Gov.uk.

It’s vital to recognize that, like gas, oil is a non-renewable fossil fuel, making it an unsustainable choice. When upgrading your boiler, prioritize efficiency, and consult our reviews to find a reliable oil boiler brand.

For more information on the pros and cons of oil central heating and tips on obtaining the best heating oil prices, explore this resource from Which.

Electric Central Heating

As the world moves towards a more sustainable future, the shift away from fossil fuels is inevitable, making electricity-powered heating systems the norm in the coming years.

Currently, electricity costs more per unit than gas, making a complete switch from gas central heating to mains electricity significantly increase energy bills, often more than doubling the expenses. However, for those who generate their own electricity, such as homeowners with solar panels, electric heating becomes a more viable and economical option, making it a viable contender for the best heating system.

Modern renewable heating systems, often powered by electricity, offer enhanced efficiency compared to traditional electric heaters, which can be exorbitant to run. This efficiency, coupled with the environmental benefits, makes renewable electric heating an attractive choice for sustainable living.

In flats and new-build homes, traditional heating systems that rely on mains electricity are more common. These setups typically consist of separate electric heaters in each room, offering individualized control and heating options.

For older properties, night storage heaters may still be in use. These heaters draw electricity from the grid at a reduced overnight rate and gradually release heat throughout the day at a “low and slow” level. Coupled with specific Economy 7 or Economy 10 electricity tariffs, these storage heaters provide access to cheaper overnight rates, optimizing energy consumption.

Electric heating systems are frequently paired with immersion heaters (also known as megaflow boilers or unvented hot water systems) to supply hot water, ensuring comprehensive and efficient heating solutions.

Renewable Energy

As environmental consciousness grows, more homeowners are turning to renewable energy to generate heat, seeking to reduce their carbon footprint and detach from the main energy network’s price volatility.

Adopting renewable energy for heat production not only minimizes carbon emissions but also decreases reliance on fossil fuels like gas and oil. While many renewable heating systems are electricity-powered, they offer improved efficiency compared to older electric heating options. For homeowners generating their electricity through solar power, the heating systems become fully renewable. Moreover, as the National Grid adopts greener energy sources over time, even mains electricity users will experience a reduction in their carbon footprint.

A mix-and-match approach offers a practical way to transition towards renewable options without a complete overhaul of the existing heating system. Rather than replacing the entire system at once, homeowners can gradually integrate renewable technologies into different rooms, times of day, or seasons. This approach allows for cost-effectiveness and minimal disruption, especially if certain elements of the current system, like an efficient boiler, are still in good working condition.

Three key areas to consider in the mix-and-match approach are:

1. Generating your own energy through solar panels or other renewable sources.

• Storing cheap grid energy for later use, with an emphasis on utilizing the greenest grid electricity.
• Introducing alternative low-carbon heating options, such as underfloor heating pumps, solar water heating systems, or biomass boilers.

Renewable energy heating systems either rely on energy self-generated from renewable sources (e.g., solar panels or biomass burning) or access renewable energy from external sources, as seen with heat pumps.

Heat pumps, for example, harness heat from the ground or air, providing a sustainable alternative to burning fossil fuels for heating. Although they require some electricity to operate, integrating them into a mains electricity system prepares homes for a future where gas and oil usage will diminish.

Heating by Burning Fuel

Wood burning stoves and biomass boilers offer a promising alternative to fossil fuels, utilizing organic materials like logs or wood pellets, which are generally considered more sustainable. By connecting these systems to a boiler, you can efficiently heat both water and your entire home.

However, while these fuels may be renewable due to their potential for reproduction, they are not exempt from environmental concerns. The air pollution generated by domestic fires and stoves remains a significant issue, with experts increasingly worried about its impact on both the environment and human health.

If you’re considering wood, pellets, or other organic materials as a heat source, it’s essential to assess whether it is suitable for your area. Many urban regions have imposed bans on burning fires to address air pollution and wood stove pollution concerns effectively.

Choose the Right Heating System Now

In conclusion, the heating system you choose for your home significantly impacts both your comfort and the environment, making it crucial to choose the best heating system for you. While gas central heating offers cost-effectiveness, it relies on fossil fuels and lacks long-term sustainability. Renewable and electric heating systems, powered by clean energy sources, present greener alternatives.

Transitioning to renewable energy heating systems, like heat pumps and biomass boilers, is a vital step towards reducing carbon footprints. A mix-and-match approach allows a gradual integration of low-carbon heating options for increased efficiency. Water and electric may be the best underfloor heating systems for the eco friendly.

However, it’s crucial to address environmental concerns related to wood burning stoves and biomass boilers, as they can contribute to air pollution. In urban areas, burning restrictions may apply.

In summary, sustainable heating solutions, such as underfloor heating and renewable energy systems, offer a pathway to a more eco-conscious future. Prioritizing energy efficiency and embracing clean technologies will lead us towards a greener and more sustainable living environment.

FAQs

Sources

GOV.UK. (2022). Energy Bills Support: Factsheet. Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/energy-bills-support/energy-bills-support-factsheet-8-september-2022 [accessed 19/07/23]

NIDirect. (n.d.). Central Heating. Retrieved from https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/central-heating#:~:text=More%20than%20two%2Dthirds%20of,one%20solution%20to%20this%20problem [accessed 19/07/23]

GOV.UK. (n.d.). Alternative Fuels. Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk/get-help-energy-bills/alternative-fuels [accessed 19/07/23]
Clean Air Hub. (n.d.). Wood Burners. Retrieved from https://www.cleanairhub.org.uk/clean-air-information/the-basic-information/wood-burners [accessed 19/07/23]