Stay Warm & Save Money: Guide to Alternative Heating Systems

/

Sean Payne

Architect & Writer

Working on projects across the UK, focusing on energy efficient construction and renovations

The cost of heating our homes is skyrocketing.

Traditional combi-boilers guzzle gas during the dark, cold days of British winters. We're just trying to stay warm and cosy, and we’re doing our best to keep the shivers at bay, but our energy bills are draining our wallets and making a mockery of our hard-earned savings. And the environmental impact of traditional heating systems has Mother Nature wincing under the weight of an unwanted blanket of CO2.

Lately, I've been feeling the same frustration as you, convinced that there has to be a more cost-effective, environmentally-friendly way to heat our homes.

So, I set out on a mission to find alternative home heating systems that could help us tackle this issue once and for all. And guess what? I discovered some absolutely amazing options that are not only kinder to the environment but can also save us some serious cash on our energy bills!

So, put the kettle on, make yourself a cuppa, and let's dive into the world of eco and wallet-friendly heating alternatives that are perfect for our lovely British homes. Together, we'll explore these fantastic solutions that will leave you feeling warm, fuzzy, and guilt-free all winter long!

What a beginner needs to know about alternative heating systems

A log burner is just one of the many heating alterntives you can use in a house.

What types of alternative heating systems are available?

Alternative heating systems come in different forms, and some will suit certain projects better than others. Being aware of the main options, as well as their pros and cons, will allow you to choose the right option for your project.

The alternative heating systems we will cover include heat pumps, MVHR, solar panels and underfloor heating.

Don’t worry if this seems like a lot already! We’ll be going over them in detail below.

Heat Pumps

Heat pumps have been a hot topic in the UK recently. These devices gather up the warm air that’s found outside your home and use it to heat the inside of your home.

Heat pumps come in two general forms in the UK, air-source heat pumps and ground-source heat pumps.

Ground-source heat pumps are, as the name suggests, set up underground, and they can transfer a significant amount of heat to your home. The underground coils, however, do require a large amount of space.

Air-source heat pumps, on the other hand, only require a unit to function effectively, and this unit needs to be outside. These heat pumps do provide less heat, but they are still very efficient and worth investing in.

Heat pumps are a fantastic option for most renovation projects and properties in the UK. And even if you don’t have much outdoor space, an air-source heat pump won’t take up too much room.

Radiators provide a lot of warmth on cold, winter nights.

MVHR (Mechanically Ventilated Heat Recovery Unit)

MVHR systems are often considered as the next step up from a heat pump. They provide extremely sustainable heating to properties but can take time to set up correctly.

MVHR units act as the only entry and exit points for air in your building. By doing this, the MVHR is able to recover heat from the air that is escaping the building and can transfer it back into the building as fresh, filtered air. This keeps your property at a very steady temperature and ensures that it’s well-ventilated. This type of system doesn’t use too much energy either.

MVHR units form the foundation of a PassivHaus approach to building and renovating. Committing to the use of this system is not for the faint-hearted, as it requires very thick insulation and air tightness across your entire property. For many properties in the UK, reaching such high benchmarks isn’t always feasible, so using an MVHR might not be the best option.

That being said, MVHR units are a fantastic option if you are building a new property or if you are carrying out a complete renovation overhaul. If you are not working on something of this scale, I’d advise you to steer clear of MVHR units!

The easiest way to reach a roof so you can add solar panels to it - bring on the scaffolding!

Solar Panels

Solar panels have come a long way since the 2000s. The technology behind them has improved significantly, and you can now get a serious return on investment when heating your home with these panels.

Solar panels collect sunlight and convert it into heating or electricity.

Solar panels are suitable for many different kinds of projects, as long as you have some roof space available that ideally faces south (southeast and southwest are also great). You also need to have some room inside your property so you can house the battery and interface.

The only real drawback about solar panels is that you sometimes have to get planning permission to install them on a property in the UK.

Planning permission can seem like a daunting task, but in most cases, councils will approve solar panels on a property because they provide significant benefits.

Solar panels are a great option for you as long as you have access to a roof that faces south. Keep in mind that while planning permission is normally very easy to obtain if your property falls under a conservation area or is considered a listed building, the process might be a tad challenging.

Keep toasty with your trusted radiator by your side!

Underfloor heating systems

Underfloor heating systems are suitable for most renovations and are fantastic at providing heat. Underfloor heating systems come in hot water and electric variants and work by heating up coils which are placed under your floors.

Underfloor heating - particularly the electric matting variant - is very simple to install in comparison to other heating systems. Underfloor heating systems have the potential to completely replace a traditional radiator system in a house too.

The main drawback of underfloor heating is that it might not provide you with as much energy savings as some of the other options on this list. Plus, underfloor heating is typically used in conjunction with other heating systems.

Underfloor heating systems are, more often than not, a no-brainer when it comes to a lot of renovation and building projects. But it is important to note that it will not provide the same energy savings as other heating systems, especially when used alone.

Reach up and put some solar panels on your roof - but don’t forget you’ll need some scaffolding first!

Alternative heating systems: Don’t be afraid as a beginner!

No matter what your plans are, there’s an alternative heating system on the market that is suitable for you. With the knowledge outlined in this guide, you’ll be able to choose an alternative heating system that suits you and your home.

We’d love to support you!

We’re passionate about helping first-time renovators tackle their projects. And we want to help you make the most of your home, budget, and to enhance your life.

How we can help you: