The ever-accelerating climate crisis has made us all aware that we need to make the change to a more sustainable way of living in many facets of our lives. Switching to a renewable heating system is becoming a more and more popular way of doing this, and forms a key part of the government’s net zero strategy, as the recently increased Boiler Upgrade Scheme attests.
But how do you find the best home heating system to fit into your lifestyle as well as ticking the sustainability box? Read on to find out.
Ground source heat pumps
Thanks to the government’s £7,500 grant for homeowners who make the change to heat pumps or air pumps, these have been a hot topic of conversation recently. That said, many people remain unsure of exactly how they work and whether they will be the best renewable heating system for them.
As the name suggests, this type of renewable home energy is sourced from underground. This is achieved via a network of pipes and pumps buried out of sight beneath your garden. For many people who are looking for a greener way to heat their home, this is one of the best heating systems available as it’s a long-lasting solution which can save you money on your energy bills by making use of the free energy buried beneath the earth.
Ground source air pumps provide a long-lasting and low maintenance heating system for many people. However, the suitability of your home for this type of renewable heat depends on several factors, including the insulation levels of your home. Clearly, sufficient outdoor space to install the piping is also a pre-requisite.
Air source heat pumps
Thanks to their versatility, cost-effectiveness and ease of installation, many people opt for an air source heat pump as the most suitable source of renewable energy for their home.
Working efficiently at temperatures as low as -15 degrees Celsius, air source heat pumps use the air from outside to heat your home and water, using a fan in a unit which is usually attached to an exterior wall. The air drawn in from the fan heats a refrigerant that is then compressed to create heat in one of the best home heating systems available with sustainable credentials.
As well as the current government grant and 0% VAT on installation, benefits of air source heat pumps can include cheaper fuel bills, especially if you’re replacing an electric heating system. These kinds of eco heating systems can also halve your carbon footprint and once installed, are a low maintenance and reliable way of heating your home.
As with any heating system, air source heat pumps will work better for some homeowners than others depending on where you live, the size of your home and the system you are looking to replace. Contact us to discuss your specific needs in more detail.
Solar hot water system
When looking for the best home heating system with renewable credentials, a solar hot water system is well worth considering.
This kind of sustainable heating system uses panels on your roof to absorb the heat from the sun in order to heat your water. It works in conjunction with your existing heating system, which will be programmed to kick in when your solar supply is depleted. As well as being an eco-friendly choice, investing in the installation of solar panels can save you money in the long run, as it’s thought that most homes use up to a quarter of their total energy output heating their water, an amount that can equate to hundreds of pounds a year.
Like many eco heating systems, solar hot water systems are low maintenance once installed. The suitability of solar panels will depend on various factors, including the size and positioning of your roof.
A renewable home heating system you can trust
Although renewable heating systems still seem a relatively new concept, here at Lewington’s we established our Renewables division in 2000, meaning we are nearly a quarter of a century ahead of the curve when it comes to advising on, installing and maintaining the latest technology in sustainable heating. This service is offered alongside modern boiler installation, and we will always look at the bigger picture to recommend the best heating system for your home and your family’s needs.
To find out more, please call us on 01858 433333 or fill in our contact form and we will be happy to discuss your requirements.
