With energy prices and environmental concerns on the rise, many homeowners in the UK are looking for more eco-friendly ways to heat their homes. There are several green heating solutions that can help reduce your carbon footprint and lower your energy bills. Here are some of the top options to consider.
Invest in Insulation
One of the best places to start is by insulating your home. Stopping heat from escaping and cold from getting in can drastically improve energy efficiency. Insulate the roof, walls, floors, pipes, ducts – anywhere that heat could potentially be lost. Loft insulation is one of the most effective and affordable ways to better insulate a home. Cavity wall insulation and solid wall insulation also make a big difference. The more thoroughly insulated the home, the less energy needed for heating.
Use Smart Heating Controls
Smart heating controls like programmable thermostats and smart radiator valves allow homeowners to precisely control the temperature in different rooms and set schedules to match when rooms are occupied. This avoids heating empty rooms and maximises energy savings. Newer smart home tech allows heating to be controlled via smartphone apps and voice assistants. Zoning the heating is another useful approach – have separate controls for different areas of the home depending on use.
Choose Energy Efficient Heating Systems
When it’s time to replace an old or inefficient heating system, choose an eco-friendly model rated for energy efficiency. Condensing boilers are the most efficient type of boiler available. Other good options include heat pumps, solar thermal systems, and biomass boilers. When shopping for a new heating system, look for the EU energy label showing the efficiency rating. The cleaner and greener the heating system, the more environmentally friendly it is for your home.
Renewable heating utilises natural sources of energy like the sun, ground, air, or biomass. Solar thermal panels use energy from the sun to heat water. Ground source and air source heat pumps use small amounts of electricity to transfer heat from the ground or air. Biomass boilers are fuelled by wood pellets, a sustainable source. While the upfront cost is higher, renewable systems can pay for themselves over time through lower energy bills.
Install Eco-Friendly Wood Burning Stoves
Wood burning stoves have made a resurgence as a stylish and eco-friendly heat source. Fuelled by burning wood, they provide cosy radiant heat and work nicely as supplementary heating. Modern wood burners are much more efficient and cleaner burning than older models. Look for Defra-approved stoves that meet emissions standards. Use good quality wood fuel – seasoned hardwood logs and smokeless fuel. Locate the stove in a lived-in part of the home. Done right, wood burning can be a green way to heat your home. Discover eco-friendly wood burning stoves here.
Take Advantage of Natural Heat
Simple design techniques like positioning windows to capture daylight and arranging seating near heat sources maximise natural heat. South-facing rooms get the most sunlight. Thermal curtains, blinds, and shutters help reduce heat loss through windows. Leave interior doors open so heat circulates better. Keep the fireplace damper open when not in use so heat can spread through the house. Small adjustments can make the most of passive solar and other natural heat sources.
Heating a home sustainably takes planning but is achievable through smart design and technology.
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