It’s never too early to think about the best ways to heat your home—so let’s get started long before the first frosts arrive!
There are various types of central heating systems that can be installed, ranging from £1000 to £3000 in price, depending on the type you choose.
Gas central heating
A gas-fired boiler is probably the most practical and popular choice if you live in an area that’s on the national grid. The system will of course heat water to supply heating for the radiators and hot water taps in your home. Gas central heating is also one of the cheapest, and most energy efficient types—however if you are not on mains gas, it can be expensive to install, although many rural properties use liquid petroleum gas (LPG). The average annual cost for heating and hot water using LPG in the UK is £1,125 when consuming around 13,500 kWh a year.
Electric central heating
For those who are not on the gas grid, homes can be heated through electric central heating. Although cheap to install, electric central heating is very expensive to run—three to four times more than gas—and only really works in well-insulated homes. Heat is provided either through electric radiators, or night storage heaters. Storage heaters work by warming heat-retaining bricks at night-time on a cheap rate. The bricks then heat the home throughout the day. This is not an ideal way to heat your home if you want instant heat, because the bricks can take 24 hours to heat.
Oil central heating
Another option for homes that are not on gas mains is of course oil central heating. One important consideration is the space you will need for your oil storage tank. Consider carefully the size of tank you’ll need and also its position in relation to the boiler it will fuel; consider, too, how the fuel line from tank to boiler will be installed. For the siting of the tank, another consideration is ease of access for your fuel supplier.
In 2014 the price of oil fell significantly, so it’s currently one of the cheapest ways to heat your home. Although oil heating is efficient, it is not a clean energy source because it generates carbon dioxide when burnt, so the carbon emission of your boiler is also something to consider before you make your purchase.
Comparing costs
| Heating source | Average cost when consuming 13,500 kWh a year |
|---|---|
| Gas | £609 |
| Electricity | £2053 |
| Oil | £594 |
Renewable energy
Many of us are now choosing renewable energy to heat our homes. The main types of microgeneration technologies are solar heating systems, heat pumps and wood burners. Generating your own energy is very rewarding, and is definitely an investment worth considering, especially as the government now pay you to produce renewable energy, thanks to the Renewable Heat Incentive (RNI).
Cosy stoves
Wood burning stoves and multi-fuel stoves act can be a great addition to homes that already have central heating, and there are also stoves with back-boilers that will heat radiator systems and also provide hot water. Some types of stoves can be connected to biomass boilers that burn wood to generate heat. Installing a biomass boiler is a great way to heat your home if you are not on gas mains. You may also be eligible to receive money from the RNI scheme, and it’s a great way to reduce your carbon footprint.
