7 Low Carbon Heating Measures – From April 2022, homeowners across England and Wales will be able to apply for a £5000 grant from the U.K Government as part of a drive to encourage a switch to green energy installations. There has been lots of questions regarding the various renewable energy technologies available including some of the benefits and drawbacks of switching to measures such as Air Source Heat Pumps, Solar Thermal and Ground Source heating. We look at the benefits of installing low carbon heating measures and what this means for homeowners.
7 Low Carbon Heating Measures - What Are They?
Low carbon heating measures produce energy from natural resources such as the sun and wind. Instead of relying on traditional fuels such as gas, oil or coal for heating and hot water, these systems use energy from renewable sources. It is possible to reduce the amount of CO2 your homes emit by replacing outdated, low efficiency heating systems such as gas and oil fuelled boilers to low-carbon heating solutions. These include:
- Air Source Heat Pumps
- Solar Thermal (Solar Hot Water)
- Solar Photovoltaics
- Ground Source Heat Pumps
- Biomass Boilers
- Electric Combi Boilers
- Micro-CHP Systems
Low-carbon heating measures, such as Air Source Heat Pumps and Solar Panels can considerably reduce your home’s carbon footprint as well as potentially save you money on your heating bills. It is worth noting that not all low carbon heating systems work the same way, and some are more expensive to run than others. For example, an Air Source Heat Pump runs off electricity rather than gas.
Whilst you will not be paying a gas bill, your homes electricity bill will increase. With a poorly insulated house, this could prove costly. It is always advisable to discuss your requirements with an accredited retrofit assessor, who will be able to advise you on the best measure for your property.
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How do I know if I need a new heating system?
Generally speaking, gas boilers become less efficient as they get older and as a result; use more gas to heat your home. There are a few signs that you need a new boiler to look out for:
- Odd noises. As boilers age, their parts can wear out and though these can be replaced it can be more cost-effective to get a new boiler
- It regularly needs repairs. You should have your boiler serviced annually by an approved plumber or gas safety technician
- It’s old. If your boiler is more than 10 years old it might be worth replacing it. Even if it functions fine, the older it gets the more likely it is to break down
- It leaks. Any leak should be investigated immediately, not only because the water can damage your home but also because it could develop into a carbon monoxide leak, which can be deadly
- The water temperature fluctuates. If your hot water takes a while to warm up, or runs hot and cold intermittently while running a sink or bath, then you probably need to replace your boiler if repairs don’t improve the situation
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Low-Carbon Heating Grants: The Renewable Heat Incentive
The Renewable Heat Incentive or RHI is a Government scheme available to homeowners across England and Wales. The scheme provides 7 years of financial support through quarter payments to homeowners who generate heat from renewable sources such as Air Source Heat Pumps, Grounds and Solar Thermal. The amount of money paid to the homeowner depends on the size of the installation and the tariff. You can find out more information about the scheme and how you might benefit as a homeowner by clicking here.
The programme is open for applications until 31 March 2022 and covers England, Wales, and Scotland.
