Air source heat pumps are not the only solution to decarbonising the UK’s heating. Many other options may be more suitable for homeowners, but policymakers are ignoring these.
Not all homes are a good fit for this technology. Issues like poor insulation, cost, noise, and maintenance concerns make the heat pump option unappealing to many.
Several other zero-emission alternatives exist, like electric boilers, electric radiators, electric water heating systems, infrared radiators, and biomass heating. Each comes with its own set of benefits and potential challenges.
Five zero emission alternatives to heat pumps
With net zero targets looming more significantly in the rearview mirror, air source heat pumps have been lauded as the main alternative to gas boilers. But despite offering a £5000 grant towards the installation cost, take up for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme has been muted.
The government aims to give out 30,000 vouchers annually but only managed 9,888 between the scheme’s launch in May and the end of last year. So far, the annual air source heat pump installation is under 40,000. The government’s target to install 600,000 a year by 2028 seems optimistic at best.
Problematic pumps
Criticism of heat pumps and, in particular, their lack of suitability for many UK homes may account for the poor uptake. Complaints from homeowners include heat pumps struggling to reach comfortable temperatures in colder weather, and unwelcome noise can often be an issue due to the outdoor fan, which is usually placed in the garden.
For the millions of UK homes that suffer from poor insulation, heating experts remain sceptical about the effectiveness of heat pumps, which may also require upgrading to larger radiators for users to feel any benefit.
Pricey pumps
Price is also an issue for many homeowners, with purchase and installation costs ranging anywhere between £7000 and £14000 – considerably higher than the £2000 average for a replacement gas boiler.
Legally binding
If net-zero targets are to be achieved, it is clear that we need to change how we heat our homes sooner rather than later. So what are the alternative options for homes unsuitable for an air source heat pump?
Keith Bastian, CEO of electric heating company Fischer Future Heat said: “There’s no question that heat pumps will play a part in helping us to net zero. But heating homes in the UK is not a one size fits all solution. The Government needs to put just as much effort into highlighting other forms of zero emission heating – giving consumers greater choice to suit their circumstances.”
If you are looking to clean up your heating system but are wary of a heat pump. Here are five alternative options that offer the same environmental benefits of a heat pump but may be more effective at heating your home.
Electric boilers
Electric boilers offer high levels of efficiency and produce zero emissions in the home. With no requirement for external flues and minimal moving parts, maintenance is a lot easier compared to heat pumps and gas boilers. They are available as a Combi-Boiler, which can be swapped directly with a gas boiler to provide heating and hot water. Like heat pumps, a well-insulated home is important but installation is relatively straightforward and can be completed in under a day.
Electric radiators
Modern electric radiators are a far cry from the big and bulky storage radiators of the 1970s and can be an effective and efficient method to provide your home’s heating. The best electric heaters come with individual thermostats which can be programmed to suit the user’s lifestyle and may even help reduce energy use.
Electric water heating
Keeping your water heating separate from the heating in your home can prove more efficient. Electric water heating systems have also come on in leaps and bounds in recent years, and you no longer need huge water tanks in the loft or an airing cupboard to enjoy a long hot bath.
Keith Bastian at Fischer firmly believes in separating hot water systems and heating and says: “Having individual systems to focus solely on your hot water is far more efficient as every kilowatt will be used for that single purpose. In the summer, you can also turn off the system that supplies heating, saving you money on your energy bills, and if anything goes wrong with your heating system, you will never be without hot water.”
Electric hot water systems can be paired with an electric ‘heat only’ boiler or electric radiator
Infrared radiators
Infrared heaters transmit heat through thermal radiation, generating infrared rays around the room. It’s the same way as the Sun works (but thankfully without the UV rays and temperature levels). Heat comes from infrared light warming your skin and clothes and bouncing off other objects in a room to heat the space.
Biomass heating
Biomass uses wood, plants and even manure to heat homes. While it is considered a renewable form of heating, it is argued that emissions released from this type of heating can cause health problems.
A biomass stove burns logs or pellets for heat and can also be fitted with an additional boiler for hot water. They don’t come cheap, though, with average costs reaching £16,000 for an average-sized home.
Keith Bastian at Fischer believes the Government should do more to highlight the alternative options to Heat Pumps. He said: “Mass adoption of zero carbon heating systems can only be achieved if the government push heavily towards people moving to any form of electrical heating. The end result is we’re no longer using fossil fuels in the home, which ultimately is what we are all trying to achieve.”