Are Heat Pumps the only option?
As we know, gas will be gradually phased out as supplies decline, prices rise and because of efforts to decarbonise, as well as concerns about energy security in an increasingly unstable world.
Currently, three quarters of domestic heating is by gas and just over a quarter of our electricity overall is generated by gas burning power stations (second only to wind power). Plans are to replace the gas generation by 2035 (or 2030 by some optimistic forecasts) with a mix of renewables and nuclear, with storage helping to balance out peak demand. Domestic gas will take longer to phase out – perhaps not now until 2050, especially since the proposed ban on new gas boilers by 2035 was abandoned last year.
This perhaps shows that the technology has not developed sufficiently to make replacements attractive. Pricing may well change this and incentivise consumer choices.
There are two main variants of air-source heat pump: ‘air to air’ and ‘air to water’.
Both are incredibly efficient and capture warmth from the outside, using an electric compressor and move it inside in colder weather and in some ‘air to air’ systems reversing the flow to provide cooling (air conditioning) in summer. The former provides warmed air (but no hot water), the latter connects to a wet central heating system or underfloor heating and hot water tank. They are designed to supply lower level constant heat, so a little different to traditional higher temperature heating which can be turned on and off quickly.
‘Air to water’ heat pumps can be eligible for £7,500 grants, as described in our last newsletter (‘air to air’ up to £2,500). If heat pumps are not suitable for you but you wish to get rid of gas and emissions from your home, could an electric boiler be the answer?
Electric boilers are not eligible for grants but are much cheaper than heat pumps. They use electric power (like a kettle) to heat up water for taps and central heating. The ‘direct’, on-demand type, is around the size of a wall-hung gas boiler, and can be a ‘combi-boilerʼ (heat and water) or just heat. Their lower outputs make them best suited for smaller properties and particularly apartments, as they are relatively easy to install anywhere (no flues or gas pipes !) and the ‘combiʼ types donʼt need storage tanks. But they are expensive to run, particularly when used during peak times.
There are also ‘electric heat batteries’ which use cheaper, off-peak supplies to store heat to release when needed. These can be quite large and require a water cylinder, some integrated. They can be run in combination with solar panels and electric batteries to make big energy savings.
The market and the solutions offered are becoming increasingly complex – hybrid systems are available and even microwave boilers are on the way(!) – and it is easy to make an expensive mistake. The starting point, though, is first sort out your home’s insulation and ventilation before investing in any tech, or money will be wasted and results disappointing.
This is a good place to start considering your heating and hot water solutions: The Energy Saving Trust
Cooling your home
Having suffered this hot summer, we need to learn how to cool our homes, as more heat is on the way. Whilst much of the world uses airconditioning, they also employ more cost-effective and environmentallyfriendly ways which we could adopt. Shutters and blinds are highly effective, particularly when fitted externally.
External fixtures such as shutters and blinds, however, will require planning permission in our conservation areas, and will not be allowed at the front but internally fitted drapes and hoods may be a good, easy option. We have recently seen a very simple and fairly cheap idea, particularly designed for our sash windows – and there will be others. These particular devices (right) simply clip to the inside of the top sash, providing a one-size-fitsall DIY shade and may be worth a look: www.stayshaded.co.uk.
Let’s hope for many more such easy and cost-effective options for this growing problem, before air-conditioning units sprout from everywhere
