Smart Heating and Home Energy Solutions

Choosing the right heating system

Once you’ve optimised your insulation, you can focus on selecting the most appropriate heating system for your needs and budget. 

Gas central heating: Still a popular option, especially in urban areas with access to mains gas. Modern condensing boilers are highly efficient, but consider the environmental impact of using fossil fuels. 

Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs): A renewable energy option that extracts heat from the outside air, even in cold temperatures. ASHPs are eligible for government grants and offer lower running costs than gas boilers, particularly when paired with underfloor heating. However, they require a well-insulated home to function effectively. 

Ground Source Heat Pumps (GSHPs): More expensive to install than ASHPs, but generally more efficient, as they draw heat from the ground, which maintains a more consistent temperature. GSHPs also require a suitable plot of land for the ground loop installation. 

Biomass boilers: Burn wood pellets or logs, offering a potentially carbon-neutral alternative to fossil fuels. However, they require space for fuel storage and regular maintenance.

Electric heating: Can be a viable option for smaller homes or as a supplementary heating source. Look for electric radiators or storage heaters with thermostatic controls and consider using electricity generated from renewable sources. 

Underfloor heating: An efficient and comfortable way to heat your home, providing even heat distribution. Works particularly well with heat pumps and can be installed in both new builds and renovations.

Smart controls for energy efficiency

Regardless of the heating system you choose, invest in smart controls to optimise energy consumption. 

Programmable thermostats: Allow you to set different temperatures for different times of the day and days of the week, ensuring you only heat the rooms you’re using when you’re using them. 

Zoned heating: Divide your home into separate heating zones, allowing you to control the temperature in each zone independently. This is particularly useful for larger homes or homes with different occupancy patterns. 

Smart home integration: Connect your heating system to a smart home system for remote control and monitoring. You can adjust the temperature from your phone, monitor energy usage and even set the system to automatically adjust based on weather forecasts.

Maximising efficiency during renovation

Renovations offer a unique opportunity to improve the energy efficiency of your home.

Draft-proofing: Seal any gaps or cracks around windows, doors and pipes to prevent drafts. This simple and inexpensive measure can significantly reduce heat loss. 

Hot water tank insulation: Ensure your hot water tank is well-insulated to minimise heat loss. Consider installing a hot water tank jacket if your tank is not already insulated. 

Pipe insulation: Insulate exposed hot water pipes to prevent heat loss as water travels to taps and showers.

Seeking expert advice

Navigating the world of heating solutions can be complex. Consult with qualified professionals such as architects, energy assessors and heating engineers to ensure you make informed decisions. They can assess your specific needs and recommend the most appropriate solutions for your home and budget.