For one major reason: we are going green, and there is a concerted push by governments worldwide to attain net-zero emissions by 2050. The International Energy Agency (IEA) has directed a ban on the sale of fossil fuel boilers from 2025, which could affect the availability of spare parts for the old ones. The cost of running the less efficient old gas boiler accounts for nearly 75% of domestic energy bills and should be a good reason to look for an alternative low-carbon central heating system.
An upgrade or complete replacement of this dated gas boiler system that will soon be redundant with the proposed environmental laws is imperative. Considering modern, most efficient, and less expensive eco-friendly alternatives will prepare your home for future standards while raising its property value. However, what are the alternatives and their advantages over the traditional gas boiler we are so used to?
Hybrid heating systems
There are many advanced technology-based solutions in the market today that one could choose from to complement or replace their old gas boiler. A hybrid heating system is one of these alternatives and combines a heat pump with a gas boiler and is a good choice for backup. The combined system alternates between the two systems deploying the most efficient at the time of operation.
The hybrid system allows for the upgrade of the existing gas boiler to make it more efficient, reduce the carbon footprint, and lower energy bills. The government plans to introduce a boiler upgrade scheme that will assist homeowners to cover installation costs from 2022.
Heat pumps
Heat pumps come in two options: air source heat pumps (ASHPs) and ground source heat pumps (GSHPs). The air source heat pumps are safer than gas, have low maintenance, last longer, and can perform the cooling function as well. Their downside is the reduced efficiency in subzero temperatures despite the low fuel costs.
Whereas the ASHPs draw heat energy from the air, the ground source heat pumps extract from the ground pipes buried in the garden. Both these systems are excellent alternatives for homes with ample outdoor spaces that can allow easy installation. The two heating systems have similar advantages, although the GSHPs may cost a little more to install.
Electric radiators
When considering several alternatives to gas central heating, electric radiators rank number one. The models from Best Electric Radiators, Dimplex and Haverland are not only efficient but also highly versatile with customizable settings. The use of controlled programming ensures energy is only used when and where it is required. This reduces wastage, is safe, and heats even the largest of rooms in a home more efficiently with no carbon emissions.
Modern electric radiators come in compact designs for wall mounting and are easy to install without the need for a professional. They have beautiful designs that blend in well with the house décor with the free-standing offering the convenience of plug-n-play. However, electric radiators are only for temperature regulation, and you will need electric water heaters for the bathrooms and kitchen.
Electric water heaters
If you take the electric radiator option for your home heating instead of the gas boiler, you will need to install electric water heaters for the combined experience. Electric water heaters are not only cheaper to install and run, but also more efficient in providing hot water in showers almost instantly. The fast process offers convenience and a better experience compared to the slow old gas boiler.
You lose more energy through the gas boiler’s venting system, and there is the ever-present danger of gas leaks and busts from cracks. The electric radiators and water heaters do not require cumbersome tank and pipe installation to operate. They instead come in compact and sleek designs that are easy to install and maintain.
Solar-powered electric heating and thermal panels
Solar heating applications are another alternative to the traditional gas boiler for your domestic hot water temperature regulation. The solar panels installed on your roof absorb the sun’s energy and use this to heat your water and home. If combined with the gas boiler, this can reduce energy costs and carbon emissions for a better environment.
Solar systems have low maintenance and running costs compared to gas boilers and attract government subsidies. Solar-powered electric heating is by far cheaper than grid-based power supply despite its dependency on weather conditions.
