What you need to know if you want to go ‘gas free’
With record increases in global gas prices causing the energy price cap to rise by 54% and the Government encouraging homeowners to move away from fossil fuels with Net Zero goals in mind, many Brits may be looking to switch to alternative solutions.
However, almost half (43%) of UK residents have admitted that money is the biggest obstacle to them ‘going green’ with their home heating, according to new research by Electric Radiators Direct.
So far, just 6% of British homeowners have already switched to ‘greener’ energy solutions in their property, and a quarter (24%) admit they don’t know which ones would be best.
For some, investing in new heating solutions may not be a viable option at the moment. However, for those choosing to make the switch, ditching gas can come with a number of benefits, including lowering your home’s carbon footprint and minimising energy waste.
When looking to make improvements that could lower emissions, reduce bills and make homes more energy-efficient, there are options available. Stephen Hankinson, Managing Director at Electric Radiators Direct, gives his advice on where to start.
What to consider before ‘making the switch’ If rising energy costs are your immediate concern, it may not be feasible to invest in new solutions for your home right now. It could be helpful, however, to consider the long-term benefits of ditching gas, and plan ahead for a switchover in small steps.
Although gas is a cheap energy source per unit, there are other options that can work out less expensive in the long run and are also better for the planet.
Electricity for example is more expensive per unit, but electric heating is 100% efficient at its point of use which means that every watt of electricity you use is converted into heat, and nothing goes to waste. Gas central heating, however, sustains system losses, which naturally occur at the point of combustion, as well as across the pipe network. Up to 50% of the heat produced by a gas boiler can be lost through the pipes, especially if they’re not well insulated. This means you end up paying for warmth that you aren’t actually benefiting from.
Heat pumps The Government is offering help and grants to encourage the nation to install low carbon heating systems, including heat pumps. Heat pumps work by taking the heat from outside a property, either from the surrounding ground or the air, and transferring it indoors. They are highly efficient and could also be used to cool down the house in warmer months. As such, for the right household, they could be the answer. Typically, air source heat pumps cost around £8,000 to install, while ground source pumps, which extract solar energy from the earth and convert it into power, can be closer to £35,000 for a 2-3 bedroom house. Even with Government help, the total cost to install could be around £3,000 for an air source heat pump, and £30,000 for a ground source heat pump. For many this is a big investment and something they’d only consider installing in a property they’re planning on living in for some time.
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