You don’t have to damage the environment or spend a lot of money to keep your home heated. In fact, you have plenty of green heating options to choose from these days.
Not only do they reduce energy consumption, but they’ll also lower your heating bill and your carbon footprint. Let’s take a look at some of the most efficient green heating equipment for the modern homeowner.
Why Green Heating?
Old school furnaces waste energy and emit greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Your energy bills remain high and the environment continues to be damaged. Green heating methods reduce energy consumption while saving you money and protecting the environment.
Consider switching to green heating equipment for financial and environmental reasons. Most options will pay for themselves within a few years by reducing your energy bills. You can then enjoy keeping the extra money in your pocket each month.
Heat Pumps
Heat pumps are one of the most efficient green heating options available to homeowners. Heat pumps move heat rather than generating it. This process makes them highly efficient. Heat pumps are essentially air conditioners running in reverse.
Air source heat pumps absorb heat from outdoor air, even on cold days. They work well in mild to moderately cold climates. This fact means they’re gaining popularity nationwide. Expect to see annual efficiency ratings of 300% or more.
Ground source heat pumps are sometimes referred to as geothermal heat pumps. These systems utilize underground temperatures to efficiently heat your home. They cost more to install than traditional systems but deliver exceptional savings. Many homeowners consider them to be a lifetime investment.
Solar Heating Systems
Solar heating utilizes the free energy provided by the sun. There are two primary forms of solar heating to consider. Active solar heating and passive solar heating.
Active solar heating systems make use of solar panels. Panels absorb sunlight and transfer it to heat either water or your air. The heated water then flows through radiators or underfloor systems to warm your home. You can dramatically cut your heating bills during warmer months. For the best results, active solar heating should be supplemented by another heating method.
Passive solar heating can cost you very little to nothing to run. It focuses on designing your home to capture and retain heat naturally.
South-facing windows, thermal mass, and insulation work together to make the most of solar heating. Many newer homes are built with passive solar heating in mind.
Biomass Boilers and Stoves
Biomass refers to equipment that burns organic materials. Wood pellets, wood chips, or even firewood can be used as fuel for biomass boilers and stoves.
Whenever wood is burned, carbon dioxide is emitted into the atmosphere. However, plants absorb the same amount of CO2 while growing. This makes biomass a carbon neutral heating source.
Biomass boilers have come a long way from old school wood burners. They burn fuel efficiently while many feature automatic fuel feeders. All you have to do is fill the storage hopper with pellets and the boiler does the rest.
Pellet stoves are similar to biomass boilers but on a smaller scale. They’re perfect for heating rooms or open areas of your home. Many homeowners enjoy the look of pellet flames while they provide heating fuel.
Radiant Floor Heating
Radiant floor heating turns your floors into a heat radiator. Tubes carry hot water from your boiler beneath the floors throughout your home. Heat then rises evenly in every direction.
Radiant floor heating pairs nicely with heat pumps or solar water heaters. You don’t require high water temperatures like you do with radiators. The lower temperatures allow your heating source to run more efficiently.
Not only will you save more money with radiant floor heating, but it feels wonderful to walk on. You can typically set your thermostat a few degrees lower because radiant heat feels warmer than forced air even at the same temperature.
High-Efficiency Furnaces
If you’re not ready to make the jump to something like a heat pump just yet, you may want to consider a high-efficiency furnace. Newer condensing furnaces are able to capture heat that would typically go out of waste out older systems.
Condensing furnaces can exceed 95% efficiency ratings. While they are more expensive than your traditional furnace, tax credits and rebates can help reduce the cost. Installing a high-efficiency furnace can net you savings on your heating bill in just a few years.
Smart Thermostats and Zoning
Smart thermostats are not technically heating equipment but can help any heater run greener. Smart thermostats learn your schedule and adapt your heating accordingly. You can even adjust and control them from your smartphone while away from home.
You’ll never forget to turn your thermostat down before leaving again. Some models even display how much energy you are using at any given moment. Smart thermostats help you make better heating decisions.
Zoning your home allows you to heat certain areas independently from others. You can avoid heating unused rooms and save a substantial amount of money. Expect to see energy savings of 20% or more with a zoning system.
Infrared Heaters
Infrared heaters heat people and objects rather than heating the air. Like sunshine, infrared creates instant heat where you need it. They’re ideal for supplemental heating or rooms you don’t use often.
Because infrared heaters don’t have to work as hard to heat a whole room, they use electricity more efficiently. Infrared heaters are great additions to your primary heating system.
Choosing Your Fuel
There is no one-size-fits-all solution for green home heating. The size of your home, climate, and budget are all important factors to consider. You may even find that different areas of your home can use different solutions.
A good place to start is to have a professional come in and perform an energy audit on your home. They’ll let you know where you’re losing heat and what you can do to stop it. From there, you can prioritize which areas need to be addressed.
It’s also important to consider insulation and air sealing your home. The cleanest green furnace will suck away at your energy bills if your home is not properly insulated. Consider upgrading your insulation before installing new heating equipment.
Benefits of Going Green
Lower energy bills aren’t the only benefit of going green with your heating. You can also increase the value of your home by installing energy-efficient updates.
Homebuyers love energy-efficient homes, which means they’ll pay more for yours!
Look for federal tax credits and state rebates that can help reduce the cost of green heating equipment. You could save yourself thousands of dollars by taking advantage of the available programs.
Your comfort will improve as well. Many green heating options provide even and consistent temperatures while improving air quality.
Real Case Study: Renewable Heating System Helps Family in Wiltshire
To end this article on a high note, let’s look at a real example of eco‑friendly home heating put into practice:
A family living in Corsham, Wiltshire recently undertook a project to swap their old gas central heating system for something a little kinder to their pockets, and the planet. Their renewable heating system of choice? An air source heat pump installed alongside solar thermal panels and an efficient cylinder.
What They Did
Swap the old gas boiler for an Grant Aerona³ 17kW air source heat pump to provide heating for the whole house.
Add solar thermal panels to provide free renewable energy from the sun to heat water.
Connect it all together through a QR hot water cylinder which can provide hot water and support heating too.
What Happened
The family replaced their fossil fuel‑based heating system with a renewable heating system that now covers the majority of their heating and hot water demand.
By using a combination of heat pump tech with solar thermal panels and high efficiency storage, they’ll now save on energy bills and reduce carbon emissions.
This fantastic example demonstrates that a hybrid renewable heating system (not just an individual piece of equipment!) can provide homeowners with huge benefits. You can find out more about the project here: https://www.grantuk.com/knowledge-hub/case-studies/renewable-heating-system-helps-family-reduce-their-energy-costs/
And if you’ve still got questions about eco-friendly home heating, then read on to find answers to some of our most commonly asked questions…
Frequently Asked Questions About Eco‑Friendly Home Heating
1. What does “eco‑friendly heating” actually mean?
Put simply, eco‑friendly heating systems utilize renewable or low‑carbon technology such as heat pumps, solar thermal panels, biomass boilers, and so on to heat your home. Not only will these heating solutions drastically cut your reliance on fossil fuels, but they’ll also reduce your carbon footprint and help you enjoy lower energy bills month‑after‑month.
2. Are heat pumps really that efficient?
Heat pumps are extremely efficient because (rather than generating heat directly) they simply transfer heat from one place to another. As a result, heat pumps can provide multiple units of heat for every single unit of energy they consume; it’s not unheard of to see a heat pump efficiency of 300 %! Take a look at our heat pump energy savings calculator to see how much you could save by switching.
3. Do I need to install solar panels on my roof to make eco heating viable?
No, solar PV panels are by no means a necessity for heat pumps or any other efficient home heating system. Installing solar panels or solar thermal panels can certainly help to supplement an eco heating system by generating completely free renewable energy which you can use to help power your heating system (and more) and reduce your energy bills.
4. How much will an eco‑friendly heating system save me on energy bills?
That depends on a variety of factors, such as what you’re installing your system to replace (electric or gas? ), the condition your home is in, and more. As a general rule of thumb, any modern, efficient heating system has the potential to help reduce your gas or electric bill by moving away from traditional fuel sources. Upgrade your controls along with your heating system and add some quality insulation and you’ll maximise your savings even more.
5. How long will it take to get my money back on an eco heating system?
Depends what system you choose to go for. As stated in the blog above, there are grants available for home heating systems that help to reduce your carbon footprint. If you’re buying an efficient system with ratings of A+ or better, you can expect them to last longer than a cheaper model (from both a financial and environmental perspective). Spending more on better equipment can allow you to recoup your investment quicker, as these systems will run more efficiently and save you more money on energy bills.
6. Will installing a new eco‑friendly heating system be disruptive to my home?
With certain installations, there can be some level of disruption (i.e. where the outdoor unit of a heat pump is placed, laying underfloor heating, roof work for solar panels etc.) but as with any project your installer will work with you to ensure disruption is kept to a minimum.
7. Will installing a renewable or efficient heating system increase the value of my home?
Installing a low carbon, efficient home heating system not only makes your home more appealing to potential buyers when it comes time to sell, but can also add value to your property. As well as saving you money on energy bills for years to come, you’ll also be helping to do your bit for the planetReal Case Study: Renewable Heating System Helps Family in Wiltshire
To end this article on a high note, let’s look at a real example of eco‑friendly home heating put into practice:
A family living in Corsham, Wiltshire recently undertook a project to swap their old gas central heating system for something a little kinder to their pockets, and the planet. Their renewable heating system of choice? An air source heat pump installed alongside solar thermal panels and an efficient cylinder.
Here’s how they did it:
Swap the old gas boiler for an Grant Aerona³ 17kW air source heat pump to provide heating for the whole house.
Add solar thermal panels to provide free renewable energy from the sun to heat water.
Connect it all together through a QR hot water cylinder which can provide hot water and support heating too.
What Happened
The family replaced their fossil fuel‑based heating system with a renewable heating system that now covers the majority of their heating and hot water demand.
By using a combination of heat pump tech with solar thermal panels and high efficiency storage, they’ll now save on energy bills and reduce carbon emissions.
This fantastic example demonstrates that a hybrid renewable heating system (not just an individual piece of equipment!) can provide homeowners with huge benefits. You can find out more about the project here:👉 https://www.grantuk.com/knowledge-hub/case-studies/renewable-heating-system-helps-family-reduce-their-energy-costs/
And if you’ve still got questions about eco-friendly home heating, then read on to find answers to some of our most commonly asked questions…
Frequently Asked Questions About Eco‑Friendly Home Heating
What does “eco‑friendly heating” actually mean?
Put simply, eco‑friendly heating systems utilize renewable or low‑carbon technology such as heat pumps, solar thermal panels, biomass boilers, and so on to heat your home. Not only will these heating solutions drastically cut your reliance on fossil fuels, but they’ll also reduce your carbon footprint and help you enjoy lower energy bills month‑after‑month.
Are heat pumps really that efficient?
Heat pumps are extremely efficient because (rather than generating heat directly) they simply transfer heat from one place to another. As a result, heat pumps can provide multiple units of heat for every single unit of energy they consume; it’s not unheard of to see a heat pump efficiency of 300%! Take a look at our heat pump energy savings calculator to see how much you could save by switching.
Do I need to install solar panels on my roof to make eco heating viable?
No, solar PV panels are by no means a necessity for heat pumps or any other efficient home heating system. Installing solar panels or solar thermal panels can certainly help to supplement an eco heating system by generating completely free renewable energy which you can use to help power your heating system (and more) and reduce your energy bills.
How much will an eco‑friendly heating system save me on energy bills?
That depends on a variety of factors, such as what you’re installing your system to replace (electric or gas? ), the condition your home is in, and more. As a general rule of thumb, any modern, efficient heating system has the potential to help reduce your gas or electric bill by moving away from traditional fuel sources. Upgrade your controls along with your heating system and add some quality insulation and you’ll maximise your savings even more.
How long will it take to get my money back on an eco heating system?
Depends what system you choose to go for. As stated in the blog above, there are grants available for home heating systems that help to reduce your carbon footprint. If you’re buying an efficient system with ratings of A+ or better, you can expect them to last longer than a cheaper model (from both a financial and environmental perspective). Spending more on better equipment can allow you to recoup your investment quicker, as these systems will run more efficiently and save you more money on energy bills.
Will installing a new eco‑friendly heating system be disruptive to my home?
With certain installations, there can be some level of disruption (i.e. where the outdoor unit of a heat pump is placed, laying underfloor heating, roof work for solar panels etc.) but as with any project your installer will work with you to ensure disruption is kept to a minimum.
Will installing a renewable or efficient heating system increase the value of my home?
Installing a low carbon, efficient home heating system not only makes your home more appealing to potential buyers when it comes time to sell, but can also add value to your property. As well as saving you money on energy bills for years to come, you’ll also be helping to do your bit for the planet.
Are there any grants for installing eco-friendly heating?
Grants and other incentive schemes are available in certain countries and regions to help subsidise the cost of renewable and efficient home heating systems. At present, UK homeowners can benefit from government tax credits when installing renewable energy technology. Make sure you’re aware of all the options in your area to maximize your savings!
Are there any grants for installing eco-friendly heating?
Grants and other incentive schemes are available in certain countries and regions to help subsidise the cost of renewable and efficient home heating systems. At present, UK homeowners can benefit from government tax credits when installing renewable energy technology. Make sure you’re aware of all the options in your area to maximize your savings!
What’s Next?
Don’t feel like you have to upgrade everything at once. You can start small and work from there. Not only will you be able to spread out your costs, but you’ll immediately benefit from your first upgrade.
Going green with your home heating doesn’t have to be scary or expensive. Take it one step at a time and you’ll slowly begin to see your impact on the environment decrease. Not to mention your energy bills will start to shrink as well.
The future is here. Heating your home doesn’t have to be expensive or bad for the environment. Sustainable, efficient, and smart are the watchwords for the new generation of home heating. By going green, you’re setting yourself up for years of comfortable home heating. Your wallet and Mother Earth will thank you.