The way we heat our homes is changing. For decades, gas boilers have been the main heating technology in UK homes. However, the UK is increasingly moving towards lower-carbon technologies such as air source heat pumps, solar PV, battery storage and other forms of renewable energy.
Why is home heating changing?
Heating accounts for a significant proportion of household energy use. Traditional boilers burn fossil fuels to generate heat. Renewable technologies can reduce our reliance on fossil fuels by using electricity and renewable energy sources.
Air source heat pumps, for example, take heat from the outdoor air and transfer it into the home rather than generating heat by burning gas or oil.
Why are heat pumps important?
Heat pumps are one of the main technologies being used to move towards lower-carbon home heating. They can provide heating and hot water while using electricity as their energy input. When powered increasingly by renewable electricity, their overall carbon impact can be reduced further.
Solar PV and battery storage
Renewable heating does not have to work alone. Solar PV can generate electricity at the property, while battery storage can store surplus electricity for later use. This can help households make better use of the electricity they generate themselves.
For a homeowner considering a heat pump, solar and battery storage can therefore be worth considering as part of a wider home energy plan.
Does every home need a heat pump?
Factors such as heat loss, existing heating systems, insulation, radiator sizes, hot water requirements and available space should be considered before choosing a heating system. A properly designed system is more important than simply choosing the newest technology.
What does the future look like?
The UK is likely to see continued growth in low-carbon heating and renewable electricity technologies. For homeowners, this creates an opportunity to consider their heating and energy needs together rather than replacing one appliance at a time. For example, a homeowner may choose:
- Air source heat pump — efficient home heating
- Solar PV — renewable electricity generation
- Battery storage — energy storage
- Smart controls — better energy management
The right combination will depend on the property and the homeowner's needs.
Making the right choice for your home
Renewable energy is an important part of the future of UK home energy, but homeowners should avoid choosing a system based solely on headline claims about savings or efficiency. A proper assessment should come first.
At Intra Energy Limited, we provide air source heat pump, solar PV and battery storage solutions for homeowners across England and Wales. Our approach is simple: assess the property, explain the available options and provide a system designed around the property's requirements.
Thinking about renewable heating?
Contact Intra Energy Limited to discuss your property and arrange a survey. We can help you understand whether an air source heat pump, solar PV, battery storage or a combination of technologies could be suitable for your home.
