The Ultimate Guide to Heating your Home Sustainably UK Version

Exerpted from NU-HEAT

Printed with permission

As we become more aware of the impact our activities have on the planet, it’s natural to question what we can do to become more sustainable.

In terms of home heating, that means being mindful of how much energy you use, as well as switching to renewable energy sources wherever possible. In this guide, we’ll take a look at how home heating has developed over the years, the types of renewable energy and heating methods to take note of, and share some advice on the changes you can make if you do decide to update your home.

 How home heating options have changed

It can be easy to take home heating for granted when it’s something you’ve always had. But having themeans to warm up your living space safely wasn’t always a guarantee in the past. Humans have huddledaround outdoor fires, invented and improved chimneys, created the stove and, later, radiators, and developed the clean and reusable energy resources we’re

blessed with today.

How we heat homes now

The most notable developments so far in the 21st century are the increasing popularity ofrenewableenergy for home heating and the introduction of smart technology, which allows you to control the heating of your home remotely.

Notable examples of renewable home heating include:

 Air source heat pumps, which extract heat from the air.

 Ground source heat pumps, which use underground pipes to extract natural heat from

the ground and transfer it back to your home for use.

Solar thermal energy, where solar panels collect energy from the sun and use this to

heat water for your home.

Biomass heating, which uses organic matter such as wood and agricultural waste, burning

it to create heat.

However, gas boilers are still the most common home heating method, with 74% of households usingthem as their only central heating according to the most recent census. Since this is a non-renewable method of heating, this could have a significant impact on

climate change. Let’s find out more.

Climate change and the growing importance of sustainability at home

Climate change is ‘long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns’. Although some change isnatural, human activity has been the main cause of climate change since the 1800s due to increased fossilfuel use. The consequences of climate change include drought, water

shortages, rising sea levels, flooding, ice melting, wildfires, storms, and a loss of biodiversity.

85% of consumers across 31 countries say they’ve experienced the effects of climate change in their daily lives. Closer to home, 60% of British people believe climate change is the biggest threat to civilisation. As awareness grows and the effects of climate change become more visible, more people are asking what we can do to contribute towards efforts to protect

the environment. It often starts at home.

The changes people are looking to make

Even though gas boilers are still the most used heating method, consumers still want to make changes, as shown by what they’re looking up online. In terms of home energy, the

technology which has seen the most growth in online searches includes:

Looking at recent search volume data, we can see the most-searched-for renewable energy

What the government is doing to achieve net zero

The UK government is currently aiming to achieve net zero by 2050, although Scotland has an earlier target of 2045. Net zero means the country’s total greenhouse gas emissions would be equal to theemissions removed from the atmosphere. Removal can be done through methods like planting trees In the shorter term, the UK is also committed to reducing emissions by 68% by 2030 (as part of the Nationally Determined Contribution towards the Paris Agreement).

The government is working towards these goals by:

Investing in renewable energy, such as offshore wind.

Decarbonising the grid (which means gradually reducing reliance on fossil fuels).

Making plans to set up a publicly owned clean power company.

Introducing a bill to allow for easier investment in public infrastructure (the Crown

Estate Bill).

Supporting the production of sustainable aviation fuel.

Setting carbon budgets, which are five-year carbon budgets set 12 years in advance. The

next one is due to be set in 2025.

However, the Climate Change Committee (CCC), an independent statutory body, said in July

2024 that the UK was off-track to meet its 2050 net zero target.

The first steps

Despite this, many people are taking the first steps. 60,244 heat pumps were sold in 2023, up from 57,930 the previous year, and this number is likely to grow as installation costs decrease. Prices fell by 6% from 2021 to 2023, and are predicted to drop by 20-25% by 2023.

Even if people aren’t ready to buy yet, they’re still doing research: online searches for heat pumps rose by 160% in 2023 compared to the previous year. The Department for Energy

Security & Net Zero is aiming for 600,000 heat pumps to be installed per year by 2028.

Renewable energy production in the UK

Encouragingly, renewables are making up an increasing proportion of the UK’s energy mix. And it’s startingto overtake fossil fuels — in 2023, renewable energy made up 39.5% of the

UK’s energy, while fossil fuels made up 32.2%.

Renewable energy sources

A renewable energy source is one that can never run out and doesn’t cause harm to the atmosphere. Thisis in contrast to non-renewable sources, which are finite (coal, natural gas, and oil, for example) and release harmful gases that contribute towards climate change.

These are usually referred to as fossil fuels.

Quick wins

Lower the room thermostat

While safety and comfort should always be the priority, you may be able to lower your room

thermostat by a degree or two, saving energy and money. Most people are comfortable with

temperatures between 18° and 21°, although Citizens Advice recommends keeping it at 21° if

you or anyone who lives in your home has a health condition that can be made worse by being cold.

Improving the fabric of your home

Add water tank insulation and radiator reflector panels

Hot water tank jackets and radiator reflector panels can be installed. A hot water tank jacket isdesigned to retain heat so hot water stays that way for longer, meaning you use less energy and money trying to warm it up. Radiator reflector panels are sheets of reflective material that you can put between the radiator and the wall. They reflect heat back into the room, preventing heat loss.

Sustainability rating: 3/5

Draught proofing

Unwanted gaps in your home, such as those in windows, walls and doors, are filled in to

prevent unwanted draughts.

Windows: For windows that open, you can stick draught-proofing strips around the

frame to fill any gaps. For windows that don’t open you can use silicone sealant.

Walls: Gaps or cracks can be filled in, but always speak to a surveyor first in case a crack

is a sign of a larger issue.

Doors: You can add a cover for your keyhole, use a letterbox flap or brush, or fit draught

excluders at the bottom where there’s a gap.

Make sure there’s still an adequate amount of ventilation in the property.

Use Smart devices to control your energy use

Smart devices are a practical way to reduce and control your energy, with your home set up exactly to your liking. For example, you could program the temperature to lower when outside temperatures increase, switch your heating on remotely when you’re on your way home, or set your appliances so theyrun during off-peak hours (when demand is lower and so

are prices).

Think about what makes the most sense for your home

Most people can consider adding loft insulation, or try quick-win tips without disrupting their home as it is now. If you’re planning to renovate, it’s a good time to consider additional insulation measures and yourheating system. If your boiler is nearing the end of its life, could you have a heat pump? Is space limitedinside? Underfloor heating will take up less room than a hot water cylinder. Working out what makes themost logistical sense for your home before

you get started will pay off.

Decide on a budget

Renewable heating systems are investments that pay off in the long run. Once set up, they can reduce yourenergy bills significantly since you’re not relying so much on the National

Grid. But you still need to be realistic about what you can comfortably afford to spend.

Look for home energy grants and schemes

With the aim of achieving Net Zero ever present, the UK government has set up a number of

 schemes to help homeowners make the switch to renewable energy systems. You can save a

significant amount of money by using them, so it’s well worth doing the research to see what

you could be eligible for.

Examples of clean heating systems:

• Air source heat pumps Ground source heat pumps

• Water source heat pumps

• Solar thermal

• Biomass boilers

Examples of energy efficiency measures:

• Solid wall insulation

• Flat roof or room-in-roof insulation

• Loft, cavity and underfloor insulation

• Insulated doors

• High heat retention storage heaters

Reduction of allergens

Indoor allergens like dust mites and animal dander can affect your breathing, especially if you have anexisting respiratory condition like asthma, and can also cause runny and itchy eyes. And while radiators can make this worse, since they help to circulate dust, hidden heating

systems like underfloor heating reduce the number of allergens in the air.

Humidity control

Excess moisture in the air at home can lead to damp, mould, fatigue, and respiratory issues. But dry air isalso a problem, leading to damaged wood and plaster and a dry throat. The ideal balance can be achieved by opening windows so air flows in and out, and using plants to absorb excess moisture. Home heating plays its part by lowering humidity levels.

Mould prevention

Mould is one of the results of too much moisture and it can play havoc with our health if left untreated. Butthe good news is you can prevent it. One of the ways to do this is by leaving your home heating on aconsistently low temperature, which reduces the levels of moisture

in the air.