Heating system upgrade
Measure: Hot water tank and pipe insulation
Key considerations
Insulating the hot water tank using a jacket and hot water pipes using tubing can help stop unnecessary heat loss.
Permission is not required for this, it is a simple measure and can often be done by the resident.
Benefits
- Pay less on your energy bills
- This can often be done yourself, without the need for an external contractor
Measure: Upgrade heating controls
Key considerations
Upgrading heating controls will allow you use your heating system more efficiently. This includes a programmer to allow you to set the times you want the heating to come on and off, room thermostats to measure and set the temperature at which the heating system will turn off and thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) which allow you control the temperature in individual rooms.
Benefits
- Pay less on your energy bills
- Tailor the temperature in your home to suit your preferences
Measure: Hot water tank thermostat
Key considerations
A thermostat placed correctly on the hot water cylinder can be programmed to switch the boiler off when it has reached the required temperature and on again if it drops too low. This will avoid using more energy than needed.
Installation should be completed by a qualified heating engineer or electrician.
Benefits
- Pay less on your energy bills
Measure: Upgrade boiler (to condensing boiler)
Key considerations
Condensing boilers are much more efficient than other types of boilers meaning that they use less fuel to provide the same amount of heat. Oil, LPG and gas boilers can be upgraded to condensing boilers.
Installation should be completed by an accredited heating engineer and should comply with building regulations.
Benefits
- Pay less on your energy bills
- Reduce the carbon footprint of heating your home
Measure: Upgrade to smart storage heaters
Key considerations
Smart storage heaters have more insulated heat storage bricks, high accuracy thermostats and better programming capability. This means that you can better control how much and when heat is released into the home and maintain temperatures that are comfortable for you.
Installations should be completed by an accredited installer.
Benefits
- Pay less on your energy bills
- Tailor the temperature in your home to suit your preferences
Measure: Upgrade to condensing gas boiler (switch fuel)
Key considerations
Heating your home using oil, LPG or electricity is more expensive than using mains gas. To switch to gas there must be a mains gas connection close by, and if your home is not already connected to mains gas, there will be an initial cost to get the gas and meter installed.
Installation should be completed by an accredited heating engineer and should comply with building regulations.
Benefits
- Pay less on your energy bills
Measure: Heat pumps
Key considerations
Heat pumps can either use heat from the ground (Ground Source Heat Pumps) or the air (Air Source Heat Pumps) to heat radiators, hot water or underfloor heating systems.
Switching to heat pumps is most effective if you are currently using electricity for heating and when your property is well insulated.
Benefits
- Pay less on your energy bills
- Minimal maintenance required
Measure: District/Communal heating system
Key considerations
District heating is when one large boiler serves more than one property. This is more efficient than having lots of individual boilers so heating costs can be reduced. Joining a district heating network will most likely require a long term contract.
Benefits
- Pay less on your energy bills
- Reduce carbon footprint