If you're not connected to mains gas or you want a more environmentally friendly system, there's a wide range of alternative heating systems available. We can advise you on the right system for you, and we are able to supply and install a number of alternative systems.

Boilers that generate electricity – Ecogen

Ecogen boiler

Ecogen is a boiler that generates efficient heating and hot water, as well as generating low-carbon electricity for a convenient in home, renewable energy supply. Together with the Feed-In Tariff, it could give you an income from energy produced that can be fed into the National Grid.

Baxi Ecogen

Solar thermal

Solar thermal

Mounted on your roof they work alongside your boiler to provide up to 60% of your annual hot water needs[2], and reduce your reliance on carbon emitting fossil fuels. Solar thermal is one of the most affordable types of renewable energy for the home and can help you take control of your bills.

They’re also low maintenance, needing only a check up with a full service every 3 - 5 years.

Solar thermal

Benefits

  • Provides hot water heating all year round - even in winter.
  • Reduces carbon consumption by as much as 350kg a year.
  • Reliable technology – 1,000s of home a year install solar thermal panels.
  • Low maintenance.
  • Adds value to your property.
  • Only 5% VAT.

Considerations

  • You need a roof that is south or south westerly facing.
  • The roof must be unshaded and ideally pitched.

Back boilers

Back boiler

Back boilers are hidden behind a chimney with a gas fire in front. They provide effective heating and hot water and together with Baxi, we have recently launched the UK's first ever A-rated back boiler.

Back boilers

Advantages

  • Reliable heating and hot water.
  • Hot water from more than one tap at the same time without affecting pressure.
  • It’s hidden.
  • It's more economical to replace or upgrade to a back boiler if you already have one.

 

Considerations

  • A lot of space required as there are two tanks and a cylinder.
  • They are not always very efficient.

Warm air systems

Warm air system

Warm air systems heat homes by pumping warm air through vents in ceilings or walls. The air is heated by a warm air unit which burns gas, the heat mixes with air and is circulated through ducts.

Warm air systems

Advantages

  • Fast warm up times, ideal for timber framed houses.
  • No water tank to leak or freeze.
  • No radiators needed.
  • System can include electrostatic air filters – beneficial for asthmatics.
  • Cooling can be incorporated for use in summer.

 

Considerations

  • Re-routing ducts can be costly and difficult.
  • Difficult to install in existing properties.
  • System can be affected when windows are left open as sensors are unable to get an accurate gauge of room temperatures and humidity.
  • Insulation needs to be adequate to prevent condensation.

Liquefied Petroleum Gas - LPG

Liquefied petroleum gas bottle

LPG is the closest alternative to mains gas for central heating, hot water and cooking. It can be stored in cylinders, in a tank (above or below ground) and is delivered to your home via a pipeline.

It’s a good alternative for properties that are not connected to the National Grid.

Liquefied Petroleum Gas - LPG

Advantages

  • We supply and install LPG boilers.
  • Convenient and versatile – use it for heating, hot water, fires and cooking.
  • Flexible storage solutions including underground.
  • Tanks are secure – fuel cannot be siphoned out.
  • Cleaner than oil – you may be eligible for a government grant when you switch.
  • You’re free to change supplier at any time.

 

Considerations

  • Running costs are higher than mains gas and the cost of LPG fluctuates in line with the price of oil.

Oil

Oil burner

Oil can be a good alternative heating system for people who live in rural areas, or are not connected to mains gas. The oil is usually stored in a tank above ground with a pipeline that feeds the oil to the home where an oil-fired burner heats water, which provides central heating and hot water.

Oil burning systems

Advantages

  • You can change supplier at any time.
  • Wide choice of appliances available.

 

Considerations

  • You’ll be responsible for installation, maintenance, servicing and insurance.
  • You will be liable for any leakage.
  • It can be hard to get insurance.
  • Strict oil storage regulations in place.
  • No governing body for installers so no protection of your property.
  • Usually another method of fuel for cooking is needed.
  • Running costs tend to be higher than mains gas.

Wood burning

Wood burning

Wood burning systems, also known as biomass, burn wood pellets, chips or logs to provide heat in a single room, or to power a central heating and hot water system.

Wood burning systems

Advantages

  • Ash deposit after burning can be used as a fertiliser.
  • Systems can have automatic fuel feed and ignition, which can be controlled using thermostats and timers.

 

Considerations

  • Boilers are large.
  • Storage needed for wood pellets, chips or logs.
  • Good access is need for fuel deliveries.
  • A biomass compatible flue needs to be installed.
  • In smokeless zones, wood can only be burned in exempt appliances under the Clean Air Act.
  • Consult the local authority planning department if you live in a listed building or area of an outstanding natural beauty.
  • Boilers need to be cleaned, or de-ashed.
  • British Gas do not currently provide wood burning heating.

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[1] Assumes industry average standard gas consumption of 16500 kWh with a heat output of 14837 kWh and an industry average standard electricity consumption of 3300 kWh with 60/40% split between electricity used on-site/exported on a typical export tariff. Actual generation depends on individual usage/circumstances.


[2] Source: www.energysavingtrust.org.uk (12/11)