Alternatives to gas boilers

Every home needs a functional central heating system capable of providing hot water and warmth to the entire property, that much is a given. Depending on the age of your property, the method at which your home is heated could be very different, though the vast majority of homes still utilise a fossil fuelled gas boiler system of some kind.

Gas boilers have been the de facto standard in central heating for many years and still represent around 75% of all central heating systems in the UK. With that said, there are many reasons you might consider changing from a gas boiler to an alternative solution. For example, if any of the following apply, you may want to think about switching it up:

• Current heating system is not performing efficiently
• Current heating system has ceased to function
• Seeking a heating system with a focus on environmentally friendly operation (and a reduction of your carbon footprint.)
• Seeking less reliance on gas price index

Fortunately, for anyone considering a new heating system, there are a range of robust solutions available for the majority of homeowners. We’ve detailed the best alternatives below and whether they’re the right fit for you.

Ground source heat pumps utilise a form of ground heat extraction to generate energy for your heating system. They function in cold temperatures, and use approximately 75% renewable energy and 25% electricity to operate.

Installation can be done either via a ground array system or a borehole system. Ground arrays install a series of pipes that extract heat from the ground, travelling through the pipes and into the main system for conversion and use. You will need a fair amount of ground space to install, though the installation itself wouldn’t be noticeable once complete. Borehole systems operate via installing a borehole that delves much deeper into the earth, thus requiring far less land space than a ground array system. The specific depth of the hole will change depending on the needs of the property itself and will be largely unnoticeable once installation is complete.

Read our guide on ground source heat pumps for more information.

Alternative heating solutions are ideal for any home looking to modernise their property as the needs for low carbon solutions continues to grow.

To learn more about upgrading you heating with a new heat pump system, find out more on our heat pump system page.