With our weather the way it is, we’ve become reliant on having our homes centrally heated. But if you’re building a new home or need a new system installing in your current or a recently purchased home, then you might be wondering what type of central heating is best.
Because of the cost of energy bills and climate concerns, there’s understandably a lot of talk about the pros and cons of different systems at the moment. And this can make it confusing to know what will work for your home. The truth is, as all houses are different, there’s no single solution that’s right for every home. However, taking the time to consider as many factors as possible, will help you make the best choice for your home and situation.
Here’s some of the key things you should think about to make the right decision.
Location and fuel type
One of the key considerations for choosing a central heating system is your location as where you live can affect what’s available to you. For instance, not all towns and villages have a mains gas supply. So, gas central heating might not be an option. And if you live somewhere with little or no outside space then you’re not going to be able to install an oil tank and it might be tricky to fit a heat pump. Similarly, biomass boilers are quite bulky and are typically installed in outbuildings. This limits the homes they can be used in. There might be other limitations too. For instance, local planning rules can restrict how and where you put solar panels.
The local climate also plays a role in your decision. Those living further north and those that live rurally or in an exposed position, such as the coast, may find the climate colder. So, in order for you to stay warm and keep running costs low, a more powerful or efficient system may be needed than for someone living in a city in the south of the UK.
Your location can also affect the availability of specialist installers in your area. That’s why it’s a good idea to do your research first, so you know exactly what options are available to you.
Don’t restrict your options
That said, you needn’t always restrict yourself in terms of fuel and system type. Just because your home currently runs on one type of heating system, that doesn’t mean you need to stick with it. However, you do need to be aware of hurdles such as getting connected to a gas main and adhering to planning restrictions and building regulations.
If you’re living in a rural area, you may find that an electric system is quite costly to run while oil and LPG can be subject to fluctuating prices – and you need to keep track of your usage to ensure you don’t run out. So, you might find that having a dual system works better. For example, you could install solar panels too reduce the running costs of a heat pump. Or you could perhaps use an oil boiler for heating and solar panels for hot water. This could also improve your EPC rating and help future-proof your home.
Consider your budget
The type of central heating system you go for does affect the installation and running costs. So, it’s worth understanding all of the costs involved for each option.
In general, a newer style gas boiler is likely to be the most cost-effective to run as energy prices tend to be cheaper for gas than electric. However, a well-insulated home with a heat pump could cost around the same to run. And if your home is small and thermally-efficient, then the cost of electric heating isn’t going to be that high.
But it’s the up-front installation costs of central heating that are likely to be your biggest budget concern. You could pay around £4,000 for a complete LPG or oil central heating system. And gas central heating comes in at around the same price. For electric central heating, you may pay as little as £3,000 but for biomass boilers and heat pumps, the costs are considerably more. But it’s not all bad news as you may qualify for a government grant towards the cost of these.
Take note of hidden costs
There can also be hidden costs to installing a system for the first time. So, it’s worth considering these before you make your mind up on a heating system. For instance, the cost of installing gas to a property can be between £300 and £1,000. And replacing a gas central heating system with a heat pump may mean you need bigger radiators or a switch to underfloor heating to ensure rooms stay warm.
Plus, you may need to consider upgrading your home’s insulation. This can be particularly important when you’re installing heat pumps and systems with higher running costs. And the age of your home can determine the amount of work involved. For instance, it’s fairly straightforward to insulate a home with cavity walls while those with solid walls will need to add insulation to the inside or outside. Typically, this is a more time-consuming and costly job, although it should increase your home’s value as well as lower bills.