The government via new grants is hoping to encourage the public to move from gas boilers to heat pumps, as a greener heating alternative.
Heat pumps are not a new technology (Air Conditioning is a heat pump), with various models available on the market and they are more efficient than gas boilers, provided they are using green electricity. They provide steady temperatures throughout the day, rather than “when needed” capability of conventional gas boilers.
Adopting heat pumps in new and existing properties need to consider a range of issues:
Heat Pumps do have an advantage in that they can depending on instalation can be also used as a cooling mechanism as they are reversible.
Electric boilers are a another low-carbon option. Electric boilers are extremely efficient in that 99% of the electrical energy they consume is converted into heat, unlike gas boilers, which are only about 95% heat efficient. They are also smaller than gas boilers and can be installed anywhere inside a home without a need for a flue pipe. They can easily replace an existing Oil or Gas Boiler with minimal changes, rarely requiring any major construction work, such as installing new radiators and water storage cylinders. Electric Boilers like Heat Pumps can be 'Green' provided they are feed by electricity from renewable sources.
Electric boilers are not designed to meet heating demand in larger homes, however they are potentially an ideal solution for flats and small houses.
Denmark is one country that has recognised electric boilers can be part of the green solution. In Denmark, heat pumps and electric boilers have been part of the approach to de-carbonising the heating network, with electricity mainly coming from wind power. Currently around 40% of Danish energy relies on fossil fuels, with the government aiming to be completely fossil fuel free by 2050.
The UK Government seems to be missing a opportunity in its plans to decarbonise buildings by not including electric boilers which could be the solution to low-carbon heating in smaller homes.
80% of UK homes currently rely on gas heating. The government is aiming to install 5.5 million heat pumps across Britain by 2030. Adopting a green alternative to heat pumps for heating their homes that doesn’t involve massive disruption and cost could well play a part in meeting our environmental targets ahead.
All Heating (and Cooling) energy consumption can be mitigated by proper building design and upgrading. Our housing stock is often badly insulated, any change of heating needs to be integrated with efforts to improve thermal efficiency of buildings
Help us make Guildford better
We want our town to be vibrant, attractive and liveable. We support development that brings a sense of place and enhances the best aspects of our town. If such aims can be embraced, we believe Guildford has the chance to lead the way in enabling sensitive and sustainable development.
Pressures for development are increasing. Planning rules are being eased. The Society’s commitment to standing up for Guildford is needed more than ever.
Support Us
Getting involved allows the society to continue its work. We welcome new members, from every age and background. Membership provides an opportunity for you to contribute to the continued health of the town and surrounding area, and to meet other people who care about Guildford.
