The UK government is ramping up efforts to slash carbon emissions by 78% before 2035. With fossil fuel heating systems scheduled to be phased out from 2025, homeowners are looking for stylish alternative heating systems.
Although the government is encouraging homeowners to install air-to-source heat pumps with the Green Home Grant, these systems are not a good solution; they are noisy, less efficient in cold temperatures and blow dust around. This method also requires homeowners to install an unsightly refrigerant to the side of your house.
There is no question that moving forward we have to rely on new technologies to keep our homes toasty and warm throughout the winter months. With so many alternative heating options to choose from, which luxury options deliver a sufficient amount of heat.
Energy-Efficient Boiler
The most tried and trusted heating systems on the market are AAA+ energy-efficient boilers. Modern boilers manufactured by top boiler brands reduce CO2 emissions by as much as 210-380 grams per kWh of heat.
Next-generation boilers not only slash carbon emission, but they are also low maintenance and compact enough to stow away behind a fitted cupboard.
Hydronic System
Better known as underfloor heating, hydronic systems heat water in pipes that are installed under panelled floorboards – so they keep your feet warm on wood or tiles.
Temperatures can be programmed on a thermostat which you can control directly from your mobile device – so if you’re coming home earlier than usual, you can activate the hydronic heating remotely.
Ground Source Heat Pumps
Ground source heat pumps use fluid and the heat of the sun that is absorbed by the earth. Pipes are installed at least six feet underground so avoids having to install a refrigerant on the outside of your property.
The heat generated by ground source heat pumps is sent through pipes to radiators and underfloor heating. Any unused energy is stored in a hot water cylinder to use for showers, baths and washing the pots.
Geothermal Systems
Geothermal heating and cooling systems are similar to ground source heat pumps but use electricity to source energy from the earth’s core. They rely on the geography of the land to draw on energy sources such as geysers, hot springs and volcanic hotspots.
Geothermal systems draw comparisons with solar and wind-powered heating systems but, in the UK, households are limited to a handful of regions. Unlike countries where tectonic energy is closer to the surface and easily accessible, installing geothermal systems requires deep drilling which can be expensive and disruptive.
Infrared Heating Panels
Infrared heating panels are a stylish way to heat luxury homes. These innovative systems are flat enough to attach to a wall and designed to hang like a piece of art. Although they work in the same way as traditional radiators, they are much more aesthetically pleasing.
The heating panels emit infrared radiation and use the full capacity of the heat they produce. Almost no heat is lost during transfer, and unlike heat pump fans, don’t dry out the air or blow dust around.
There are very few luxury heating systems that tick all the boxes, but with time running out to replace fossil fuel heaters, you don’t have long to decide which heating option is best for your home.
