Central heating keeps your home warm in winter while the mercury lowers and winds howl.

Central heating systems take thermal energy from a fuel source and transmit it indoors. They provide the most efficient and comfortable home heating and are also energy efficient, lowering heating costs over time.

This blog post explains central heating, discusses the different types, and discusses important factors to consider before installing one in your home.

Thanks to the rapid development of eco-friendly technology and fuels and the UK government’s ambitions, there are many ways to heat your home

The public doesn’t even have access to some options yet, but that could change quickly because of how quickly things have changed in the last few years. By 2025, all brand-new homes will be heated with low-carbon methods. For existing properties, first-time central heating grants are available via the government ECO4 scheme to support the switch over to more eco-friendly central heating grants.

What are the different fuel types of first-time central heating systems? We’ll review each one to give you a general idea.

Different Fuel Types for Your Home’s Central Heating 

There are various fuel types of first-time central heating systems, each with its pros and cons. Here are the top commonly used central heating fuels in the UK:

Gas

Gas is by far the most common way to heat a home in the UK, but people are trying to switch fuels because gas makes a lot of carbon. Up to 14% of carbon pollution in the UK comes from heating, and gas is a big part of that.

Anyway, at an average cost of 4.65p per kWh, it’s still one of the cheapest options, though that will change when the new price cap goes into effect. Although the UK is using less gas for warmth, this price is likely to go up even more. Although gas boilers will not be allowed after 2025 or even 2026, most homes will still use gas for their central heating.

Additionally, newer gas boilers use less energy than older ones. A new gas boiler can be up to 90% efficient, so getting a newer system might be enough for you.

Therefore, people are now debating whether or not you should stick with a gas boiler, whereas before, it was clear what to do.

Oil

If you live off the grid, you probably heat with oil. At 4.82p per kWh, oil is a good alternative to gas if you’re not connected to the UK gas grid.

Modern boilers, like gas, are energy-efficient and easy to replace.

Only 4% of UK households use oil, and the 2025 “gas boiler ban” will make it even rarer.

Oil users are also suffering because the energy price cap did not limit its price. At present, oil prices have risen 50% in a year, making it unappealing to most. An efficient, modern oil boiler may be the right upgrade if prices fall.

Electric

Pure electric heating is popular for its many benefits. Even though electric heaters don’t always emit zero carbon, more energy companies are offering 100% renewable electricity.

No petrol or oil on site makes it safer and reduces maintenance costs due to fewer failure sites. Older electric boilers are quieter than gas or oil ones.

However, it costs. It is more expensive at 18.9p/kWh. In some regions, the new price caps will elevate this to 25-28p.

Solar panels generate free electricity during the day, reducing this cost. The higher price may be worth it to reduce carbon emissions.

Biomass

Burning wood as a green source of fuel can seem paradoxical at first, but there’s a compelling reason it’s more eco-friendly than gas or oil. The plants used as fuel for biomass boilers only release the carbon they absorb during their lives, meaning more can be planted to absorb the same carbon. This is the idea of net-zero emissions. Biomass boilers have fuel that can be used over and over again, unlike fossil fuel boilers.

One hurdle to buying a biomass boiler is the upfront price, which may be anywhere from £6,000 to £25,000. The good news is that once installed, it’s cheaper than gas at 4.2p per kWh. It might just be worth the initial outlay, especially if qualifying for the ECO4 free boiler scheme.

Hydrogen

The gas ban may sound like closing a door, but the change may not be as significant as you expect. Hydrogen may use some of the same infrastructure and heating systems. If its electricity is 100% renewable, it might be a clean heating source with just water waste.

The UK is rapidly adopting fully hydrogen boilers, which are not currently accessible. 

Heat Pumps

Heat pumps extract heat from air, ground, or water.

They are one of the most efficient and cost-effective heating methods. Each variety has a different upfront price, although none are the cheapest. They save money when installed and cost £7,000 to £35,000. Replacement of a new A-rated LPG boiler might save £1,400 a year in fuel expenses, although the savings may not be as evident if replacing a gas boiler.

The unit must also fit in a suitable space. A big outdoor space can house underground piping for a ground heat pump.

Air heat pumps are easier to install but produce heat slower than boilers. The benefit is a zero-emission central heating system that costs 5.73p per kWh, almost as much as gas. They also function best with larger radiators with more heat-giving surface area.

The Takeaway

Central heating is one of the most reliable ways to heat your home. First-time central heating systems use several fuels, each with pros and downsides. Choose one that meets your needs, budget, and tastes. HVAC devices like furnaces and heat pumps are great for energy efficiency and temperature management. For consistent heat distribution, low maintenance, and low noise, radiant heating systems may be better. No matter your central heating system, regular maintenance and improvements can extend its lifespan and improve performance.

• Country: United Kingdom