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The issue of alternative heating systems can be quite complicated and much depends on the nature of
the individual property. The following is intended to give a brief overview of the main heating options.
It should be noted that energy prices in general can be expected to rise significantly in the medium to
long term, and so reduction in demand through measures such as insulation and draught-proofing
remain important, regardless of the heating method.
Fuel Costs (average taken from October ’07, ’08, ’09 Sutherland Tables)
Average cost p/kWh CO2 emissions kgCO2/kWh
14 0.6
12
0.5
10
0.4
8
0.3
6
0.2
4
0.1
2
0 0
GSHP Mains gas Coal Oil ASHP Wood Electricity- LPG Electricity -
pellets off peak peak
Pros Cons
Low running costs High installation costs
Suitable for off-gas areas £10,000-20,000
Works well with underfloor heating Installation can be disruptive
Grants available Best suited to well insulated &
Running costs can be reduced if using off draughtproofed properties.
peak or non-grid electricity
Mains Gas
Currently the most common form of heating in the UK, up till now mains gas has been relatively cheap
and has a lower CO2 emission factor than other fossil fuels. However as with other fossil fuels, gas
isn't sustainable in the long term, prices can be expected to rise considerably and there are
uncertainties over future supplies.
Pros Cons
Low/moderate running costs Future price rises
Low CO2 emissions compared to other Future uncertainty over supply
fossil fuels Unsustainable in the longer term
Not always available
Coal
Coal is still relatively cheap but the inefficiency, lack of control and manual work involved has made it
less common as a heating fuel. It also has a high carbon emission factor, is unsustainable in the
longer term, and costs can be expected to rise.
Pros Cons
Low/moderate running costs Future price rises
Unsustainable in the longer term
Less efficient heating system
Manual operation
High CO2 emissions
Oil
Oil has generally been the most popular heating option in off-gas areas. The installation costs of an
oil fired central heating system are moderate and oil condensing boilers are the most efficient type
on the market. Historically it has been a comparatively cheap option, although the price has been
volatile and is likely to rise considerably over the medium to long term.
Pros Cons
Low/Moderate running costs Volatile price
Future price increases
Unsustainable in the longer term
High CO2 emissions compared to gas
Pros Cons
Moderate running costs Moderate/high installations costs
Suitable for off-gas areas £6,000-10,000
Works well with underfloor heating Efficiency drops as external temperature
Can work with conventional central heating falls
system Best suited to well insulated &
Grants available draughtproofed properties.
Running costs can be reduced if using off Planning permission required
peak or non-grid electricity Possible noise issue
Pros Cons
Moderate running costs High installations costs
Suitable for off-gas areas £10,000+
Compatible with existing central heating Sizeable pellet store required
systems Access for delivery required
Very low CO2 emissions Previous uncertainty over supply
Grants available Limited market
Less responsive than oil/gas
Off-peak electricity (storage heaters, electric wet central)
Off peak electricity is most often used with storage heaters. These charge over night at a low rate
and then release heat during the day. This can suit people who are at home during the day but much
of the heat can be lost by evening so additional heating is sometimes required. An alternative is an
electric wet central system with conventional radiators heated by an electric boiler. These can
work well but require a cheap rate tariff such as Economy 10, supplying cheap rate electricity at
different periods during the day. If used with peak rate electricity the running costs begin to rise
significantly.
Pros Cons
Suitable for off-gas areas Moderate/high running costs
Low/moderate installation costs Can be difficult to control
Additional heating sometimes required
Can restrict electricity suppliers
High CO2 emissions due to current
generation
Pros Cons
Suitable for off-gas areas Moderate/high running costs
Moderate installation costs Future uncertainty over price
Compatible with existing central heating Unsustainable in the longer term
systems
On-peak electricity
Electrical heating can be delivered by a variety of means suiting different needs. These can deliver
considerable heat, very quickly and are usually easily controlled. However, on-peak electricity is very
expensive compared to all other heating methods and also has the highest associated CO2 emissions
due to the current generation on the grid.
Pros Cons
Suitable for off-gas areas Very high running costs
Low installation costs Very high CO2 emissions due to current
Easily controlled generation