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Heating OptionsThe 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)

Stenton average: Space Heating and Hot Water = 35,800kWh

Fuel Cost per year

Ground Source Heat Pump 1,280Mains gas 1,390

Coal 1,440

Oil 1,615

Air Source Heat Pump 1,735

Wood pellets 1,935

Grid electricity off peak 1,975

LPG 2,235

Grid electricity - peak 4,340

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GSHP Mains gas Coal Oil ASHP Wood

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LPG Electricity -

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Average cost p/kWh CO2 emissions kgCO2/kWh

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Ground Source Heat Pump

Heat pumps work by moving heat from one location to another, in this instance from the outside

ground to inside the home. Pipes are laid either in coils beneath the surface of the ground or in deep

boreholes through which a refrigerant is passed, absorbing heat from the surrounding ground. This is

then compressed resulting in a higher temperature which can be used to heat a central heating

system or underfloor heating. The process is powered by electricity, conventionally expensive as aheating option, but a GSHP can provide more than three times the energy output compared to input so

can be very cost effective. However, installation costs are high in comparison to more common

heating systems (although grants support exists) and it can be disruptive to install. In addition to

the external pipework, an existing central heating system may need to be replaced since the lower

operating temperatures usually require bigger radiators or underfloor heating. GSHPs have been

retrofitted successfully in older properties but tend to be more frequently used in new builds where

standards of insulation and draughtproofing are higher and installation more straightforward.

Pros Cons

Low running costs Suitable for off-gas areas Works well with underfloor heating Grants available Running costs can be reduced if using off

peak or non-grid electricity

High installation costs 10,000-20,000 Installation can be disruptive Best suited to well insulated &

draughtproofed properties.

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 areuncertainties over future supplies.

Pros Cons

Low/moderate running costs Low CO2 emissions compared to other

fossil fuels

Future price rises Future uncertainty over supply 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

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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

Air Source Heat Pump

Air Source Heat Pumps work in a similar fashion to GSHPs but use air as the heat source, drawing it

through a fan. ASHPs aren't quite as efficient but will typically achieve around 2.5 times the energyoutput compared to input, although in colder weather efficiency drops. As with GSHPs they tend to

have lower operating temperatures so work better with oversized radiators or underfloor heating,

but are becoming increasingly popular in the retrofit market. Installation requires planning

permission and the fan units do generate some noise so should be sited with care.

Pros Cons

Moderate running costs Suitable for off-gas areas Works well with underfloor heating Can work with conventional central heating

system

Grants available Running costs can be reduced if using off

peak or non-grid electricity

Moderate/high installations costs 6,000-10,000 Efficiency drops as external temperature

falls

Best suited to well insulated &draughtproofed properties.

Planning permission required Possible noise issue

Wood Pellet Boiler

Wood pellet boilers have become more popular but are currently still a small part of the market.

Whilst reliable in themselves there have been problems in the past with certainty of pellet supply

although this appears to be becoming less of an issue. The pellet store required is quite sizeable and

needs to be accessible for delivery, but otherwise the system is similar to a typical central heating

system.

Pros Cons

Moderate running costs Suitable for off-gas areas Compatible with existing central heating

systems

Very low CO2 emissions Grants available

High installations costs 10,000+ Sizeable pellet store required Access for delivery required Previous uncertainty over supply Limited market Less responsive than oil/gas

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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 atdifferent periods during the day. If used with peak rate electricity the running costs begin to rise

significantly.

Pros Cons

Suitable for off-gas areas Low/moderate installation costs

Moderate/high running costs Can be difficult to control Additional heating sometimes required Can restrict electricity suppliers High CO2 emissions due to current

generation

Liquid Petroleum Gas

LPG is generally less popular than oil in off-gas areas. On average it has been more expensive than oil

but the price has tended to be less volatile.

Pros Cons

Suitable for off-gas areas Moderate installation costs Compatible with existing central heating

systems

Moderate/high running costs Future uncertainty over price Unsustainable in the longer term

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 Low installation costs Easily controlled

Very high running costs Very high CO2 emissions due to current

generation