Which Heating System Is Cheapest To Run in 2023?

One of the most important home systems is the heating system. In the past, people used to rely on coal and wood-burning stoves to heat their homes. However, these methods are no longer cost-effective or practical.

There are now many different types of heating systems available on the market, each with its own set of benefits and drawbacks.

The first central heating systems were not established until the 1950s. These early Central Heating Systems supplied heat to gas/oil boilers, which warmed the house by distributing it through radiators.

A thermostat was used to control them. By the 1970s, over 80% of UK homes had some form of central heating, and new houses were being constructed with it as standard.

There are a number of different fuel options, including electricity, gas, and LPG (liquid petroleum gas) as well as heating oil. Electric heating by way of heat pumps is our preferred option as it is the most environmentally friendly.

In this article, we’ll go over what the cheapest and most efficient heating system is, what factors influence the price of heating your home, how to save money on energy expenses, and what’s required for installing a new heating system.

We’ll also discuss how to locate and employ a heating engineer.

What Is The Cheapest and Most Efficient Heating System?

In the UK, the cheapest and most efficient heating system at the moment is mains gas which currently stands at 8.33 per kWh. So, gas central heating is the cheapest way to heat your home if you’re on the mains gas network.

That said, the cost of heating your home will also depend on the type of boiler you have as well as the insulation and energy efficiency of your property.

There’s just one BIG problem!

Transitioning away from fossil fuels

The UK and practically every other country around the world are in the process of transitioning away from fossil fuels like natural gas and oil to renewable energy sources.

The UK government has set a target of net-zero emissions by 2050. In fact, they are banning the installation of new gas and oil boilers from 2025. New builds are installing air source heat pumps before the deadline.

So, what does this mean for you?

It means that if you’re planning on staying in your home for the next few decades, you’ll need to think about switching to a renewable energy source like an air source heat pump.

Related: Air Source Heat Pump Grants

What’s an air source heat pump (ASHP)?

An air-source heat pump is a device that uses renewable energy to generate heat. It works by using the outside air to heat your home in the winter and cool it in the summer.

Air source heat pumps are very efficient and can help you save money on your energy bills. In fact, they are around three times more efficient than traditional gas boilers.

They are also much better for the environment since they don’t produce any emissions.

This means that if you’re looking for a long-term solution, gas WILL NOT be the best option.

Electricity is currently the most expensive way to heat your home, but this is changing. The cost of electricity per kWh has been dropping steadily over the past few years and is now only slightly more expensive than gas.

Electricity is also becoming cheaper as we move towards renewable energy sources like solar and wind power, so the future really is electric with regards to heating systems.

Any person or any website encouraging you to replace your existing boiler with another fossil fuel replacement is both short-sighted and is doing you a disservice.

The boiler upgrade scheme

The government is now subsidising the cost of replacing your gas and oil boilers with a scheme called the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS).

The scheme is available to domestic and small non-domestic properties in England and Wales. It also runs from 2022 to 2025.

You can get:

• £5,000 off the cost and installation of an air source heat pump
• £5,000 off the cost and installation of a biomass boiler
• £6,000 off the cost and installation of a ground source heat pump

Underfloor heating

Underfloor heating is the best and most efficient system to deliver heat in your home when it is installed in conjunction with ASHPs.

The initial investment is slightly higher than for installing ASHPs alone, but you will make your money back in energy savings and increased comfort levels.

You should also consider the following factors:

The size of your property – a larger home will require a more powerful heating system and will be more expensive to heat

The type of insulation you have – good quality insulation will help to keep the heat in your home and reduce your energy bills

The energy efficiency of your property – making sure your home is well-insulated and has double-glazed windows will help to reduce your energy bills.

How Do I Choose The Right Heating System For My House?

When choosing the right heating system for your house, you need to consider the following:

• Your budget.
• The size of your house (number of bedrooms)
• How green you want to go
• Whether you are looking to sell it within 2 to 5 years.

Your budget

The very first thing you need to think about is your budget. How much are you willing to spend on a new heating system?

You need to take into account the cost of installation as well as the ongoing costs of running the system. For example, an air source heat pump will have higher upfront costs but lower running costs than a gas boiler in the long run.

Don’t forget that you will also have the option of applying for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.

You can get:

• £5,000 off the cost and installation of an air source heat pump
• £5,000 off the cost and installation of a biomass boiler
• £6,000 off the cost and installation of a ground source heat pump

With that in mind, you have a decent starting point for your budget.

The size of your house

Now you know what your budget is, you can now consider the size of your house.

If you have a large house, you will need a more powerful heating system to heat it effectively. This means that the upfront cost and running costs will be higher than for a smaller property.

If you live in a flat, you may not have the option to install some of the bigger and more powerful heating systems like biomass boilers or ground source heat pumps. In this case, an air source heat pump would be the best option.

How green do you want to go?

Now, you probably didn’t think you would be asking yourself this question when choosing a heating system but bear with us.

The level of carbon emissions your new heating system produces is now an important factor to consider. If you care about reducing your carbon footprint, then you need to choose a low-carbon heating system like an air source heat pump or a biomass boiler.

These systems use renewable energy sources like solar and wind power, so the future really is electric with regards to heating systems.

Even though you can still have gas and oil heating systems installed, the government is planning to phase out the installation of them from 2025. So, this will have a bearing on not only the saleability of your home but also the selling price you can achieve.

Whether you are looking to sell in 2 to 5 years

If you think you may sell your house within the next few years, then you need to think about how this will affect the value of your property.

Installing a new heating system is a big investment, so you need to make sure that you will see a return on that investment.

For example, if you install an air source heat pump and plan to sell your house in 4 years’ time, any prospective buyer would be willing to pay more for your property than if it had an old and inefficient gas boiler.

This is because they would know that they wouldn’t have to replace the heating system for many years and that running costs would be lower.

Choosing the right heating system for your house is a big decision and one that should not be taken lightly.

There are many factors to consider, from the initial cost to the ongoing running costs. But, if you take the time to think about all of the options, you will be able to find the best heating system for your needs.

Electricity vs. Gas Efficiency

When it comes to transforming electrical power into heat, electric radiators are completely efficient. Gas, on the other hand, has an efficiency of 90%.

As a result, an electric heating system is the most efficient. Mains gas, on the other hand, is the most cost-effective heating method available.

How To Save Money On Energy Expenses

There are a number of things you can do to save money on your energy bills:

1. Get a smart thermostat

A smart thermostat is a great way to save money on your energy bills. Smart thermostats can save you up to £140 per year on your energy bills by automatically adjusting the temperature in your home when you’re not there.

2. Install insulation

Good quality insulation will help to keep the heat in your home and reduce your energy bills. You should consider installing insulation in your loft, walls, and floors.

3. Get double-glazed windows

Double-glazed windows will help to keep the heat in your home and reduce your energy bills. You should also make sure that you draught-proof any gaps around doors and windows.

4. Switch to LED light bulbs

LED light bulbs use less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and can last up to 25 times longer. You should consider switching all the light bulbs in your home to LED.

5. Turn appliances off when you’re not using them

Appliances such as TVs, computers, and chargers continue to use energy even when they’re turned off. You should unplug them from the wall when you’re not using them.

6. Wash clothes at a lower temperature

Washing your clothes at a lower temperature will save you money on your energy bills. Most modern washing machines have a 30-degree cycle that’s just as effective as a hotter cycle but uses less energy.

7. Hang clothes out to dry

Hanging your clothes out to dry rather than using a tumble dryer will save you money on your energy bills. You can also buy a clothes horse or drying rack to help you hang your clothes out to dry.

8. Use a slow cooker

Slow cookers use less energy than traditional ovens and hobs, so they’re a great way to save money on your energy bills.

9. Take showers instead of baths

Showers use less water than baths, so they’re a great way to save money on your water bills. You should also consider installing a low-flow showerhead to further reduce your water usage.

10. Turn the tap off when you’re not using it

Running the tap needlessly wastes water and money. You should turn the tap off when you’re brushing your teeth, washing your hands, or doing the dishes.

Switch To A Cheaper Energy Supplier

One of the best ways to save money on your energy bills is to switch to a cheaper energy supplier.

There are a number of websites that can help you compare energy prices and find the cheapest energy supplier for your home.

You should also make sure that you’re on the right tariff for your needs. There are a number of different tariffs available, such as fixed-rate tariffs, variable-rate tariffs, and green tariffs.

You should also consider switching to a prepayment meter if you’re struggling to pay your energy bills. Prepaying for your energy will help you budget and avoid getting into debt.

Finally, you should make sure that you claim any discounts or benefits that you’re entitled to.

There are a number of discounts and benefits available, such as the Warm Home Discount and the Winter Fuel Payment.

By following these tips, you can save money on your energy bills and keep your home warm this winter.

What is the Best Heating System For an Old House?

Traditionally, a gas boiler was the best system for an old house since the cost of the boiler was relatively cheap and gas as an energy source is the cheapest. However, with countries transitioning away from fossil fuels, electric and renewable heating systems are becoming more popular.

In addition, new buildings are being constructed with these types of systems installed so that they will be able to operate without a gas connection.

What is the Best Heating System For a Large House?

The best heating system for a large house is a combination of an air source heat pump, underfloor heating, and solar panels.

This will provide you with a renewable, efficient, and cost-effective way to heat your home. You will still be using energy from the grid, but a large proportion of it will be from renewable sources.

Is Electric Heating Cheaper Than Gas?

No, at the moment gas as an energy source is cheaper than electricity. This is because the price of gas is cheaper than electric per KWh.

Also, it is still more expensive to install an air source heat pump than a gas boiler, so this should be taken into consideration when deciding which system to install.

How Do I Find and Hire a Heating Engineer?

Whether you choose a gas, oil, or electric heating system, always get expert help for the installation and maintenance of both.

You may seek suggestions from family, friends, and neighbors, as well as browse the CIPHE or APHC to locate reputable businesses in your community.

FAQs