How to Save Energy

Existing gas boilers should be regularly serviced so that they run as efficiently as possible. When a fossil fuel heating system is due for replacement, you should replace this with a low carbon technology.

Air Source Heat Pumps

Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHP) are the most common type of heat pump used in homes. They work in the same way as a fridge or freezer but in reverse, with the refrigerant and a compressor providing useful heat rather than cooling. This heats rooms in your home via radiators or underfloor heating and can also heat water stored in a hot water cylinder for your hot taps, showers, and baths. Due to changes in heat outputs per room, radiators may need replacing. Heat loss calculations should be conducted by a professional to understand if you will require new radiators.

Heat pumps are powered by electricity and typically achieve an efficiency of 300% - this means for every unit of electricity they consume they will produce 3 units of heat. In contrast, a new condensing gas boiler would achieve an efficiency of 90%. You should also consider installing renewable energy generation, such as solar PV, and battery storage in addition to an ASHP. 

Heat pumps can be expensive to install. However, if you are in a position where you have improved the thermal efficiency of the fabric of your home through measures outlined above, for example loft and cavity wall insulation, and could now benefit from a heat pump, you may be eligible for a grant under the UK government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme to cover part of the cost of replacing a gas boiler with a heat pump.

Homes which are impractical or impossible to install insulation can still be installed with a heat pump. It’s important to work with a heat pump installer who can factor this in and make recommendations. 

The cost of a heat pump will depend on the size of your property and therefore the size of the heat pump required and if you need to upgrade your radiators. Heat pump running costs can vary depending on the level of insulation in a property and the demand for the heat pump as well as your electricity tariff and how the heat pump is controlled.

Busting the heat pump myths

In recent years, there has been an increase in the awareness of heat pumps which has resulted in misinformation. The Energy Saving Trust has produced a heat pump fact check, which covers if heat pumps are noisy, if they cost more than gas boilers, if they work in below freezing temperatures, if you will need to install new radiators and much more . 

Nesta and The MCS Foundation have developed a website to address the need for reliable and impartial information about heat pumps and the future of home heating. It is free to use and offers completely independent guidance. On it you’ll find information, tools and guidance to help you learn about heat pumps, choose the right type, estimate costs, understand the installation process, and more. 

The Government offers advice on heat pumps, the benefits and help to find funding and an installer. You can also find out more on the Energy Saving Trust's website.

Ground Source Heat Pumps

Ground Source Heat Pumps (GSHP) transfer heat from the ground outside your home to heat the water which is used in your radiators and underfloor heating. The installation of a ground source heat pump is very expensive, primarily because there is a lot of groundwork involved (particularly with horizontal trenches). This means they are typically used for larger rural properties or groups of buildings. A ground source heat pump installer should be able to advise on the suitability of ground source heat for your home.

Electric Heating

Electric heating refers to systems that use electricity as the main source of energy to heat the home. These include storage heaters, electric boilers or underfloor heating. Electric heating is more common in flats, rented properties, and in homes with no mains gas connection. Benefits of electric heating systems include low capital cost to install and little maintenance, and can be used alongside other heating systems. 

Kingston Retrofit Guidance for Households

To read more information about all these measures, Kingston Council has developed a Retrofit Guidance for Households to provide information on energy efficiency improvements which can help to reduce energy bills.