The UK government have proposed that as of 2025, no newly built houses can use gas central heating, meaning alternatives to gas boilers are needing to be installed. The aim of this is to push towards the net zero goal for 2050. Therefore, environmentally friendly alternatives are being advised, like heat pumps and biomass boiler. This blog will talk you through some of the best energy-efficient heating alternatives to gas boilers.

Gas boilers work by burning natural gas to heat water which is then pumped through pipes to radiators and/or taps. The most common gas used in the UK is methane, but the average amount of CO2 emitted into the environment per year from ONE of these houses is 2.2 TONNES. This is why we NEED to make a change and find a more environmental way to heat our homes and stay warm.

Biomass boilers

Biomass boilers work similarly to gas boilers, but in a more sustainable way. Biomass is biological material, generally derived from plants. Most of the time, this material is wood, and in the form of pellets, logs or chips.

Benefits

• Carbon neutral (The carbon absorbed by the tree during its life is released back into the atmosphere)

• Sustainable

• Cheaper to run than gas

Limitations

• Higher upfront cost

• Much larger than other boilers

• Require regular maintenance

• Requires regular supply of biomass

• Contributes to deforestation

• Can contribute to indoor air pollution

Heat Pumps

Heat pumps are a method of electric heating and can either be ground sourced or air sourced. Imagine your kitchen fridge - it absorbs heat from your home and pumps it around your fridge as cold air, keeping the contents cool and fresh. Now reverse it, and you’ve pretty much got a heat pump - heat is taken from the air or the ground, the temperature is increased, and the hot air is then pumped throughout your home. Due to heat pumps just moving heat rather than having to create heat, the work extremely efficiently.

Benefits

• Energy efficient (electricity = 100% efficient)

• Low carbon emissions

• Long lifespan (around 15 years)

• Low maintenance 

Limitations

• Not always suitable (e.g., poorly insulated properties)

• Running costs can be extremely high

• Can be noisy

• High upfront installation costs

• Large and unsightly

Electric Radiators

Electric radiators are an excellent solution when faced with replacing your gas boiler. Efficient and renewable energy are key points on the rise when talking about heating nowadays, and electric radiators combat both of those.

Now imagine extra effectiveness, minimum maintenance, easy and unobtrusive installation, a 25 year warranty, 3 different models AND 1625+ colours to choose from. Now you’ve got yourself the NEOS electric radiator.

The NEOS is a modern electric radiator with a natural stone core and patented energy-efficient technology. The aluminium design provides quick heat up for your space, while the stone core absorbs and stores heat. Even warmth distribution is then achieved thanks to the quadvex convection system within the radiator. All of this leads to reduced heating bills, of up to 59.4%! Check out our running cost guide to see our research and evidence from our test with the University of Huddersfield.

We know that was a lot of information to take in so if you’d like it explaining a bit better, watch the following video from Scott (the inventor himself).

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The benefits of the NEOS are endless;

• 100% efficient

• Up to 59.4% lower running costs than other electric options

• Precise temperature control - check out our thermostat options here!

• Sleek modern design

• Simple installation

• Even heat distribution

• 1625+ colours

• 3 models

• 11 sizes

If you’re still not sure on the best option for you, feel free to get in touch by giving us a call or an email to info@trustelectricheating.co.uk and we’ll do our absolute best to help you find a perfect solution for you.