The way we heat our homes is a hot topic, in terms of concerns for both the planet and our wallets. The 2021 census found that 74% of households rely on mains gas central heating, with 9% using electric and 3% on oil. This has a significant cost: on our bills – the Office for National Statistics reports that gas prices rose 36.2% in the year to June 2023; and on the environment – the Climate Change Committee (CCC) highlights that heating and hot water for buildings makes up 40% of the UK’s energy consumption and 20% of its greenhouse emissions.
HEAT PUMPS
For many country homeowners, oil tanks and LPG bottles are an everyday reality. But, according to the CCC, one in four homes using oil heating could switch to a heat pump, per year. They are worth considering for homes with gas central heating, too.
