With winter well and truly here, most of us in the UK have probably had the heating turned up for a few months already and will likely have it keeping your homes nice and cosy for a few months more. However, while many of us are switching the heating on, this doesn’t mean that all systems are created equal.
Thanks to an array of new and improved gadgets and innovations to our heating systems, homeowners and businesses now have a level of control and efficiency that hasn’t been seen before. This influx of great new tech has meant that we have a host of new choices when it comes to our heating systems, yet, what works best for you?
As heating specialists, the team at West London Gas know a thing or two about creating a superb heating system that fits our client’s needs to the letter. Because of this, we decided to put together this handy guide on some of the most cutting edge investments you can make to upgrade your heating and some to look out for in the near future.
From small ticket items like wireless smart thermostats to big investments, such as hyper-efficient boiler installations, we give you the rundown on upgrading your heating system.
Why upgrade your central heating system?
While it can nice to dream about making a host of changes to your heating system, depending on what you do, it’s not exactly a small job. Because of this, you may be wondering what the actual benefits are from investing in an upgrade.
Unsurprisingly, there are actually a host of advantages you can expect to gain from making even minor changes to your heating system, with one of the main factors being increased control. In comparison to older systems lacking the same level of customizability, innovations have made perfecting your home’s heating easier than ever.
In doing this, not only can you make your home or business more comfortable overall, you could potentially see a significant drop in your annual heating bills. According to the Energy Saving Trust, more than half your energy bills go on your heating system, meaning investing in an upgrade has the potential to lead of hundreds of pounds in savings.
Smart Meters
Most of us have probably heard about these handy little inventions, especially as energy providers are now legally required to offer them to small businesses and homes. However, as they’re not mandatory for the general public to own, you might not really understand what they do and how they can help you with your heating.
In layman’s terms, smart meters are basically the new generation of standard gas and electricity meters we all already have in our homes, however, they offer a much deeper insight into our daily usage. Rather than working from estimated monthly bills, you’ll be able to see how much your using down to a tee. This can have the passive effect of helping you to better visualise how much energy you’re using, allowing you to figure out where you can make savings.
On a national level, smart meters are being rolled out in a bid to move towards greener energy options, making the UK a more energy-friendly country as a result!
Intelligent controls
In much the same vein as a smart meter, intelligent heating controls offer a level of stability that just isn’t possible on standard systems. While a smart meters gives you an up to date reading of your day to day usage, intelligent heating gives you the power to fine tune your heating down to a degree, fitting your requirements exactly.
Newer systems can even be connected to your smartphone, meaning you can make changes to your home heating system wherever you can connect to the internet. This can be great if you’re on holiday and forgot to switch the heating off or want to come back to a warm and cosy home after a cold day at work.
Underfloor heating
Picture the scene: you’re up early for another day of work and as you step out onto the kitchen tiles, you’re not greeted with chilly, unforgiving flooring. Instead, every step you take is warm and comfortable, making that early morning rise that little bit easier. This is what you can expect with a quality underfloor heating installation.
Once a system that was synonymous with the rich, underfloor heating has become a staple in households up and down the country, adding an extra layer of luxury to your home. When it comes to installing underfloor heating, there are two types to choose from; a wet or electric system.
Wet systems work by pumping hot water through pipes underneath your flooring, while electric systems rely on a power source. Both have their pros and cons so it’s important to do your research to determine which is best for you. Also, while many new-build properties are being built with underfloor heating, don’t let this put you off from having it retrofitted at your current property; the job is easier than you think with a quality central heating installation expert.
Renewable energy
For the more eco-conscious, there are now a variety of options to heat your home without relying on traditional fuel sources. One of the poster-children of the renewable movement, solar panels, are becoming ever more efficient at collecting energy to power and heat homes, however, they usually need to be supplemented by another heat source, be it traditional or renewable.
For those looking for other renewable sources to power their homes, biomass boilers could be your answer. Using waste wood, usually in the form of pellets, a new biomass boiler is a cost-effective and environmentally friendly option.
Fuel cell heating
Like every thriving industry, the heating sector is consistently growing and evolving to find the next best thing; enter fuel cell technology. While this new innovation is still very much in its infancy, fuel cells are being worked on to become viable options in people’s homes and the benefits could be revolutionary.
In layman’s terms, fuel cells are devices that convert the chemical energy of a fuel, ideally hydrogen and an oxidant into electricity. While fuel cells are somewhat similar to batteries, they don’t deplete as long as a fuel and oxidizer are supplied.
This can create a host of benefits not just for individual homes but for the planet as a whole. In comparison to traditional heating options, a fuel cell would create zero emissions due to it running on oxygen and hydrogen. It could also act as a much more long lasting solution when compared to traditional batteries, further minimising our impact on the earth.
Sadly, this technology is still in the research stage and will take time before it becomes a commercial option for UK homes. However, keep an eye out for this heating option in the future, because it could completely change the industry as we know it.
Looking for smart heating solutions for your home? Get in touch with West London Gas today
As you can see, there are a variety of options to choose from that can completely change the way you heat your home. Luckily, you don’t need to invest in a solar panel array or wait for a fuel cell revolution to reap the benefits, as West London Gas is here to help.
With countless happy customers throughout West London and beyond, our team of highly trained heating engineers are on hand to transform your system. Whether you’re in need of intelligent heating controls to give you that extra level of customizability or a brand new, hyper-efficient boiler installation, you can rest assured West London Gas can help.
For more information, visit our website or give us a call 02084 343 644