Off-grid properties often rely on oil-fuelled central heating or electric heaters to heat their homes or rural properties. Whilst oil boilers are a viable heating option for some properties there are drawbacks: oil still has a larger carbon footprint than other heating sources, the price can fluctuate season by season and some customers even experience supply issues. Prices for alternative fuels are not regulated in the same way as gas and electricity prices. This means they can therefore vary day-to-day and between different local areas to a much greater extent.
For off grid rural properties relying on electric heating, wall mounted electric or portable heaters, while convenient, are far from energy-efficient compared to modern AC systems.
UK households are now exploring alternatives to oil heating and electric heaters, with air conditioning systems (using air to air heat pump technology) emerging as a viable and energy-efficient option.
Portable Electric Heaters
For those looking for quick and easy heating solutions, portable or wall mounted electric heaters are often a go-to option. Fan heaters are a popular solution to keeping yourself warm if you're in just one room, particularly if your home is not well-insulated, however the costs of running an electric heater can quickly add up.
Electric heaters
Electric heaters work by converting electricity directly into heat. Electric heaters are 100% efficient because they convert all electrical energy into heat. However, this direct conversion doesn't amplify the energy input.
COP
The efficiency of air conditioning is measured by their Coefficient of Performance (COP). The COP is a ratio of the heating or cooling provided by an air conditioning unit to the amount of electricity it uses. A higher COP means the unit is more efficient and uses less energy. For example, an Air Conditioning unit with a COP of 5.15 produces 5.15kW of heat for every 1kW of electricity used.
In comparison, an electric heater would have a COP of 1, this would mean for 1kW of electricity used you would get 1kW of heating.
*This guide is an approximate calculation. Wattage used does not take into account room insulation, room size, ceiling height, age and condition of ac unit, external temperature, thermostat setting, heating or cooling mode and other factors. Electricity costs and running times will vary.
Air Conditioning Systems: A More Efficient Heating Solution
Air conditioning systems that use heat pump technology, offer a far more energy-efficient and cost-effective method of heating homes. Air to air heat pumps work by transferring heat rather than generating it, which allows them to deliver significantly more heating energy than the electrical energy they consume.
Environmental Benefits
Beyond cost savings, air conditioning also offer significant environmental benefits. Since they are more energy-efficient, they produce fewer carbon emissions compared to oil boilers and electric heaters. When powered by renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind power, air conditioning can reduce a household’s carbon footprint.
In contrast, heating oil produces substantial carbon emissions. According to the UK government’s emissions factors, burning 1 litre of heating oil releases approximately 2.5 kg of CO2. Switching to a heat pump powered by renewable electricity could reduce these emissions, making it a more sustainable choice for the future.
Government Incentives and Rebates - 0% VAT
The UK government has recognised the importance of promoting energy efficiency and has introduced several incentive schemes to encourage the adoption of renewable heating technologies like heat pumps. As a measure taken to make energy more affordable, VAT has been removed on the installation of all domestic air conditioning heat pump units.
The Future of Home Heating in the UK
As oil prices and electric prices fluctuate, many UK households are finding it increasingly difficult to manage their heating costs. Portable electric heaters, while convenient, are far from efficient and can lead to high electricity bills.
In contrast, air conditioning systems with heat pump technology provide an energy-efficient and cost-effective solution for home heating. With the ability to deliver up to five times the heat energy of the electricity they consume, ac systems offer significant savings over electric heaters. Not only do they reduce energy costs, but they also contribute to lower carbon emissions, making them a more sustainable option for the future.
Make the switch to AC for Heating & Cooling
Households off the gas grid currently use some of the highest-carbon heating fuels, including oil and coal. With government incentives in place to support the installation of an air conditioning system, now is the perfect time for UK households to consider making the switch. By investing in a modern, efficient ac system , homeowners can save hundreds, or even thousands, of pounds on their annual heating costs while reducing their environmental impact.
Alternative Heating For Off Grid Homes
In a world where energy efficiency and cost savings are becoming increasingly important, the switch from oil and electric heaters to air conditioning for heating is a smart, long-term investment. Want to find out more about alternative heating for off grid homes? Get in touch with our team today.
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