{"id":21254,"date":"2025-01-10T14:42:40","date_gmt":"2025-01-10T14:42:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/zamstudios.com\/blogs\/different-fuel-types-for-your-first-time-central-heating\/"},"modified":"2025-01-10T14:42:40","modified_gmt":"2025-01-10T14:42:40","slug":"different-fuel-types-for-your-first-time-central-heating","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/zamstudios.com\/blogs\/different-fuel-types-for-your-first-time-central-heating\/","title":{"rendered":"Different Fuel Types for Your First-Time Central Heating"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_85 ez-toc-wrap-left counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/zamstudios.com\/blogs\/different-fuel-types-for-your-first-time-central-heating\/#Different_Fuel_Types_for_Your_Homes_Central_Heating\" >Different Fuel Types for Your Home\u2019s Central Heating\u00a0<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/zamstudios.com\/blogs\/different-fuel-types-for-your-first-time-central-heating\/#Gas\" >Gas<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/zamstudios.com\/blogs\/different-fuel-types-for-your-first-time-central-heating\/#Oil\" >Oil<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/zamstudios.com\/blogs\/different-fuel-types-for-your-first-time-central-heating\/#Electric\" >Electric<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/zamstudios.com\/blogs\/different-fuel-types-for-your-first-time-central-heating\/#Biomass\" >Biomass<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/zamstudios.com\/blogs\/different-fuel-types-for-your-first-time-central-heating\/#Hydrogen\" >Hydrogen<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/zamstudios.com\/blogs\/different-fuel-types-for-your-first-time-central-heating\/#Heat_Pumps\" >Heat Pumps<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/zamstudios.com\/blogs\/different-fuel-types-for-your-first-time-central-heating\/#The_Takeaway\" >The Takeaway<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Central heating keeps your home warm in winter while the mercury lowers and winds howl.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Central heating systems take thermal energy from a fuel source and transmit it indoors. They provide the most efficient and comfortable home heating and are also energy efficient, lowering heating costs over time.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">This blog post explains central heating, discusses the different types, and discusses important factors to consider before installing one in your home.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Thanks to the rapid development of eco-friendly technology and fuels and the UK government&#8217;s ambitions, there are many ways to heat your home<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The public doesn&#8217;t even have access to some options yet, but that could change quickly because of how quickly things have changed in the last few years. By 2025, all brand-new homes will be heated with low-carbon methods. For existing properties, <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/grantboilers.org.uk\/first-time-central-heating-system\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">first-time central heating grants<\/a><\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> are available via the government ECO4 scheme to support the switch over to more eco-friendly central heating grants.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">What are the different fuel types of first-time central heating systems? We\u2019ll review each one to give you a general idea.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Different_Fuel_Types_for_Your_Homes_Central_Heating\"><\/span><b>Different Fuel Types for Your Home\u2019s Central Heating\u00a0<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">There are various fuel types of first-time central heating systems, each with its pros and cons. Here are the top commonly used central heating fuels in the UK:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Gas\"><\/span><b>Gas<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Gas is by far the most common way to heat a home in the UK, but people are trying to switch fuels because gas makes a lot of carbon. Up to 14% of carbon pollution in the UK comes from heating, and gas is a big part of that.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Anyway, at an average cost of 4.65p per kWh, it&#8217;s still one of the cheapest options, though that will change when the new price cap goes into effect. Although the UK is using less gas for warmth, this price is likely to go up even more. Although gas boilers will not be allowed after 2025 or even 2026, most homes will still use gas for their central heating.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Additionally, newer gas boilers use less energy than older ones. A new gas boiler can be up to 90% efficient, so getting a newer system might be enough for you.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Therefore, people are now debating whether or not you should stick with a gas boiler, whereas before, it was clear what to do.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Oil\"><\/span><b>Oil<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">If you live off the grid, you probably heat with oil. At 4.82p per kWh, oil is a good alternative to gas if you&#8217;re not connected to the UK gas grid.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Modern boilers, like gas, are energy-efficient and easy to replace.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Only 4% of UK households use oil, and the 2025 \u201cgas boiler ban\u201d will make it even rarer.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Oil users are also suffering because the energy price cap did not limit its price. At present, oil prices have risen 50% in a year, making it unappealing to most. An efficient, modern oil boiler may be the right upgrade if prices fall.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Electric\"><\/span><b>Electric<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Pure electric heating is popular for its many benefits. Even though electric heaters don&#8217;t always emit zero carbon, more energy companies are offering 100% renewable electricity.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">No petrol or oil on site makes it safer and reduces maintenance costs due to fewer failure sites. Older electric boilers are quieter than gas or oil ones.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">However, it costs. It is more expensive at 18.9p\/kWh. In some regions, the new price caps will elevate this to 25-28p.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Solar panels generate free electricity during the day, reducing this cost. The higher price may be worth it to reduce carbon emissions.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Biomass\"><\/span><b>Biomass<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Burning wood as a green source of fuel can seem paradoxical at first, but there\u2019s a compelling reason it\u2019s more eco-friendly than gas or oil. The plants used as fuel for biomass boilers only release the carbon they absorb during their lives, meaning more can be planted to absorb the same carbon. This is the idea of net-zero emissions. Biomass boilers have fuel that can be used over and over again, unlike fossil fuel boilers.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">One hurdle to buying a biomass boiler is the upfront price, which may be anywhere from \u00a36,000 to \u00a325,000. The good news is that once installed, it\u2019s cheaper than gas at 4.2p per kWh. It might just be worth the initial outlay, especially if qualifying for the ECO4 free boiler scheme.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Hydrogen\"><\/span><b>Hydrogen<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The gas ban may sound like closing a door, but the change may not be as significant as you expect. Hydrogen may use some of the same infrastructure and heating systems. If its electricity is 100% renewable, it might be a clean heating source with just water waste.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The UK is rapidly adopting fully hydrogen boilers, which are not currently accessible.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Heat_Pumps\"><\/span><b>Heat Pumps<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Heat pumps extract heat from air, ground, or water.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">They are one of the most efficient and cost-effective heating methods. Each variety has a different upfront price, although none are the cheapest. They save money when installed and cost \u00a37,000 to \u00a335,000. Replacement of a new A-rated LPG boiler might save \u00a31,400 a year in fuel expenses, although the savings may not be as evident if replacing a gas boiler.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The unit must also fit in a suitable space. A big outdoor space can house underground piping for a ground heat pump.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Air heat pumps are easier to install but produce heat slower than boilers. The benefit is a zero-emission central heating system that costs 5.73p per kWh, almost as much as gas. They also function best with larger radiators with more heat-giving surface area.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Takeaway\"><\/span><b>The Takeaway<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Central heating is one of the most reliable ways to heat your home. First-time central heating systems use several fuels, each with pros and downsides. Choose one that meets your needs, budget, and tastes. HVAC devices like furnaces and heat pumps are great for energy efficiency and temperature management. For consistent heat distribution, low maintenance, and low noise, radiant heating systems may be better. No matter your central heating system, regular maintenance and improvements can extend its lifespan and improve performance.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>This article delves into the workings of central heating, explores the main fuel types of first-time central heating, and outlines essential considerations.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1104,"featured_media":21253,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[152],"tags":[8265],"class_list":["post-21254","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-home-and-garden","tag-central-heating-system"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/zamstudios.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21254","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/zamstudios.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/zamstudios.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zamstudios.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1104"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zamstudios.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=21254"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/zamstudios.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21254\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":21255,"href":"https:\/\/zamstudios.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21254\/revisions\/21255"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zamstudios.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/21253"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/zamstudios.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=21254"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zamstudios.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=21254"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zamstudios.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=21254"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}