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Energy at home

Heating your home

Did you know that over half of your energy bills are spent on heating and hot water? With that in mind, the ideal heating system, both for lower energy bills and a lower carbon footprint, is one that: 

  • is efficient to run 
  • runs on a low carbon fuel 

But you don’t have to have an entirely new system to save money on your energy bills 

In fact, upgrading a G-rated boiler to an A-rated boiler with full heating controls will save you £420 in Great Britain (GB) and £500 in Northern Ireland (NI). Let’s look at your options: 

What types of heating system are there?

There are two common types of heating system in the UK: 

  • Central heating 
  • Electric heating 

Central heating systems

Also called a wet heating system, central heating heats up water in a single place, like a boiler. It then sends the heated water around your home through radiators or underfloor heating. 

The most common types of central heating use: 

Electric heating systems

Electric heating uses electricity to warm your home. These heating systems only provide heat for the room they’re in, typically using: 

What are the benefits of low carbon heating systems?

Low carbon heating like heat pumps and solar water heating can be a good option if you’re looking to replace your current heating system.

They offer: 

Lower energy bills 

Low carbon heating system like heat pumps are more efficient than traditional heaters like gas boilers and electric radiators. Depending on what system you’re replacing, low carbon heating could save you money on your annual heating bills. 

A lower carbon footprint 

Low carbon systems don’t use fossil fuels to heat your home. This means your home’s carbon footprint should be significantly lower.

Combination options with other renewable technologies 

You can use solar panels to generate electricity that powers a heat pump, lowering your energy bills and carbon footprint even further. 

Explore your heating options with Go Renewable

Go Renewable lets you discover what renewable technologies are suitable with your home. 

Answer a few questions about your home and we’ll show you which renewable home improvements are best suited to you. 

Get started

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Last updated: 5 March 2025