We bought our new-build home in 2020, and whilst new-builds are by no means perfect, one thing they do get right is heating efficiency. However, if you don’t have a new-build home, or even if you do and you want to do your due diligence, choosing the right heating system for your UK home in 2024 requires careful consideration of various factors, including energy efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and environmental impact.

This guide will explore the top heating options available to help you make an informed decision. There are many factors which influence which heating option is best including where you live, the age of your home, fuel availability and your budget. In this article, we will take a look at the choices available to homeowners in 2024 and which may be the best for you.

Best Heating Options For Homes in 2024

This is a collaborative article. 

Gas boilers

Gas central heating remains the most common option in the UK, used by around 80% of homes in England, Wales, and Scotland. As gas is three times cheaper than electricity and with most boilers offering 85-95% efficiency, this isn’t surprising.

Here are some of the pros and cons of gas boilers:

Pros:

  • Relatively low running costs
  • High efficiency (up to 95%)
  • Familiar technology with widely available servicing

Cons:

  • Reliance on fossil fuels
  • New gas boiler installations may be phased out after 2035

While gas boilers are still a cost-effective choice for many homes, it’s important to consider more sustainable alternatives for the future. However, if you want to increase the capacity of your central heating, you can simply add a new radiator, as long as the system will support it.

And whilst new build homes will not be permitted to have gas boilers from 2025, in an effort to reduce fossil fuel use, the vast majority of housing in the UK will still be allowed to have this form of heating. As the most common type of heating in British homes, it is also easy to find a qualified gas engineer to service or repair your boiler. For now, gas is the best heating option for most households.

Solar panels

Solar panels are the most widely used renewable energy technology in domestic households. They allow you to tap into the world’s most abundant energy source, sunlight. Although sunshine is not as plentiful in the UK as in Australia, the USA, or India, it’s still possible to harness this freely available resource with photovoltaic or solar thermal panels. Solar thermal panels can be used to heat water for domestic use and support your central heating system.

Here are the pros and cons of solar panels:

Pros:

  • Utilizes free solar energy
  • Can be combined with other heating systems
  • Reduces reliance on grid electricity or gas

Cons:

  • Initial installation costs can be high
  • Performance varies with weather conditions
  • May require a backup heating system

Photovoltaic panels can be used in combination with other renewable energy solutions such as heat pumps or with conventional heating such as electric boilers. They can also be used with infrared panels, electric space heaters or with a diverter which distributes excess solar electricity to other household appliances. Solar panels can provide hot water to feed your wet central heating system.

Solar panels can save money on your energy bill, but the initial outlay can be substantial, so do your research.

Heat pumps

There are two main types of heat pumps: ground-source and air-source. As the names suggest, a ground-source heat pump uses heat from the ground to warm your home, while an air-source heat pump draws warmth from the outside air. Both of these systems can be used with solar panels to reduce your dependency on grid electricity and lower energy costs.

Air Source Heat Pumps

Pros:

  • 300-400% efficiency
  • Lower carbon emissions than gas boilers
  • Can provide both heating and cooling

Cons:

  • Higher upfront costs (£12,000 to £17,000 on average)
  • May require larger radiators or underfloor heating

Ground Source Heat Pumps:

Pros:

  • Even more efficient than air source heat pumps
  • Consistent performance year-round

Cons:

  • Higher installation costs (£16,000 to £25,000 on average)
  • Requires outdoor space for ground loops

Both types of heat pumps are eligible for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, offering grants to help with installation costs.

A ground-source heat pump is more efficient as the temperature in the ground is more stable, whereas the air temperature fluctuates throughout the year. However, as the installation of a ground-source heat pump requires excavation and a lot more labour, it is more expensive than an air-source heat pump that sits at an external wall.

As we move away from conventional heating methods, heat pumps will likely become increasingly used in the UK. The government encourages installing these alternatives with grants and schemes to entice homeowners to switch.

Biomass boiler

A biomass boiler burns wood pellets, chips or logs to generate heat, power a central heating system and provide hot water. By using renewable fuel which is carbon neutral and highly sustainable, biomass boilers are an excellent green choice and perfect for those not attached to the gas grid.

Pros:

  • Renewable and carbon-neutral
  • Eligible for government grants
  • Cost-effective for larger homes

Cons:

  • Regular maintenance needed
  • Requires space for fuel storage
  • Not suitable for smaller properties

They are also very reliable and cost effective when compared to heat pumps. Manually-fed biomass boilers are less expensive than automatic-fed but both are eligible for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme so you could receive a substantial grant toward changing your system.

For homeowners with smaller properties, a biomass boiler is not the best choice due to its size. You’ll also need room to store bulk amounts of pellets, chips, or logs. However, for larger homes, biomass boilers can save you a significant amount of money compared to more conventional heating systems, and they have an efficiency of over 90%.

Choosing the Best Heating Option for Your Home

When selecting a heating system, consider:

  1. Your home’s size and insulation levels
  2. Available outdoor space
  3. Current and future energy prices
  4. Environmental impact
  5. Initial installation costs vs. long-term savings
  6. Government incentives and grants

For most UK homeowners in 2024, heat pumps offer the best balance of efficiency, sustainability, and long-term cost savings. However, the right choice will depend on your specific circumstances and priorities. Remember to improve your home’s insulation and energy efficiency alongside upgrading your heating system for maximum benefits. Consult a qualified heating engineer to determine the most suitable option for your property.