Most people rely on gas central heating to heat their homes during autumn and winter, but energy costs are rising, and boilers are notorious for emitting damaging carbon emissions. If you’re looking for reliable gas central heating alternatives, you wouldn’t be alone.

The UK government has set a target to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. They are focussing on cutting carbon emissions from heat during the 2020s. So much so that gas boilers will be banned from new homes from 2025.

If there’s a perfect time to explore the benefits of ditching your gas boiler, it's now. So, how can you benefit from switching? And how can you fight inflation at the same time? We’ve explored the best green alternatives to gas central heating.

What are the benefits of heating your home without gas?

Central heating is not your forte? You might be wondering what the benefits of gas central heating alternatives are. What’s in it for you? There are four big positives to switching from a gas boiler:

• Environmental sustainability 
• Cost-saving 
• Future-proofing your home 
• Energy-saving 

Currently, 78% of UK properties are heated by gas boilers during the winter, but there are so many cost-effective and planet-friendly alternatives available. Whilst solutions such as solar panels and heat pumps offer long-term benefits, our easy-to-install biofires are an ideal solution for offering a quick, no fuss, secondary addition to your main heating source.

Making the switch can seem like a minefield, to begin with. With the right information, you’ll soon find the best option to suit your home and budget.

4 Eco-Friendly Alternatives to Gas Central Heating

1. Solar panels 

Solar panels generate electricity by converting sunlight into energy using inverter technology. This method is becoming increasingly popular with UK homeowners. In fact, over 970,000 homes had solar panels installed in 2020. There are different types of solar panels available. Monocrystalline silicon and polysilicon are most commonly used on roof installations. 

Solar panels are a fantastic alternative to gas central heating, but installation and maintenance are extremely expensive. Luckily, the government does have various schemes to help towards costs, and you will quickly make your money back in a few years through reduced energy bills. 

Solar panels generally supply around 50% of your hot water supply. This is weather dependent, of course. So, to meet the heating demands of an average home, you’ll still need an additional system. 

2. Heat pumps 

An increasingly popular alternative to a gas boiler is the use of heat pumps. These are another government-incentivised solution to help towards reducing carbon emissions. 

Reversible heat pumps are effective at keeping homes warm in the winter, yet also keep them cool in the summer. These pumps take the natural heat from cold air and use a small amount of electricity to release this into the warm room. It involves no combustion and is cost-effective to run once installed, which is the definition of a clean and renewable energy source.

Heat pumps are powerful and reliable. They produce around 3x more heat than a conventional heater, and are weather dependant. As with solar panels, the installation of heat pumps can be costly, although again, you will soon make that money back in reduced ongoing costs. 

3. Infrared heaters 

Infrared heating panels are a relatively new concept for replacing gas central heating. They work by simply heating objects, rather than the air. Most heating solutions have to warm the entire room. Meaning more energy and a bigger expense. Essentially, you will feel warm, but the air around you is cool. 

You’ll be used to seeing infrared heaters in outdoor settings, like pub gardens or restaurants. Now, you can get them easily and affordably installed in your home, and for roughly the same cost as installing a conventional electric radiator. One retailer, Herschel Infrared, claims that they can reduce heating bills by as much as a third. 

A great option to help the environment without the large financial commitment. They aren’t quite as sustainable as heat pumps or solar panels, but they are most definitely a step in the right direction. 

4. Bioethanol fireplaces 

Bioethanol fireplaces could also serve as a great addition to your home. They gently heat the room to a comfortable, controllable temperature. They are quick and affordable to install, and they use an environmentally friendly fuel source. 

In terms of running costs, this depends on a few factors. Flame size (which can be adjusted), room ventilation and fuel type are all big contributors. For example, low-quality fuel tends to burn more quickly, meaning more is required. Our premium biofuel is made from high-grade ingredients. It’s also low-odour for a more pleasant burning experience. 

Our range of stunning bioethanol fireplaces comes in a range of designs. Whatever your home decor style, you’ll find a biofire to suit. Choose between traditional wood-burner styles or wall-mounted and free-standing fixings. We even have space-saving fireplaces – perfect for smaller homes. 

We recommend our bioethanol fireplaces be used only as a secondary heating source. They are not designed to replace your central heating, but instead to be used as an additional option for heating a room. They are perfect to heat your room, and not the entire home.  

Cost-effective measures to keep your home warm this winter

Is changing your gas central heating not an option this winter? Yes, it is possible to insulate your home without breaking the bank. Below are some cost-effective measures to keep the warmth in and reduce your energy consumption.

Loft insulation 

Did you know that a quarter of your home’s heat can be lost through the roof? Firstly, check your current roof insulation. Secondly, explore DIY options like draft-proofing to help retain as much warmth as possible. 

Adjust your thermostat 

Many people set their room thermostats at around 20°C in the winter. However, you may find that you’re comfortable with a room temperature of just 18°C. Start lower and only raise the minimum setting if necessary. This is a great way to save money on your energy bills, without even realising it.

Check your boiler settings

Haven’t checked your boiler’s temperature settings? Now’s the time to do so. You could be paying for your boiler to heat up to unnecessarily high temperatures.

Most combi-boilers can be set to between 60-65°C, with hot water slightly lower at 50°C. Separate hot water tanks need to be set higher at 60°C+. This helps prevent harmful bacteria from growing.

Wrap your walls up warm

As with loft insulation, check the insulation of the rooms and floors in your home. Older homes – particularly Victorian – often have untreated walls and bare brick.

This can make a huge impact on the temperature of the room. You may require a tradesperson to complete the additional insulation. But this will last for decades to come and is an affordable alternative in the meantime. 

Future-Proof Your Home 

There’s no doubt about it, upgrading your home’s heating system is a huge decision. There are important financial and environmental considerations. But one thing’s for sure, gas boilers are on their way out. 

If you’re in the market right now, we’ve explored some great gas central heating alternatives for all budgets.

Won’t be switching for a while? There are plenty of small measures you can take to help save money this winter. Wherever you are in your green heating journey, let’s reduce our carbon footprint and fight inflation together.