Eco Friendly Heating Options

As we should all be aware by now, heating our home can become very costly all too easily; not only in terms of money out of pockets, but the environmental impact humanity is having on our planet. When we heat our homes our heating systems are normally running off gas, oil or electricity, the first two of which are non-renewable and environmentally damaging fossil fuels. Normally electricity is no better as burning these types of fossil fuel, all of which end up releasing detrimental pollutants into the atmosphere and environment, is often the method used to produce electricity. In this day and age of technology and innovation we should be taking a stand against unnecessary pollution and use the myriad of eco-friendly options available to us in order to heat our homes.

Often the most simple and affordable option available to us is insulation. Installing effective insulation in your home means you do not have to change your heating system to reduce your impact on the environment, as the heat you are producing lasts much longer and does not need to be constantly replaced. Some of the best solutions for insulating your home include insulating your attic, external and cavity walls, double glazing doors and windows, and including draught excluders on letterboxes and doors.

The usual response when someone mentions eco friendly heating is solar panels. Whilst some people argue solar panels are not aesthetically pleasing, you do not often see them when they are on your roof. Aside from this, solar panels provide a heating solution that has no demand on non-renewable energy sources; a win for the environment. I can agree that they are quite costly to purchase and install, however they reduce your energy bills, often to zero, and in many jurisdictions also provide some tax relief, meaning they will eventually pay for themselves as you save money elsewhere.

Often considered side by side with solar energy is wind power, and whilst less common than solar power, wind power is a brilliant source for your heating. Again this is another option that places no demand on non-renewable energy sources. It is arguable that a wind turbine, regardless of scale, will lessen the look of your home more than solar panels, however with the reduction in energy bills and potential tax relief makes them a highly viable option that remaining wired-in to the grid.

The next suggestion on the list is heat pumps, of which there are two main models that use natural sources to generate energy to heat your home without harmful side effects or damaging emissions. The first model of heat pump that is typically used is a ground source heat pump, which works by generating power using the ground’s natural energy, a geothermic pump if you will. This will only work if you live in a suitable geographic area. The second model is an air source heat pump, which uses cooling technology to convert wind energy into heat energy, allowing you to heat your home with a renewable energy source. Again, these pumps will reduce the cost of your household energy bills, as they are able to facilitate large demands for energy in your home.

Aside from the above methods, you should also check the energy efficiency ratings on your heating system appliances and maximize their efficiency as far possible, for example using an insulation jacket on your boiler. The final tip I can impart with you is something everyone should be doing already; use less energy! Switching the heating off when you leave the room, house or go to bed is going to help reduce your impact on the environment and save you some money as well.

Author Bio: Jamie writes for Speedy Services, a specialist tool hire company in the UK. Hopefully this article can inspire you to turn green and start helping the environment.