This type of installation is ideal for maximising solar energy generation on a residential property, especially when combined with battery storage. A great example of what A Greener Alternative have designed and installed and can also do for homeowners across Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire and Kent.

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There are quite a few options when it comes to renewable heating, each option with its own advantages and disadvantages, so finding the best renewable heating for your home can be somewhat daunting; after all, whatever you choose will be keeping you warm and your house running smoothly.

Hopefully through this article we can help you find that green alternative to the conventional heating that you have been hoping for. Below we will cover what renewable heating is, the options you have and the pros and cons of each, take a look at the approximate costs, and see what the potential is for the heating systems being eco-friendly.

What Is Renewable Heating?

Of course, if you are thinking about getting a renewable heating system then you need to know what renewable heating is and what you will be working with in future. Standard heating in the majority of British homes is either electric or a mains gas boiler, but after learning about renewable heating more and more people are making the change to a different source for their heating.

Renewable heating takes advantage of sources of heat that are based in nature, not finite like fossil fuels are, and uses resources that can be replenished and found in most places. This means that these systems can be incorporated almost anywhere and will be run in ways that do not increase in cost or deplete in amount. A huge positive of renewable heating is that your carbon footprint is reduced, meaning that you are living in a more environmentally friendly way which helps with sustainability on both a local and a global scale.

Using sources other than gas and electric can give your home a constant supply of heating, often requiring less hassle than the conventional methods that are in place. There can be a lot to know about renewable heating but at its core it is a highly beneficial option for you and where you live, especially with the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI).

What Is The Renewable Heat Incentive?

Something to encourage you and help you to take that step into renewable heating territory is the Renewable Heat Incentive. This is provided by the government as a way to incentivise you to make the switch; it involves signing up to the scheme and meeting certain criteria with your heating system, with the potential for you to receive payments for the amount of eco-friendly energy that your renewable heating system provides you.

The scheme allows payments to you quarterly for 7 years, meaning you are getting money for your use of a sustainable option for heating. There is also a non-domestic option of the RHI which allows such payments for up to 20 years. By the end of the incentive, you should be reimbursed for making that choice to utilise a renewable heat system.

Read more about the Renewable Heat Incentive with our Complete Guide To RHI

What Are Your Options For Renewable Heating? And the Pros/Cons Of Each?

There are some main options when it comes to viable renewable heating solutions, this is great as it gives you some freedom to evaluate what will work best for you and see how the heating systems work. What you are able to select will depend on your budget, your home layout, and what you personally want to choose. Having a renewable heating system installed in place of your current source for heat can also affect what is possible, with a new build house or building it is more likely that your options will be wider because things can be more fit for purpose. That being said, there are still excellent outcomes when it comes to installing a more sustainable heating system for your home. Here are the top renewable heating options to take into consideration.

Ground Source Heat Pumps:

As the name suggests, ground source heat pumps extract heat from the ground through pipes called ‘ground loops’ that are buried a few metres under the ground in what land is available, such as your garden or through boreholes piled 100’s of metres vertically into in the ground. The heat is taken into a compressor to increase the temperature and then used in the home to heat radiators, water, and underfloor heating. The ground source heat pump varies depending on your property, for example a larger home would require more ground loop so that enough heat can be obtained and provided throughout the home.

Advantages:

• Requires less work and maintenance than conventional heating
• Saves money over time, costs less to run than gas boilers
• Takes up little space, no need to store fuels
• High RHI rate
• Very good for the environment, efficient and sustainable form of heating

Disadvantages:

• Quite pricey to install, though will save money over time
• Installing causes some disruption to the land it is installed in
• If done poorly, the pumps will be less effective

Air Source Heat Pumps:

This renewable heating system functions by taking heat from the air outside and absorbing it as a fluid which is moved into a compressor, much like with ground source pumps, where the temperature is raised and then pumped around your property to either be used in the water and central heating circuits, or via a fan system that will heat rooms.

Advantages:

• Can provide heat even when air temperatures are as low as -15 degrees Celsius
• Potential to operate for a long time, up to 20 years
• Cheaper than some other options
• Faster and easier installation when compared to ground source pumps
• Safe to run

Disadvantages:

• Space is needed on an outer wall to hold the external unit
• Running costs increase during colder times
• More insulation may be required for heating to be efficient

Biomass Boilers:

A biomass boiler utilises wood pellets, chips, or logs to generate heat. The boiler burns the wood that is fed into it, converting that into heat to be used in one room or pumped around the home via a central heating system.

Advantages:

• Very environmentally friendly as it can use waste wood and the fuel is renewable by growing more trees
• Efficient and can compete well with gas boilers
• Cost-effective and prices that are stable compared to fossil fuels

Disadvantages:

• Maintenance and care is required more so than other options
• Can take up quite a bit of space, including storage for the fuel
• Initially expensive to get up and running

Solar Thermal System:

Using the heat radiation from the sun, a solar thermal system is a great way to gain renewable heating without the need to find fuel. Panels can be placed on the roof of your home to collect heat from the sun and send that heat through the house.

Advantages:

• Low maintenance cost and long life
• Highly sustainable
• Can bring savings on energy bills

Disadvantages:

• Consistently expensive
• Need other heaters just in case during winter
• Can only provide so much, not a complete solution. Mostly for water heating

What Is The Greenest Way To Heat Your Home?

Though these renewable heating systems are all green and eco-friendly, some are more so than others. To find the greenest way to heat your home effectively you must look at the carbon footprint for the source that you are gaining heat from, and how well the system performs.

We can see that solar thermal heating is theoretically great due to it using the suns heat, but ultimately it is outperformed by a biomass boiler or a heat pump. Heat pumps do require some electricity to run but this could be assisted by using wind or solar energy, whilst biomass boilers use up wood from trees which are an essential part of the eco system even if waste wood is reused and more trees are planted.

At the moment there is no ultimate renewable heating system that will sort all of our heating problems and each application will present itself with a different solution. Careful analysis and design will ultimately define the most effective and sustainable route to go.

So, What Is The Best Renewable Heating System?

Looking at all of the areas covered in this blog post, it can be seen that there are many benefits of installing a renewable heating system for your home, utilising renewable heating brings savings for you and the satisfaction that you are doing something positive for sustainability. There is not an ultimate option that will be the best solution for everyone’s heating needs, instead you can look at the factors that will affect the system and which will be most effective for you.

Perhaps the best option for renewable heating will be the one that you can get the most heat out of and gain money through the Renewable Heat Incentive, ensuring that your switch to using a renewable heating system is worthwhile. You will also want your heating to last and have little need for maintenance, luckily all options are good for this as they are built and installed to last well and use a source of heat with a supply that will not cease.

If you would like to find the best renewable heating system for you, then please contact us here at A Greener Alternative and we can help you to decide on what the best renewable heating system will be for your requirements. We offer free onsite surveys and can provide our expertise on renewable heating all across the South East of England. You can get in touch with A Greener Alternative by using our Contact Form, by emailing us at: info@agreeneralternative.co.uk or by calling us on: 01273 455695. Discover more about A Greener Alternative and what makes us a leading installer of renewable heating systems in Sussex and The South East today…

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An ever increasingly popular way to heat the home is via renewable heating, a marked shift away from the conventional heating we see across the country. However, many are still left wondering what on earth it is; thankfully it is actually not as daunting as many are lead to believe, and once you know about renewable heating and the various systems available, you’ll be left wondering why it isn’t more widespread.

Renewable heating is a forward thinking solution to heating your home or commercial property, and it’s an eco-friendly, sustainable option compared to the common gas and fossil fuel based heating systems. Renewable heating solutions utilise natural energy resources that are sustainable, as opposed to the use of finite fossil fuels that will run out and ultimately harm the environment.

By using renewable heating and energy, you can have a much longer lasting steady supply of heat, whilst also reducing your carbon footprint and acting in a “green” and sustainable way. With choosing renewable heating, you will find a number of options available to you, as well as benefits such as the Renewable Heat Incentive. We will cover just what these options and benefits are, in the hopes that you will no longer be left pondering about renewable heating, hopefully convincing you of it many benefits…

How Does Renewable Heating Work?

The way that renewable heating works will depend on the specific type of renewable heating system that you have installed. However, for a general discussion we can say that renewable heating works as efficiently as it can by utilising natural and replenishable energy resources. This differs to standard heating which relies mainly on fossil fuels, though the results of renewable heating are much the same as a gas boiler, allowing for heating throughout a property.

Each renewable heating systems is different and will operate in a specialised way to make use of a particular heat source (such as sourcing heat from the ground or air, or by combusting wood chips or other resources). All renewable heating systems have a common component in that they extract the required heat and optimise this to maximise heating throughout your home.  

What Are The Different Types Of Renewable Heating Systems & Technology?

When it comes to renewable heating technologies in the home, you are presented with a number of core options, each with their own benefits and drawbacks. As we speak, there are new developments being made in this field of heating, with current technologies being improved and new ones being created. The main options that are currently available are Air source heat pumps, ground source heat pumps, biomass boilers, and solar thermal systems. From their names, it is already pretty easy to figure out just how they might operate, but let’s look into each system in some more detail.:

Air Source Heat Pumps: An easy-to-install and relatively compact system, this operates by extracting heat from the air outside the home and converting it into a heated fluid that can be sent throughout the central heating circuits, water systems, or fan heating system in your property. Air source heat pumps can provide heating even when temperatures drop as low as -15 degrees Celsius. An air source heat pump is also considered a safe and simple system to install.  

Ground Source Heat Pumps: Whilst this option can be trickier to install due to the space required and land disruption, the efficiency is among the best. Using pipes called ‘ground loops’ this heat pump takes the heat from the ground to be compressed again and sent around the home. These ground loops can be buried a few metres under the ground horizontally, or installed vertically through boreholes, installation options depend on what land is available for the property. This option requires little maintenance, saves money and is effective all year round.

Biomass Boilers: A classic renewable heating system, the biomass boiler is an environmental-friendly and powerful option for any property. Through the use of natural resources in the form of wood pellets, wood chips, and logs. The boiler will burn the biomass to extract heating that can be used around the property. All that is needed is a supply of wood, and for the boiler to be fed the wood either automatically or manually. Though it can require more maintenance than other options, a biomass boiler competes well with conventional heating.

Solar Thermal System: Not as common as other renewable heating solutions. This system uses heat radiation from the sun in order to heat your home. Simply placed in an advantageous position such as on your roof, the panels will obtain heat from the sun that can be used primarily in the home’s hot water system. This option has very low maintenance and a long lifespan. However, it does come with some common drawbacks, such as efficiency when compared to other options.

How Much Is Renewable Heating?

Often, one of the biggest concerns when it comes to the installation and maintenance of renewable heating solutions is pricing. People want to make sure that the costs will be worth it in comparison to the conventional heating options being used in their household, from initial installation to the costs of running the system. To say that renewable heating is cheap would be a lie. Unfortunately, the installation of any system is pricey, with some being more expensive than others; however, there are many upsides and ways to help with the costs involved.  

In terms of installation, a ground source heat pump can cost anywhere in the region of £20,000 to £30,000, an air source heat pump around £8,000-£15,000, a biomass boiler will vary, but is usually upwards of £10,000, and solar thermal systems often around £4,000. With conventional boiler installation prices averaging around £2,000, we can appreciate the daunting aspect of upfront costs when moving to renewable heating. These are just estimating, of course, and it is essential for you to consult with a specialist before you rule any system out.

Over time and through the ongoing usage of your system, you will usually see savings in running costs, varying on the system and efficiency when used. But most of all, you will really benefit from the Renewable Heat Incentive, making up for any expensive upfront costs.

What Is The Renewable Heat Incentive?

Simply put, the Renewable Heat Incentive (shortened to RHI) is an incentive put in place by the government to help people make the switch to renewable heating. Promoting the use of renewable heating systems across the UK, the RHI is available for domestic and commercial installations, in the hopes that people can experience the wonders of renewable heating everywhere.

The Renewable Heat Incentive provides you with a financial boost and assistance to allow for a smooth switch and ultimately a reduction of your running costs. This comes in the form of quarterly payments for seven years with home systems, and 20 years for commercial; reimbursing you for the costs of the crossing to this green heating option.

The money you receive as part of the Renewable Heat Incentive will vary depending on usage, and the type of system installed. Your eligibility for the RHI will also depend on a number of factors.

You can find out more about the RHI in depth through our “How Much Is The Renewable Heat Incentive and “What Is The Renewable Heat Incentive” blog posts…

What’s The Difference Between Renewable & Conventional Heating?

The primary difference between conventional and renewable heating is of course, the resources used and how the heat will be obtained. Your standard heating system found in most homes makes use of finite fossil fuels, whilst renewable systems will use low carbon options to provide heating. Ultimately, the difference is the impact on the environment, and how long into the future the system can be reliable for, with renewable heating solutions taking the lead.

Other differences will be the costs, as we have discussed the renewable options can be expensive but are becoming increasingly affordable, and where the heating system will be placed, for example, ground source heat pumps will need to be outside in a larger space whereas the conventional heating requires very little room or disruption to land.

There is also an option in which conventional and renewable heating is used together, forming an integrated or hybrid heating system. This option uses the best of both worlds and can be a stepping stone towards total renewable usage. You can learn all about this system and how it can suit your needs via another of our blog posts. How can an integrated heating system benefit you…

Is Renewable Heating Right For You And Your Home?

When it comes to renewable heating technologies there are certain properties that will be more suitable than others, but this is not to say that only certain people can reap the benefits of renewable heating. Luckily, with a range of options, you can find the right system for you. An air source heat pump, for example, is easy to include in the majority of homes due to its size and simplicity. Renewable heating is right for anyone that wants to make a valuable switch to a green future, and with developments in the interest of sustainability, it is becoming more and more accessible for all. There is no reason for you not to look into this eco option, especially with the RHI available and the option of hybrid systems for the combined power of conventional and renewable heating.

If you would like to find the best renewable heating system for you, then please contact us here at A Greener Alternative and we can help you decide on what the best renewable heating system will be for your requirements. We offer free onsite surveys and can provide our expertise on renewable heating all across the South East of England. You can get in touch with A Greener Alternative by using our Contact Form, by emailing us at info@agreeneralternative.co.uk, or by calling us on 01273 455695. Discover more about A Greener Alternative and what makes us a leading installer of renewable heating systems in Sussex and The South East today…

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When considering options for renewable heating, a biomass boiler should not be ignored. With various models suitable for various fuel types and different applications, Biomass boilers can meet the renewable heating needs of just about any home or integrated renewable heating system. As with other renewable technology, domestic biomass boilers have come on leaps and bounds in recent years!

Despite their fantastic reputation, there can be some confusion around biomass boilers, especially with questions around whether they are a viable option to heat the home. To dispel some myths and uncertainty around Biomass boilers we have created the below article which looks into exactly how a biomass boiler works, it’s efficiency and its suitability for you and your requirements. Discover more about Biomass boilers below…

What Is a Biomass Boiler?

To talk about biomass boilers, we should first clarify what ‘Biomass’ means. ‘Biomass’ is fuel that is obtained from organic matter, the most widely used of which is wood. So, a biomass boiler is a heating system that uses natural/non-fossil fuel resources to create heat for use throughout your home or premises.  

This renewable heating system is available in a few variations, with capabilities and prices varying between each type. The main types that are frequently used, and that we will cover, are wood pellet boilers, wood chip boilers, and wood log boilers. These are your best options when it comes to a domestic or commercial biomass boiler, primarily due to their heat production and the availability of the fuel they use.

Simply put, biomass boilers are an environmentally friendly and sustainable rival to the standard gas or oil boilers used in homes. They are versatile, affordable, long lasting, and importantly, they are future proof. In this modern world, a focus on renewable heating and energy, along with sustainability in general, is essential.

How Do Biomass Boilers Work?

One of the biggest selling points of a Biomass boiler is their ease of use and sense of simplicity. You really are going back to basics burning a sustainable/renewable fuel in order to generate heat and energy.  This renewable heating system works much like the existing boiler in your home, making the switch from traditional fossil fuel heating to a greener solution much easier.

These eco-friendly boilers utilise wood, wood chips, pellets, or logs. With these examples of fuel, we can go into some detail on how Biomass boilers work.

Biomass heating works by burning the natural fuel that is intended for your specific system, whether that be wood pellets, logs or wood chips, creating heat that can be utilised as part of a heating system or for one localised area. For the boiler to continue operating it will need to be fed fuel, this can be automated or done manually depending on your preference and budget. Your biomass heating system will require little maintenance to function, however the ash that is built up from burning fuel will need to be removed every once in a while, and regular biomass boiler servicing or maintenance wouldn’t be a bad idea.

What Fuel Does a Biomass Boiler Use?

We have briefly covered the fuel that is used for biomass heating already, but there are more details that will help you decide on which is best for you and your requirements. It is important to think about which biomass boiler fuel will work well for your home, as well as the logistics of sourcing your fuel on a regular basis. Let’s take a look at the main types of biomass fuel below:

• Wood Chips: Wood chips are small pieces of wood which have been taken from logs and other general wood waste. the sizes of wood chips will vary. Wood chips are reasonably cheap and readily available but not always as efficient as their pellet counterpart. Wood chips are suited more for heating larger buildings. You can use wood chips, as well as pellets, in an automated system that uses a hopper to feed the boiler.
• Wood Pellets: Made from compacted sawdust, woodwork/forestry waste or wood shavings, wood pellets are the most frequently used fuel for domestic biomass boilers. They are designed well to suit the automated hopper system and are often sold in large quantities, so that you can stock up for continued usage. Wood pellets take up little room but provide great efficiency. Wood pellets are the most consistent and reliable fuel option, with low moisture content and standardised sizes creating an easy-to-use experience.
• Wood Logs: Logs are possibly the least common choice for biomass boilers these days. Using wood logs is a valid option but requires the fuel to be fed by hand. Buying logs can be cheap, however the number of logs required in order to reach satisfactory heat levels can be high. It is recommended that those with a larger property with more suitable storage space go for this option, as well as those looking for more control over the fuel input.

Each of these fuel types can be used in biomass boilers, whether you choose a wood pellet boiler, a wood chip boiler, or a wood log boiler for your requirements. All are fantastic sources of renewable heat, and the use of a sustainable source of fuel can give you peace of mind knowing that you are helping to reduce your environmental impact.

It important to remember that you will need space to store the fuel no matter what installation you go for. This shouldn’t be too much of an issue with wood pellets, however it is still essential that the correct planning takes place before finalising a decision.

Which Type of Biomass Boiler Should You Install?

When installing a biomass boiler, the tradesperson carrying out the task will advise you on which boiler will work best for your home and requirements, for example a pellet boiler will be ideal for an urban home, but larger properties might benefit from having a larger or more complex system installed. There are advantages and disadvantages between each Biomass system, so it is difficult to have a definitive answer on which renewable heating system is best.

When it comes to the average biomass boiler, you are sure to want something which isn’t too dissimilar from your existing system, this will make the change practically non-noticeable.  To achieve this desired outcome, there are a few factors that will need to be considered:

• Size: Wood chip boilers will often take up the most room, they are suitable if you have a sizeable property and space to install. However, a pellet boiler will occupy less space due to its smaller size yet will still be able to heat a room just as effectively. If you are looking to install a renewable heating system in your home, then you will probably be looking for an averagely sized biomass boiler that won’t feel cramped in the space available; unfortunately these systems are typically larger than their gas and oil alternatives. However, this size difference isn’t always much, and certainly doesn’t rule out an installation, especially with the development of wood pellet boilers becoming viable heating systems in modern properties.

• Cost: Speaking generally, the costs of installing a Biomass boiler will range from around £8,000 to £15,000. That being said, it can be cheaper for a domestic Biomass boiler, starting around £4,000/£5,000 and being variably higher depending on the amount of heating needed for a home and the type of boiler used. Automatic and semi-automatic fed boilers will typically cost more than manually fed versions such as a log boiler, but usually this price increase is worth it for ease of use. The costs of running a biomass boiler will be centred around the fuel type you use, as maintenance isn’t usually a big factor here. The most expensive fuel is wood pellets at around £200+ per tonne, second is logs at around £100 per tonne, and wood chips at about £50+ per tonne. Buying bulk pellets is most cost effective and will also allow for quality heating and compared to the running costs of a traditional boiler, the biomass option wins easily. It is also worth taking into consideration that you can recover some of your up-front expenses through the RHI Scheme, earning you money back through your continues use of a renewable heating systems.

• Efficiency: This is where biomass heating really excels! You can expect an efficiency of around 80% and above, often more efficient than a standard gas boiler! The efficiency of an installed boiler will, to some extent, be affected by existing heat flow and insulation in your home, it will also be affected a little by size of the space to be heated. For best efficiency the use of pellets and logs is recommended, these will yield the most efficient heating.

Want To Find Out More About The Renewable Heat Incentive? Read Our Complete Guide To The Renewable Heat Incentive Today…

Should I Use a Biomass Boiler on Its Own?

Of course, it is entirely up to you how you implement any heating system into your home or business, but there are certain integrated systems that will help you to make the most out of your installation. Biomass boilers are undeniably one of the most approachable renewable heating systems and can provide reliable heating all year round. Its valuable to clarify which possible uses of this system will keep up with your heat demands.

• As Part Of An Integrated/Hybrid Heating System: A sure-fire way for powerful heating is to implement an integrated or hybrid heating system. We have covered this option in another post in detail here, but we will provide an overview here too. An integrated heating system allows for the use of a traditional boiler alongside a renewable source, this can create a synergy for the greatest heating possible. The traditional heating can act as a backup if the renewable source is perhaps underperforming, switching between them for optimal heating. Biomass boilers are not frequently used this way, but if it is possible on your property then it’s an excellent idea.  
• With Another Renewable Heating System: This is an impressive way to go fossil fuel free. Though a rare choice, you can have a boiler working with a system such as an air-source heat pump to have fully renewable sources of heating around your home. As with an integrated heating system, the dual system will make use of both sources, switching between whichever be most useful.
• As A Standalone Heating System: A huge advantage of biomass boilers is the fact that they are incredibly useful on their own. They can create enough heat all year round, without any real heat fall off in winter, which when compared to other renewable heating systems, is a big win. It is a possibility in many cases for this system to completely replace the conventional system you have in place; through this replacement you will have sufficient heating, lower environmental impact, and be earning money back through the RHI.

It’s difficult to argue against biomass boilers, they are one of the leading renewable heating systems that have emerged in recent years. There are many benefits such as carbon neutral heating and cheaper running costs compared to standard boilers, and only a few possible drawbacks such as obtaining fuel and minor maintenance. If you are considering a change to renewable heating, then a biomass boiler is a good way to go. If you require further information then our specialists can provide free on-site surveys to evaluate what would work best for you.

If you have any questions about biomass boilers or if you would like to enquire about getting a biomass boiler installed in your home, then please contact us here at A Greener Alternative today. We can answer any questions you may have as well as help you to decide on what the best renewable heating system will be for your requirements. We offer free onsite surveys and can provide our expertise on renewable heating all across the South East of England. You can get in touch with A Greener Alternative by using our Contact Form, by emailing us at: info@agreeneralternative.co.uk or by calling us on: 01273 455695. Discover more about A Greener Alternative and what makes us a leading installer of Biomass Boilers in Sussex and The South East today…

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Renewable heating and energy has grown in popularity and availability in recent times, mostly thanks to the developments in renewable heating systems and technology, which make it easier to implement green heating and energy options throughout your home. There are plenty of benefits when it comes to using a renewable heating system, and there are a range of valid options that you can have installed; whether this be alongside your existing heating source, to create an integrated heating system, or as your sole, standalone heating source.

Among the options for a renewable heating system, heat pumps are one of the best to install, as they can be run all year round. When it comes to heat pumps, you have two options, ground source heat pumps and air source heat pumps. Both come with their own pros and cons, but the good news is that both technologies are eligible for the renewable heat incentive (RHI).

We often get asked what is required in order to install a heat pump in someone’s home, or how much space they will need for a heat pump system to work in their home. At A Greener Alternative, we have plenty of experience and knowledge when it comes to heat pumps, having installed countless systems for a range of customers. This article looks into exactly how much space is required in order to install a heat pump, some misconceptions around heat pump systems, as well as outlining the essential things you need to know about heat pumps and why they are a great option for you.

What Is A Ground Source Heat Pump?

The traditional heating systems used in homes around the world is often a mains gas boiler, this uses fossil fuels to heat water and rooms in the home. There is a shift in the modern world to using alternative heating sources that are more environmentally friendly and which don’t use a limited fuel source, such as gas. This shift is the implementation of renewable heating which in the case of an integrated heating system will be combined with the older and more traditional heating system.  

But what is renewable heating? If you are going to be using it then you will want to know exactly what you are working with. Renewable heating utilises energy sources that are just that, renewable. This means that the heating system can be set up practically anywhere and produce heat using the natural world, leaving your home heated and your carbon footprint reduced.

There are a few options for renewable heating, the main ones being ground and air source heat pumps, biomass boilers, and solar thermal energy. Air source heat pumps take heat from the air outside to the home and move it into a system where temperature can be raised and pumped around the home, ground source heat pumps do pretty much the same but extract the heat from a series of pipes underground, a biomass boiler can use wood pellets, chips, or logs to be burnt, this converts the wood into heat to be sent around the home via central heating. Each of these can bring its own benefits and works in a way that does not require a traditional heating system, although they can often be used together for extra energy and heat.

A ground source heat pump works by extracting heat from the ground, the system is installed using boreholes or trenches in a space such as a garden or any land available for your property. By using a system of pipes called ‘ground loops’ that are buried deep underground, the heating system extracts heat found naturally in the earth, pumping it into a compressor that allows the heat to be collected and condensed before being used around your home. A ground source heat pump can be adapted to suit the needs of your home or to fit within your space constraints.

Horizontal Ground Source Heat Pumps

One way in which a ground source heat pump system can be installed is horizontally in trenches in the ground. The ground loops will be laid out in reasonably shallow trenches that have been dug into the space available, this will then be filled back in properly, leaving the land in its correct state. This leaves the ground loops a few metres underground, where they will draw heat from.

Vertical Ground Source Heat Pumps

In a situation where space is perhaps more limited, ground source heat pumps can be installed vertically using boreholes. This involves the pipes being installed deeper into the ground but taking up less surface area than with horizontal ground loops. Deeper ground loops can bring about a more efficient collection of heat and have a more reliable or stable source of heat.

What Is An Air Source Heat Pump?

An air source heat pump is a popular renewable heating option thanks to its versatility. An air source heat pump functions by transferring heat from the air outside, into a liquid form which moves through a compressor where the temperature can be raised and then pumped around the home. The transfer of heat goes to your central heating, for use in radiators, hot water, underfloor heating, and so on. The heat pump itself requires little space, it is compact and can be placed on the outside walls of your home, making it cheaper and easier to install than a ground source heat pump. During the summer, an air source heat pump can also allow for cooling of the house if necessary. .

Using both of these sources leads to the efficient and effective heating of your home all year round. The heat pump will be working more over the summer, allowing your boiler to rest and save you money so that it is only used most in the winter months when it is needed. Simply put, the integrated heating system will be a hybrid of the traditional and greener systems and will switch between them, choosing the appropriate and most efficient source of heating.

There is aAn air source heat pump is a popular renewable heating option thanks to its versatility. An air source heat pump functions by transferring heat from the air outside into a liquid form which moves through a compressor where the temperature can be raised and then pumped around the home. The transfer of heat goes to your central heating, for use in radiators, hot water, underfloor heating, and so on. The heat pump itself requires little space, it is compact and can be placed on the outside walls of your home, making it cheaper and easier to install than a ground source heat pump. During the summer, an air source heat pump can also allow for cooling of the house if necessary.

What Are The Misconceptions of Installing a Heat Pump?

At the moment there are limited options for when it comes to installing a renewable heating system alongside your traditional boiler. This is not to say you can’t choose a valid and functional system, but we hope that in the future the technology will develop and allow for an array of combinations. Nonetheless, you can find that many different systems and technologies can be combined.

There are quite often misconceptions about renewable heating, especially when it comes to heat pumps. The information surrounding these green options for heating a home is often misleading, outdated, or simply unavailable. People are often left asking things like ‘are air source heat pumps noisy’ and ‘are ground source heat pumps worth it’, and unfortunately it can be difficult to find the answers. But we are here to help. We will cover some of the most commonly asked questions surrounding heat pumps, along with some of their biggest misconceptions, hopefully clearing up any questions or concerns you may have.

Ground Source Heat Pumps

As one of the best and most effective central heating pumps, it’s good to know exactly what a ground source heat pump is, what is necessary for installation, and how exactly it can be used for your requirements. There are lots to consider when it comes to a ground source heat pump, for example, how deep the system can go in your situation, so it is definitely worthwhile reading up on. Here are just some of the things to consider when looking at ground source heat pumps:

• Trenches/Boreholes: As previously mentioned, the main installation options for a heat pump is horizontal and vertical. For horizontal ground source heat pumps, an area of land will be needed for the ground loops to be buried, this can take up a fair amount of surface area but leaves the system fairly shallow (approx. 1 metre deep) if access is needed. Vertical ground source heat pumps are installed using boreholes that go down further underground to around 100 metres or so, this allows the ground loops to obtain heat from deeper areas, and also takes up less space than with the horizontal alternative. 
• Space Required: There are many misconceptions when it comes to ground source heat pumps. People think that for them to use this renewable heating, they will need a large amount of land. However, this is not entirely true; the only reason you would need a lot of land to install a ground source heat pump is if you have a particularly large property, or if you want to maximise its potential. Having a bigger space to install a heat pump can mean that it becomes more efficient, but it’s certainly not necessary, especially if used alongside other systems.Using boreholes means that it is no longer a requirement to dig up large surface areas, as the ground loops can be sent downwards instead of across the land.
• Noise: Ground source heat pumps are not often thought of as noisy machines, and rightly so. The noise created by a ground source heat pump is never usually an issue. Some sounds may be produced by the system, but this will be barely noticeable and would be just like any other heating system making a noise. Most of the noise will come when the system is being installed.
• Ease Of Installation: Work done on the home can sometimes become a long project, with engineers, builders, and so on, around your home to get the job done. This can be an issue, but with the installation of heat pumps, you don’t have to worry. The process of installing the system may cause a bit of disruption to the land, this is in order to bury the ground loops properly, but it should only take a few days for installation to be complete. The time necessary is pretty much on par with the time for a traditional gas boiler, making the heat pump an appealing option.
• Winter Usage: A worry that people face when installing any renewable heating system is whether it will function properly during winter and whether it can compete with their existing heating system. There are various pros and cons when it comes to ground source heat pumps, and one of the pros is that the system can be used all year round. Taking heat from the earth is not a problem, particularly with vertical systems installed deep underground. Having this system installed in your home can give you the heating you need all year round. if used as part of an integrated heating system, then you have nothing to fear, if your heat pump is struggling, then the traditional boiler will kick in and make up for it.
• Summer Usage: When there are higher temperatures, heat can be stored for later use when you need it, creating an efficient system. Alongside this, the system can be used for cooling your home when you need a more comfortable temperature on those hotter days.

Air Source Heat Pumps

There is often confusion when it comes to the advantages and disadvantages of air source heat pumps too, leaving people unsure and potentially missing out on the low carbon technology. Below are some of the biggest misconceptions when it comes to air source heat pumps:

• Noise: Similar to their ground source alternative, a major worry that we come across when it comes to air source heat pumps, is whether it’s going to be one of the loudest options available, causing annoyance and disruption at home. This is simply a misconception and untrue, if they were too loud then they would not be fit for use. Modern design requires, and means, that these green heating systems are as quiet as possible and friendly to use in an urban area. The design is set to cause as little problems as possible in terms of space and decibels.
• Ease Of Installation: As with ground source heat pumps, the air source heat pump won’t be a problem to install. In fact, it is simpler to install, which is one of the reasons people choose it over the ground source option. Completion of installation should take one to two days with the right people on the job.
• Winter Usage: Of course, the main time that you will need your heating to work is during the winter months. As the air temperature drops, you want to keep the inside of your home warm and cosy. The air source heat pump can still be used in colder conditions (extracting heat from as low as -15°!), though due to its reliance on the air temperature it can struggle; it will still perform its function but compared to a ground source pump, it will feel somewhat weaker. It is important to make sure you have decent insulation around your home, luckily the air source heat pump can be supplemented by other systems or the traditional boiler if necessary.
• Summer Usage: In the summer this system can reach its maximum potential, extracting heat during the peak of the season. This means that your radiators, and water heating, important functions for the home, will be working entirely off of renewable energy. A feature of the heat pump is its ability to provide cooling around the home in the summer, essential for those hot days when you need to seek shelter from the sun.

Is A Heat Pump Worth It?

With your existing and installed heating, you can combine an air source heat pump, a ground source heat pump, or in some cases, a biomass boiler. Solar thermal heating is possible but will most likely not be sufficient to combine and ultimately you are better off using other sources.

Making the switch from your current traditional heating system, or adding a new renewable heating system, is an excellent action to take. A renewable heating system can provide reliable heating, at competitive prices, and with a less negative impact on the environment; there are countless positives when it comes to heat pumps, and the future of these systems is only looking bright. If you are thinking of taking the next steps towards renewable heating, then it’s worth considering the below aspects to ensure that a heat pump will be worth it for you:

• Costs Of Installation: The cost of installing a ground source heat pump will vary between systems depending on a number of variables. These variables could include the size of your home for example. Running costs are also dependent on how much heat is required by the property. Many heat pump installers will offer a free site survey in order to prepare the most accurate quote and costings possible.
• Efficiency Of Heat Pumps: One of the benefits of heat pumps, is that they can be incredibly efficient, competing well with other methods of heating a home. Without using too much jargon, you can expect a useful amount of heat coming from the input of a relatively low amount of energy; your electricity usage can be reduced while you are still receiving a substantial amount of heat for your home. Using the COP (Coefficient of Performance), an estimate for air source is 3 kilowatts of heat per 1 kilowatt of electricity, and 4 kilowatts of heat per 1 kilowatt of electricity for ground source. These estimates are not set in stone, they can be affected by time of year and where the heat is transferred to; for example, you can increase efficiency if you have underfloor heating, and if your radiators are fairly large. The ground source heat pumps COP is influenced less than the air source during winter, but all in all you can expect both to perform well.
• Renewable Heat Incentive: An important government scheme that will benefit you for your renewable heating usage is the RHI (Renewable Heat Incentive). Through this scheme, you can earn money back quarterly for up to 7 years towards the running cost of your system, just by using your heat pump to heat the home. Payment amounts can depend on several factors, such as how much eco-friendly heat is being produced by your system, but these payments should hopefully cover the cost of the installation. If you would like to learn more about the RHI, and who is eligible, then why not check out our blog post explaining exactly What Is The Renewable Heat Incentive.
• Long Term: In the long term you will find that you benefit in numerous ways from using heat pumps. Both the ground source and air source heat pumps have lower running costs, saving you money, and with the RHI scheme spread out over 7 years, this can help to recover your initial investment. When compared to traditional heating systems, heat pumps require less maintenance and they can last long into the future. Lastly, your carbon footprint will be reduced, and your reliance on fossil fuels can be taken away. Looking forwards, the use of green heating will only increase, allowing you to lead the way when it comes to utilising renewable energy.  

Whether you opt for a ground source heat pump or air source heat pump, you will be making a positive switch, and you’ll be asking yourself why you didn’t make the switch sooner. Any worries about space, noisiness, and inefficiency can be dispelled due to the various options available that can suit your home. To begin the process of installing a heat pump, specialists will come to your home for a consultation, guiding you on what would work best for the property; this will allow for the most effective installation to occur.

If you would like to find the best renewable heating system for you, then please contact us here at A Greener Alternative and we can help you decide on what the best renewable heating system will be for your requirements. We offer free onsite surveys and can provide our expertise on renewable heating all across the South East of England. You can get in touch with A Greener Alternative by using our Contact Form, by emailing us at info@agreeneralternative.co.uk, or by calling us on 01273 455695. Discover more about A Greener Alternative and what makes us a leading installer of renewable heating systems in Sussex and The South East today…

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The Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) is a government financial incentive which encourages the use of renewable energy and heating. With the Renewable Heat Incentive, you can get money.

towards the costs of running a renewable heating system to heat your home or commercial property.

But how much is the Renewable Heat Incentive? Well, in the below article we explore exactly what costs are involved with the Renewable Heat Incentive as well as how much you could expect to receive through RHI.

The Renewable Heat Incentive’s costs are reasonably straight forward. You only pay for the initial cost of installing a renewable heating technology, as well as the on-going cost of fuel and maintenance. But, with the Renewable Heat Incentive, these initial and ongoing costs are in theory recovered from the regular payments (incentive) you receive from the government.

When considering the costs involved with RHI you firstly need to consider your initial investment. How much is the renewable heating system you are looking to install along with the costs of installation? Next, you need to think about the on-going costs of fuel as well as maintenance. What are the costs of wood chips to heat your home, for example? Or how often do you need to get your system serviced?

There are various elements to consider when it comes to the costs of the Renewable Heat Incentive, but the good news is that you will hopefully get all of your investment back through your regular incentive payments.

Read more about the Renewable Heat Incentive with our Complete Guide To RHI

How Is The Renewable Heat Incentive Calculated?

The way in which your Renewable Heat Incentive payments will be calculated depends on whether you are applying for the Domestic RHI scheme or the Non-domestic RHI scheme. Both schemes are subject to their respective tariffs, which we go into more detail about below and which will determine how much your incentive payments come to.

Domestic:

Your Domestic RHI payments will all depend on how much heat your renewable heating system generates, as well as the tariff rate for your specific system. You can work out what payments you could receive from the Domestic RHI Scheme by using the government’s Domestic RHI Calculator.

Non-domestic 

When it comes to the Non-domestic RHI scheme, you also use the tariff rates of your specific renewable heating system to work out how much you could receive per kilowatt hour of energy your system produces. Both the Domestic and Non-domestic RHI Tariff rates can be found further down this article.

Are Renewable Heat Incentive Payments Taxable?

Taxation of Renewable Heat Incentive payments is rather complicated. The taxation of payments received from Domestic and Non-domestic Renewable Heat Incentive schemes will change, and in fact, the tax you pay isn’t affected by the type of RHI scheme making the payment but on how the heat is used.

For example, if you’re using the heat for the sole purpose of heating your home, then the payments you receive aren’t chargeable to income tax. However, if the payments are received for both personal domestic use and any other purpose (for example, providing heat to a neighbour for a fee) then the payment relating to the non-personal use is chargeable to income tax.

When it comes to the Non-domestic RHI scheme, any RHI payments you receive are a business receipt and are subject to the normal income tax and Corporation tax rules. However, if you are a landlord, then the tax treatment on payments received for heat generated for the use of a tenant depends on whether you charge your tenant separately for the heat provided. If there’s no separate charge for the heat provided, the payments should be deducted from the cost of providing heat. If you charge separately for the heat used by your tenant, then the payments received are chargeable as miscellaneous income.

Is The Renewable Heat Incentive “VATable”?

VAT and the Renewable Heat Incentive is a complicated relationship. You do pay VAT when purchasing a renewable heating system and paying for the installation and maintenance of such a system, however, this is often at a reduced rate of VAT of 5%. For example, Solar Panels, Ground-source Heat Pumps, Air-source Heat Pumps, and Wood-fuelled Boilers are all energy products where the reduced VAT rate of 5% applies. Solid fuel for domestic and residential use or for non-business use by a charity is also eligible for the reduced VAT rate.

As a business, when it comes to claiming any of this VAT back then it gets a little more tricky. HMRC normally considers that an RHI payment represents non-business income and so should fall outside the scope of VAT. This means that businesses are not required to account for VAT on such income. However, as a consequence of this, HMRC has challenged some businesses’ entitlement to recover VAT incurred on costs used to generate RHI payments, arguing that those costs are not attributable to taxable business activities.

How Much Are The Renewable Heat Incentive Payments?

How much your regular RHI payments (incentive) will be will depend on various factors. Firstly, what scheme are you applying for? The Domestic or Non-domestic scheme? As both schemes have separate tariffs. Then, you need to consider what renewable heating system you are using, as each system is subject to different tariff rates. For example, you could expect a higher p/kWh (Pence Per Kilowatt-hour) for a solar thermal system compared to a biomass system.

If you are applying for the domestic scheme, then you can work out what payments you could receive from the Domestic RHI Scheme by using the government’s Domestic RHI Calculator.

If you are applying for the Non-domestic RHI scheme, then you can work out how much your regular payments would be with the below Non-domestic tariff table.

Want To Find Out More About The Renewable Heat Incentive? 

If you would like to find out some more information about the Renewable Heat Incentive or any of our renewable heating systems and technology, then please get in touch today. You can get in touch by using our contact form, by emailing us at: info@agreeneralternative.co.uk, or by calling us on 01273 455 695.

What Are The RHI Tariffs

The tariffs for the Renewable Heat Incentive set the rate for your Renewable Heat Incentive payments. If you join the scheme and stick to the schemes rules you will receive quarterly payments over seven years for the domestic scheme and 20 years for the non-domestic scheme. The tariffs are set by the Department for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), and are detailed below:

How To Claim The Renewable Heat Incentive

If you’re looking to claim the Renewable Heat Incentive but just don’t know where to start, then not to worry as it is reasonably straight forward to get started.

If you’re looking to claim the Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive, then firstly you must be the homeowner of the property you are looking to install your eligible RHI heating system in. Your renewable heating system must also be installed by an MCS certified installer. In order to qualify for the Domestic RHI, you will also need to prove that your property is considered domestic by providing your Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).

If you’re wanting to apply for the Non-domestic Renewable Heat Incentive, then the process is a little longer but still straight forward enough. Firstly, you must be the owner of the installation, or where there are multiple owners, you must be able to prove that you have permission to act for the other owners. It is also important that your renewable heating system was first commissioned on or after the 15th of July 2009. The system must also have been new at the time of installation. The Non-domestic RHI scheme has some additional requirements also, for example, the system must either use liquid or steam as the heat delivery medium, and the system must provide heat for at least one eligible heat use. The installation must not solely provide heating to single domestic premises. No public grants can be used to fund any part of Non-domestic Renewable Heat Incentive installation unless it has been repaid.

As long as you are compliant with the above, you can then get in touch with Ofgem to apply for the Domestic RHI Scheme or the Non-domestic RHI Scheme.

If you would like to find out some more information about the Renewable Heat Incentive and the costs involved with installing a renewable heating system in your home or commercial property or to enquire about how much your payments from RHI could be, then please get in touch today. You can get in touch with A Greener Alternative by using our Contact Form, by emailing us at: info@agreeneralternative.co.uk, or by calling us on 01273 455695. Discover more about A Greener Alternative and what makes us a leading installer of renewable heating systems in Sussex and The South East today…

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The Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) is a government financial incentive to encourage the use of renewable heat. Available to both domestic and non-domestic environments, The Renewable Heat Incentive promotes the use of renewable heating systems, with a financial incentive for those who switch to heating systems that use eligible energy sources and meet certain criteria.

With the UK Government’s RHI Scheme, you could get money towards the costs of heating your home or commercial property using a renewable heating system, including the likes of Biomass Systems, Heat Pumps, and Solar Thermal Heating Systems, etc.

The Renewable Heat Incentive allows people who sign up to the scheme and follow the rules of the incentive to receive quarterly payments for seven years if you are applying for Domestic RHI, and 20 years for Non-domestic RHI, for the amount of renewable, clean heat their renewable heating system produces. The scheme has seen a significant amount of success, with thousands of people signed up and receiving payments.

In the below article, we provide you with a complete guide to the Renewable Heat Incentive and take a look at what exactly RHI is.

Want To Find Out More About The Renewable Heat Incentive? 

If you would like to find out some more information about the Renewable Heat Incentive or any of our renewable heating systems and technology, then please get in touch today. You can get in touch by using our contact form, by emailing us at: info@agreeneralternative.co.uk, or by calling us on 01273 455 695.

You can work out what payments you could receive from the Domestic RHI Scheme by using the government’s Domestic RHI Calculator.

In order to work out how much your quarterly payments could be with the Non-domestic RHI scheme, then you can use the below tariff tables to work out how much you could receive per kilowatt hour of energy your system produces

Is Your Renewable Heating System Eligable For RHI? 

If you would like to find out whether your existing renewable heating system is eligible for RHI then get in touch with A Greener Alternative today. You can get in touch by using our contact form, by emailing us at: info@agreeneralternative.co.uk, or by calling us on 01273 455 695.

So there we have it! A Greener Alternative’s complete guide to the Renewable Heat Incentive scheme.

If you would like to find out some more information about the Renewable Heat Incentive, whether you’re a domestic or non-domestic client, then A Greener Alternative is here to help. A Greener Alternative has years of experience installing renewable energy systems and integrated heating solutions across Sussex and the South-East. If you would like to find out some more information about RHI or any of our renewable heating systems and technology, then please get in touch today. You can get in touch by using our contact form, by emailing us at: info@agreeneralternative.co.uk, or by calling us on 01273 455 695.

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