What alternatives are there to heat pumps?

Nick Daws offers alternatives to heat pumps.

The UK Government is currently pushing heat pumps hard in its quest to achieve Net Zero.

As I said in my recent article for Mouthy Money, however, they are definitely not a one-size-fits-all solution for home (or business) heating.

Even the government admits heat pumps are unsuitable for around four million UK homes, for a variety of reasons including lack of outside space and planning restrictions. Industry estimates suggest the real number is closer to eight million [source].

Even if your home is theoretically suitable for a heat pump, there are good reasons why you might not want one. As previously discussed, these include the high initial cost, the potential noise issues, and the fact they work less well in cold weather (just when you need them most!). 

For heat pumps to operate effectively, properties must be well insulated, and bigger pipes and radiators are likely to be needed. This can add considerably to the cost, not to mention the disruption. In my personal view heat pumps are best suited to new-build homes that can be designed around them.

So today I thought I would set out a range of other home heating solutions you might want to consider. I will also set out some points to take into account before making any decision.

Heat pump alternatives

1. Gas boilers

Gas boilers have been a staple in UK homes for decades, and they remain a very popular choice for heating. They provide reliable and instantaneous heat, making them particularly suitable for homes with high hot water demand. While they rely on fossil fuels, modern condensing boilers are more energy-efficient, helping to reduce carbon emissions (and costs) compared to older models.

2. Oil boilers

For properties not connected to the gas grid, oil boilers offer a viable alternative. They work similarly to gas boilers but use heating oil stored in a tank on the property. While oil prices can fluctuate, modern oil boilers are highly efficient and can provide consistent warmth to homes in rural areas or those without access to natural gas.

• In future oil boilers may be converted to run on hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), which is a renewable and 100% biodegradable alternative [source].

3. Biomass boilers

Biomass boilers use organic materials such as wood pellets, chips or logs to generate heat. They’re a sustainable option, as wood is a renewable resource.

Biomass boilers can be integrated into existing heating systems and may be eligible for government incentives such as Green Deal, making them an attractive choice for environmentally conscious homeowners.

4. LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) boilers

LPG is a clean-burning fossil fuel typically stored in a tank on the property, providing a reliable source of heating and hot water. LPG boilers function similarly to natural gas boilers, offering instant heat and efficient performance. They’re particularly popular in rural areas where mains gas is unavailable, providing homeowners with a convenient and cost-effective alternative for heating their homes.

5. Electric heating systems

Electric heating systems come in many different forms, including electric radiators, storage heaters and underfloor heating. They also include low-emission infrared panels.

While electricity prices can be higher than gas or oil, advances in technology have led to more energy-efficient electric heating options. They are often easier – and therefore cheaper – to install and require less maintenance compared to traditional boiler systems. They can be a good choice for smaller properties and those with limited space.

6. Air conditioning systems

Traditionally associated with cooling, modern air conditioning systems can also provide heating during colder months through a process known as reverse cycle or heat pump technology. 

These systems extract heat from the outdoor air and transfer it indoors, offering both heating and cooling capabilities in a single unit.

While more common in warmer climates, air conditioning systems are becoming increasingly popular for heating purposes in the UK due to their energy efficiency and versatility.

7. Electric boiler systems

Electric boilers function similarly to gas or oil boilers but use electricity as their primary energy source. They heat water for central heating and domestic hot water supply, offering a clean and convenient heating solution.

They can normally be used with the same radiators as gas boilers, unlike heat pumps which (as mentioned above) typically require the installation of bigger radiators and pipes.

Electric boilers are compact, quiet, and emit no emissions on-site, making them suitable for properties where space or ventilation is limited. While electricity costs may be higher than some other options, electric boiler systems can be an efficient and low-maintenance option.

• The MInistry of Defence recently decided to opt for electric boilers rather than heat pumps as a more cost-effective solution for barracks and other military installations [source].

8. Hybrid heating systems

Hybrid heating systems combine two or more heating technologies to optimize energy efficiency and performance.

For instance, a hybrid system might pair a gas boiler with a heat pump or integrate solar thermal panels with a conventional boiler.

These systems offer flexibility and can adapt to changing energy demands, providing homeowners with both reliability and sustainability.

9. Solid fuel stoves

Solid fuel stoves, such as wood-burning or multi-fuel stoves, provide both warmth and ambiance to homes. They’re particularly popular in rural areas where homeowners have access to firewood or other solid fuels.

While they require manual operation and regular maintenance, solid fuel stoves can significantly reduce heating costs and add character to any living space.

10. District heating networks

In urban areas, district heating networks supply heat to multiple buildings from a central source, such as a combined heat and power (CHP) plant or biomass facility.

This communal approach to heating can be more efficient and cost-effective than individual heating systems, offering residents a sustainable and reliable heat supply without the need for on-site boilers or heat pumps.

Considerations when choosing an alternative

When exploring alternatives to heat pumps, various factors need to be considered. 

Cost: Evaluate the initial investment, ongoing maintenance costs, and potential savings (or otherwise) on energy bills.

Space: Consider the available space for installation and the requirements of each heating system.

Energy efficiency: Look for heating solutions with high energy efficiency to minimize running costs and environmental impact. 

Fuel availability: Assess the availability and accessibility of fuel sources in your area.

Control options: Explore the available control features, such as programmable thermostats or smart technology integration, for convenient operation and efficient energy management.

Lifestyle factors: Some heating methods (e.g. electric) are good if you are out and about a lot but want rapid warmth when you get home. Other methods (including heat pumps) are better suited to those who are around more in the day and like to keep their home at a fairly constant temperature.

Political and economic factors: Bear in mind that the government is keen to achieve its Net Zero targets, and as a result some heating options may become more costly in future and harder (or even impossible) to access. That applies to fossil fuels in particular; although realistically it is hard to see fuels such as gas being banned entirely any time soon.

Finally, I’d like to sound a note of caution about putting all your home heating eggs in one metaphorical basket, especially that of electricity.

As the UK transitions from fossil fuels towards (supposedly) greener electricity, power cuts are likely to become more frequent and longer.

The growing use of heat pumps and EVs will add to the demand for electricity from a distribution network that is already struggling to cope. And renewable energy sources such as solar and wind, while they may be more environmentally friendly, produce significantly less electricity when the sun doesn’t shine or the wind doesn’t blow. 

If you’re entirely reliant on electricity for your home heating, this could make you vulnerable in the event of outages (especially if there are older people in the house). In my view there is much to be said for having a backup heating source, e.g. solid fuel, to keep your home warm if the mains electricity fails. Of course, this applies with regard to heat pumps as well, as they require electricity to function.

It’s also worth noting that in Scandinavian countries, where heat pumps are more common, most families have an additional source of heating as well as heat pumps to get them through the coldest months.

• A home battery system, as discussed in this recent article, can also reduce your vulnerability in case of power cuts, especially when combined with solar panels.

Closing thoughts

In summary, while the government and energy companies are pushing heat pumps hard, they are far from the only possible home heating solution, either now or in future. 

If you’re considering upgrading your heating, take time to evaluate all the options and don’t be unduly swayed by the heat pump hype (and even misinformation). While these devices can work well for new-builds in particular, they are definitely not the only option.

By exploring alternatives such as gas and oil boilers, biomass systems, electric boilers, LPG boilers, solid fuel stoves, aircon systems, and others, you should be able to find a heating solution to suit your budget, your lifestyle, your priorities and your property size and character.

Good luck, and stay warm! 

As always, if you have any comments or questions about this article, please do post them below.Nick Daws writes for Pounds and Sense, a UK personal finance blog aimed especially (though not exclusively) at over-fifties.

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