ENERGY CARBON GUIDE & INSIGHT
Moving Beyond Gas Boilers: Planning Home Heating
Moving beyond a gas boiler is a building-design decision as well as an equipment choice. Assess the home’s heat demand, the available installation space and how space heating and hot water will be provided.
Build a useful comparison
Start with the condition of the existing system and the home’s room-by-room heat loss. Compare the scope of work, annual energy consumption, tariffs and maintenance rather than relying on a single efficiency label.
Our heating system comparison guide outlines the main questions.
Consider the installation requirements
A heat pump, direct electric system and retained boiler have different requirements. Check emitters, pipework, plant space and electrical capacity with the relevant installer. Include making-good work and controls in the cost.
Where concealed infrared fits
Carbon-film infrared heating can be considered where suitable ceilings, walls or floors are available. It can provide separate room zones and leave the finished space free of prominent emitters. The layout still needs to satisfy the room’s heat demand.
Explore infrared heating for homes and film versus panel heating.
Keep policy and project advice separate
Check current official requirements and any funding eligibility when the project is specified. An archived opinion article is not a reliable basis for deciding which rules apply to a particular installation.
Compare the annual cost
Compare the complete installed system and annual electricity use, including controls and power supplies. Low voltage alone does not reduce the energy needed to heat a building. Ask for a proposal based on your tariff, occupancy and room-by-room heat loss. Our infrared heating running-cost guide explains the calculation.
Your questions answered
Should a working boiler always be replaced immediately?
The timing depends on its condition, the wider renovation plan and a comparison of suitable alternatives. Obtain project-specific advice.
Does concealed infrared provide hot water?
No. It is a space-heating system; hot-water provision must be designed separately.
Related guides and products
PLAN YOUR PROJECT
Plan the heating around your building
Tell us about the property, the rooms and the planned work. We will help identify suitable product options and the information needed for a detailed proposal.