There are a number of reasons a radiator can lose efficiency, from neglect to more general issues that simply happen over time. Like most frequently used appliances, a radiator needs checking  every once in a while.

<p>With the cost of living crisis affecting all of us in one way or another, it's fair to say that everyone in the UK is keeping a much closer eye on their monthly spending habits.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Despite government schemes to lessen the effects of rising wholesale oil and gas prices, our energy bills have risen to astronomical highs in recent times, leaving many of us in search of ways to make our homes more efficient.</p>
<p>Now, you'll be happy to hear that you don't need to look as far as you might think in order to improve the energy efficiency of your house, flat, or bungalow. With the majority of modern central heating systems relying on <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/boilers/guides/radiator-types" rel="follow">radiators</a> to carry heat around a home, some simple upgrades can make a world of difference.</p>
<p>In this guide, we'll walk you through some of the DIY fixes that can reduce the amount of energy lost through your home's radiators and, in turn, help to keep your bills lower. Don't worry, none of these tips are too time and energy-consuming. There are things you can do to increase your radiator performance within minutes.</p>
<h2>What causes radiators to lose efficiency?</h2>
<p>There are a number of reasons a radiator can lose efficiency, from neglect to more general issues that simply happen over time. Like most frequently used appliances, a radiator needs checking&nbsp; every once in a while.</p>
<h2>How to make radiators more efficient</h2>
<h3>1. Clean your radiators</h3>
<p>This one may seem a little odd, but you'd be surprised by how much difference giving your radiators a bit of a spring clean can make to their energy efficiency.</p>
<p>Depending on the <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/boilers/guides/radiator-types">type of radiator</a> you have, dust buildup can affect how cold air flows through it, which in turn, can affect radiators and how much hot air you get out of them. If you're struggling to get through to some of the tougher-to-reach parts of the radiator, try using a hairdryer to push any dust buildup through.</p>
<p>Dust builds up fast, and as hot air rises in your home, it can get deep into awkward places in no time. Be sure to clean your radiators as often as you would clean any other part of your home to help tackle this!</p>
<h3>2. Power flush the system&nbsp;</h3>
<p>This process involves paying a qualified professional to drain your system by attaching a large pump to it and flushing the system out using the large pump and water pressure to force out any build-up of sludge or magnetite. Once this is completed, you will get a better performance all round from your system, especially if your radiators or pipework are partially restricted.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>3. Bleed your radiators</h3>
<p>If your radiator is feeling warm at the bottom and cooler at the top, the chances are it needs to be bled. You can follow our step-by-step <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/boilers/guides/how-to-bleed-a-radiator">guide to bleeding radiators</a> to make sure this is done properly.</p>
<p>However, just because one radiator needs to be bled, it does not mean you should do all of them, bleeding all of the radiators in your home can actually do more harm than good.</p>
<p>If you bleed a radiator with no trapped air inside, you risk your boiler pressure dropping too low and your whole central heating system failing. Trust us, you do not want this to happen.</p>
<h3>4. Keep an eye on your boiler pressure gauge</h3>
<p>If you feel like your radiators are underperforming, it makes sense to track back to the source of your central heating system.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/boilers" rel="follow">Boilers</a> are pretty helpful, in the sense that the pressure gauge is often colour-coordinated. So, if you take a look at the boiler, you can see the little dial, the dial should be in the green zone, often between 1 and 2.</p>
<p>If the <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/boilers/guides/boiler-pressure">boiler pressure</a> is lower than this, your system isn't operating properly. In this case, you'll have to look into potentially bleeding your radiators and <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/boilers/guides/boiler-pressure">re-pressuring your boiler</a>.</p>
<h3>5. Don't cover your radiators</h3>
<p>This is the cheapest and fastest way to up your radiator's performance.</p>
<p>Although this one is largely considered common sense, it's worth checking if you're looking to get the most out of your radiator.</p>
<p>Remove any objects on them or underneath them, whether that's clothes or furniture sitting too close. The reason to do this is that radiators work on the principle that warm air rises by natural convection. Cold air is drawn up the radiator at the bottom and rises out warm at the top.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Any objects placed on or under the surface area of the radiator will almost certainly interfere with this process, so be sure to keep your radiators clutter-free.&nbsp;</p>
<p>We know putting clothes on the radiator seems like a quick fix to get them dry quickly. In reality, you&rsquo;re wasting valuable energy and creating a safety hazard.</p>
<h3 role="presentation">6. Use radiator reflectors</h3>
<p>For radiators fixed onto external walls, it can benefit to buy some reflectors to prevent heat loss to the outside world.</p>
<p>These work because when a radiator is fixed to an external wall, especially under a window, it exudes heat from the front and the back. In turn, you could be losing around 50% of your heat from the radiator to the external wall, which is not ideal.</p>
<p>These reflectors, placed in the space between the wall and the radiator can push the hot air back into your home, preventing you from wasting energy in places where you don't need to.</p>
<p>You can buy radiator reflector foil online for as little cost as &pound;6 per roll, making it well worth the investment.</p>
<h2>Need more help with your radiators?</h2>
<p>If you've followed all of these steps and are still having trouble with your radiator efficiency, it's worth <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/contact-us">getting in touch</a> with one of our experts to see what we can do to help.</p>
<p>More often than not, an engineer can identify any problems and then give the proper advice to solve the issue. You may require a replacement, which will feel unfortunate at the time but save you money in the long run.</p>
<p>If you think there's something wrong that you can't fix, speak to our team as soon as possible.</p>
<p></p>

Learn

How to make radiators more efficient

To help you save energy and reduce carbon emissions, here are 10 ways to improve your home's efficiency, with tips for all budgets.

<p>Energy efficiency is a big talking point at the moment. Whether you're trying to reduce what you use to save money or are conscious of how much energy you use and its impact on the environment, improving your home's energy efficiency doesn't hurt.</p>
<p>To help you save energy and reduce carbon emissions, here are 10 ways to improve your home's efficiency, with tips for all budgets.</p>
<p></p>
<h2>10 ways to improve home efficiency</h2>
<h3 role="presentation">1. Insulate your home</h3>
<p>As well as keeping the cold at bay, insulating your home helps to reduce heat loss too. Research from the Energy Saving Trust found that <a href="https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/advice/floor-insulation/">floor insulation can save you up to &pound;85 a year</a>. While having cavity wall insulation installed could save you up to &pound;500 per year, depending on the type of home you live in.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Other types of insulation that will help you use less energy include roof and loft insulation and solid wall insulation.</p>
<h3 role="presentation">2. Upgrade your windows</h3>
<p>Over time, window units, fittings and sealings can start to break down, so hot air from your home can be replaced by chilly air from outside. To make your home more energy efficient, inspect your windows to see where any sealant may be decaying and if there is any noticeable wear on the window frames and panes.</p>
<p>Alternatively, you may need to upgrade your windows completely. Typically, windows will last around 25-30 years, so you could be nearing the end of their lifespan. If you buy new windows, invest in low emissivity (low-E) double or triple glazing; these windows have thin coatings of metal oxide that help reflect heat into your home.</p>
<h3 role="presentation">3. Switch to LED lighting</h3>
<p>Replacing traditional light bulbs with more efficient LED bulbs, which last longer, will help you to consume less energy and save money. Unlike the energy-saving light bulbs of old, LED ones offer full brightness as soon as you turn them on.</p>
<p><a href="https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/advice/lighting/">According to the Energy Saving Trust</a>, switching from incandescent to LED lightbulbs can save the average household up &pound;15 per bulb per year.</p>
<h3 role="presentation">4. Use smart technology</h3>
<p>Implementing <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/smart-home/guides/smart-home-technology-what-is-it">smart technology</a> in your home will help you to get the most out of your energy usage. Smart thermostats, for example, are designed so you can control your heating from wherever you are.</p>
<p>Your heating system significantly impacts your fuel bills, especially in winter, so it makes sense to use <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/smart-home/guides/smart-thermostat-v-traditional-thermostat">smart thermostats</a> that give you greater control over when your heating comes on and at what temperature.</p>
<p>Additionally, smart light bulbs and plug sockets are available to control the amount of light and electricity you use. Better still, you can use a smart meter to understand how you use energy - this will help you identify areas for improvement and reduce your energy use even further.</p>
<h3 role="presentation">5. Keep the air in</h3>
<p>Sealing gaps in windows, walls, and doors will help to keep heat in your home, so you'll feel warmer and need to rely on the heating less. Draught proofing, in particular, is a cost-effective way of saving energy, and you could knock up to &pound;50 a year off your bills.</p>
<h3 role="presentation">6. Buy energy-efficient appliances</h3>
<p>Check the energy efficiency labels on products when shopping for white goods like washing machines, fridges or dishwashers, or even a <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/boilers">new boiler</a>. These stickers tell you how effectively the appliances work and indicate how much you'll spend by using them - the lower the efficiency rating, the higher the cost of running.</p>
<h3 role="presentation">7. Avoid standby</h3>
<p>When you've finished watching TV, it's easy to press the &lsquo;standby&rsquo; button on the remote and go and do something else. In doing this, we aren&rsquo;t actually switching our TV sets off, meaning they still use electricity when not in use. This is why digital devices like TVs, game consoles and microwaves are sometimes called energy vampires.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The Energy Saving Trust's '<a href="https://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/sites/default/files/reports/PoweringthenationreportCO332.pdf">Powering the Nation</a>' study found appliances and technology left on standby use between 9 and 16% of our total energy consumption, so on an energy bill of &pound;500, this could be as much as &pound;80. That's almost &pound;1,000 per year.</p>
<h3 role="presentation">8. Opt for renewable energy sources</h3>
<p>If you want to make your home more energy efficient, one of the best things you can do is start generating your own energy. Using <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/solar">solar panels</a> to capture the sun's energy can reduce your reliance on energy suppliers and get energy from the national grid. It can generate savings of up to 90% on your fuel bills.</p>
<h3 role="presentation">9. Use natural light</h3>
<p>As well as generating electricity from solar panels, you should make the most of the daylight by keeping curtains and blinds open. This reduces the need for artificial lighting and makes your home more efficient - you'll save money on your energy bills, too.</p>
<h3 role="presentation">10. Reduce your water usage</h3>
<p>Having a more energy-efficient home isn't all about keeping your home warm; you should also try to change how you use water. Reducing how much water you use can significantly affect your bills, too.</p>
<p>Instead of using lots of energy to fill the bath with hot water, take a shower. It is estimated that a 10-minute shower uses around 110 litres of water, while it can take about 315 litres to fill a bath.</p>
<p>Making other minor changes, like turning the tap off when you brush your teeth, only using the dishwasher when it's completely full and fixing leaking taps, will all help you to reduce how much water you use.</p>
<p></p>
<h2>The benefits of having an energy-efficient home</h2>
<p>You can save money and reduce your carbon footprint by implementing some of the energy efficiency measures above. As well as making for a healthier planet, the benefits of having an energy-efficient home include:</p>
<h3 role="presentation">1. Increased property value</h3>
<p>Home buyers are increasingly more conscious of their environmental impact (and how much they will spend on bills). If you've already taken steps to boost your home's energy efficiency, i.e., by installing new windows or <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/solar">solar panels</a>, this will stand you in good stead when it comes to selling your home.</p>
<p>Before you sell or rent your home, you'll need to order an energy performance certificate (EPC) for your home too. The EPC rating offers insight into how energy efficient your home currently is and how efficient it could be.</p>
<h3 role="presentation">2. You&rsquo;ll save money</h3>
<p>With fuel bills so high and the cost of living crisis stretching our budgets even further, it&rsquo;s important that we save money where we can. By using energy more efficiently, your appliances reduce the amount of energy your home uses and, in turn, save money on your energy bills.&nbsp;</p>
<h3 role="presentation">3. Cheaper home insurance</h3>
<p>Your property's energy efficiency can affect how much home insurance you pay, with some providers even offering discounts to homeowners who have energy-efficient appliances, doors or windows.</p>
<p></p>
<h2>Living more efficiently with BOXT</h2>
<p>Whether you're looking for advice on reducing your carbon footprint or are ready to produce your own energy with <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/solar/" rel="follow">solar installation</a>,&nbsp;we're here to help.</p>
<p>We install smart technology for free, too. So, if you want to modernise your heating controls and improve your home's efficiency, get a smart thermostat from BOXT, and we'll do the rest.</p>
<p>For more <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/guides?tag=energy-efficiency">tips on living more efficiently</a>, check out the BOXT blog. Here, you'll find information on everything, from <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/boilers/guides/how-to-reduce-household-gas-usage">how to reduce your gas usage</a> to the <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/news/guides/energy-efficient-towns-cities">most energy-efficient towns and cities</a>.</p>

Find your new A-rated boiler today with BOXT

How to make your home more energy efficient

With winter just around the corner, BOXT have identified the many different ways you can improve your home's energy efficiency to help you save money. 

<h2><img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/m24Avq06TEmPJ29wQLpw" alt="DIY Home Energy Audit"></h2>
<h2>DIY methods to make your home more energy efficient</h2>
<p>With winter fast approaching, many of us will soon be using our boilers and central heating systems much more. Late summer to early autumn is the perfect time to conduct an energy audit on your property to ensure you are as prepared as possible for colder weather.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Whilst October saw the price cap lower once again, energy prices are still way above the levels they were prior to the current energy crisis. An energy audit is a great way to ensure your home is as energy efficient as possible to help lower the cost of your energy bills.</p>
<p>Whether you need to invest in a <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/boilers" rel="follow">new, energy-efficient boiler</a> or make smaller changes, such as installing insulation and energy-efficient lightbulbs, our experts at BOXT have identified the many different ways you can improve your property's energy efficiency and save money this winter.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>How to prepare your home for winter energy bills</h2>
<p><img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/bSaHuLfoS2OkEQgaPVhC" alt="undefined"></p>
<h3>1. Ensure you have the best boiler for your home</h3>
<p>This especially applies to a lot of older properties, where your boiler might be outdated and have a low-efficiency rating. However, an A-rated boiler can save you up to &pound;630 a year on your energy bills, so it starts paying for itself rather quickly. You may also consider installing programmable heating controls, such as a Google Nest Learning Thermostat, which could save an additional 10% on your energy bills.</p>
<h3>2. Check your radiators</h3>
<p>Presumably, you won&rsquo;t have used your heating too often during the summer months. However, such inactivity can result in your heating not working efficiently come winter, as your radiators can have a build-up of trapped air. To prevent this, leading up to the approaching winter, you should <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/boilers/guides/how-to-bleed-a-radiator" rel="follow">bleed your radiators</a> to check for any cold spots and ensure your heating will work properly during the colder months.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>3. Service your boiler</h3>
<p>Be sure to have your boiler serviced at least once a year, and while there is a cost involved, it is undeniably cheaper than a new boiler. A boiler service will keep your manufacturer's warranty intact, and your Gas Safe registered engineer will be able to catch any potential risks before they cause significant damage to your boiler. &nbsp;You can also get <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/home-cover" rel="follow">home cover</a> for your boiler to spread the cost of your annual service, and help ensure you don&rsquo;t forget about it!</p>
<h3>4. Reflect your radiators</h3>
<p>Installing reflector panels behind radiators that are on external walls will help to ensure heat is reflected back into the room instead of bleeding heat into and through the wall. They are relatively cheap to purchase and straightforward to install, they can save you around &pound;19 a year on your energy bills.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>5. Check your boiler pressure</h3>
<p>Regularly checking your boiler&rsquo;s pressure level is a must, as it gives you a good idea of the state your heating is in. The ideal boiler pressure is 1 to 1.5 bars when your heating is off and can rise to 2 bars of pressure when your heating is on. If the gauge displays a reading outside of this range, you may need to <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/boilers/guides/boiler-pressure" rel="follow">repressurise your boiler</a>, or bleed your radiators.</p>
<p>However, if you cannot resolve the issue yourself, you should have a certified engineer look at your boiler.&nbsp;</p>

How to repressurise your boiler

center

<h2>How to increase the energy efficiency of your home</h2>
<p>There are many things to consider when you are setting about making your home more energy efficient. Firstly, you have to determine where the issues are and where your home is losing the most energy.</p>
<p>From there, you have to assess your budget and how long it will take until these changes start to pay for themselves through energy bill savings. And, of course, whether you have the time and ability to do these tasks.</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/niFBP0ADSVKKj2cyLlqA" alt="undefined"></p>
<h3>1. Properly insulate your home</h3>
<p>According to the Energy Saving Trust, a quarter of your home's heat is lost through your roof if it is uninsulated. It should be a relatively simple job to do if you&rsquo;re applying the insulation to the loft floor. The recommended material is mineral wool, which should have a minimum depth of 270mm. As such, even if you do have an insulated loft, it might be worth topping it up if it is below the minimum depth.</p>
<p>You could also consider installing wall insulation; however, this is a much more difficult task than doing the floor of your loft and is best to be installed by a professional.</p>
<h3>2. Check for draughts</h3>
<p>While ventilation for your property is important to prevent dampness and condensation, uncontrolled ventilation leading to draughts results in a waste of heat and energy. Thankfully, checking for these draughts is relatively easy. The areas you should check are windows, doors, your loft and any cracks or gaps on walls or fittings. Products such as sealant foams and strips can be bought relatively cheaply from hardware stores, and applying them is typically straightforward, especially if you&rsquo;re already comfortable with DIY projects. Simply sealing any draughts can save you up to &pound;50 on your annual energy bill.</p>
<h3>3. Insulate hot water pipes and tanks</h3>
<p>If you have a hot water cylinder that isn&rsquo;t insulated, it could cost you more to heat or re-heat your water. Thankfully, buying a cylinder jacket is cheap and easy to fit. You should make sure that the jacket is at least three inches thick.&nbsp;</p>
<p>And to build on that, you could also insulate any accessible hot water pipes. You can do this by simply cutting appropriate lengths of foam tubing and fitting it around your pipes. Doing this to your boiler and pipes can start paying for itself in under a year, saving you up to &pound;70 on your annual bill.</p>
<h3>4. Fit DIY secondary glazing on windows</h3>
<p>All homes built after 2002 are now required to have double-glazed windows, at the very least. However, there are still plenty of older properties that still have their single-glazed windows, which are more susceptible to condensation as well as being poor at retaining heat. If you own your property, you could simply replace your windows with double or triple-glazed windows. However, this may not be viable in rented properties, so alternatively, you can purchase something such as an acrylic sheet that you can fit over your window.</p>
<h3>5. Energy-efficient lights</h3>
<p>Fitting more energy-efficient bulbs is an easy and cheap DIY method to improve the energy efficiency of your home. The cost is typically anywhere from &pound;5 to &pound;20 for an LED bulb; fitting it will take just a few minutes, and they use around 90% less energy compared to incandescent light bulbs.</p>
<h3>6. Install programmable heating</h3>
<p>With the progression of technology comes the additional control you can have over your home, specifically, the temperature and energy usage of your home. Firstly, you can install a programmable thermostat, which allows you to set a schedule for the temperature of your home; and smart thermostats will allow you to do so from your phone.</p>
<p>You can also add thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) to your radiators, which allow you to set each individual radiator&rsquo;s temperature separately, and there are also smart TRVs available which allow you to set schedules from your smartphone.</p>
<h3>7. Appliances, the nitty gritty</h3>
<p>This isn&rsquo;t so much a DIY task as it is being more conscious of your usage and appliances' energy rating. When buying appliances, they usually have energy efficiency ratings, similar to houses. Where possible, you should try to purchase appliances that are highly rated for their energy efficiency.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Additionally, you should turn off appliances at the socket when they aren&rsquo;t in use. This especially applies to smartphone chargers, which can use energy even when nothing is plugged in.</p>
<h3>8. Furnishing for energy efficiency</h3>
<p>Furnishing can also affect how energy efficient your home is. From the kind of flooring you have to your curtains, they affect how much heat your home retains. Hardwood and tile flooring are the least effective ways to retain heat; a thick carpet is far better. However, if you can&rsquo;t lay carpet down, a thick rug or two is a good alternative. In terms of curtains, you should attempt to get heavy, thick curtains, which will keep the heat in and any draughts out.&nbsp;</p>
<h4>Andy Kerr at BOXT has commented:&nbsp;</h4>
<p>&ldquo;With winter just a few months away, the news that energy prices are falling is welcomed. Though, despite this, prices will still be significantly higher than they were during the winter of 2021, and the cost of living remains high; as such, people may struggle again this winter.</p>
<p>&ldquo;However, there is a range of simple DIY jobs you can do to help increase the energy efficiency of your home, which in turn will help further reduce the price of your energy bills. Little jobs such as insulating hot water pipes and cylinders and sealing any draughts can have a noticeable effect on your energy usage and therefore cost. Doing a DIY home energy audit is still a great idea, with potentially little financial investment required.&rdquo;&nbsp;</p>

Choose your new energy efficient boiler today

<h2>Methodology</h2>
<p>To begin, we looked at a range of guides to inform you on how to best improve the energy efficiency of your home. These guides for the best DIY methods to improve your property's energy efficiency were from <a href="https://www.which.co.uk/news/article/5-easy-ways-to-improve-your-homes-energy-efficiency-auF1Q3i01nNE" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Which</a> and <a href="https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/do-it-yourself-home-energy-assessments" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Energy.gov</a>.</p>

DIY Home Energy Audit

If you're looking for ways to live more eco-friendly, check out our complete guide on green ways to heat your home. Get in touch with BOXT for any further advice

<p dir="ltr"><span>As the world moves towards a greener future, it's important to start reducing our individual carbon footprints. One of the biggest contributors to excess greenhouse gas emissions is heating our homes.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>The good news is that there are plenty of environmentally-friendly ways to heat your home and ensure you stay warm in the winter without hurting the environment.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>In this post, we look at a range of energy-efficient heating solutions, some of which you might never have considered. From the obvious options like solar panels to newer technology such as hydronic heating systems, there are various green options that can work in conjunction with your reliable </span><a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/boilers"><span>gas boiler</span></a><span>. Let's get started.</span></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><span>1. Solar power</span></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><span>Solar thermal panels convert sunlight into electrical energy to power your home or business. Solar water heaters use the sun&rsquo;s energy to heat water, which can then be used for domestic or commercial purposes.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>Solar power is a clean and renewable energy source. It&rsquo;s a free, abundant source of energy, and it doesn&rsquo;t produce harmful emissions.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>Solar water heaters are a great way to heat your house while being environmentally friendly. They use the sun's energy to heat water, which is then stored in a tank.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>This hot water can be used for showers, washing dishes, and doing laundry. There are two main types of solar water heaters: active and passive. An active solar water heater has a pump that circulates the water through the system, while passive solar water heaters rely on gravity to circulate the water.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>Solar water heaters are an excellent choice for those looking to be more eco-friendly, as they do not emit any greenhouse gases. They are also very efficient, with some models providing up to 80% savings on your monthly energy bill. Solar water heaters typically have a lifespan of 20 years or more, making them a wise investment for your home.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>Those with forced air heating systems might consider making the switch to a solar air heating system. The installation costs won't be high if you already have this system in place, and you'll see savings on your energy bills in no time.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>Likewise, those with a radiant heating system can switch to a solar liquid heating system fairly easily.</span></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><span>2. Geothermal energy</span></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><span>Geothermal energy is a type of renewable energy that comes from the heat inside the earth. It can be used to heat your house in several ways, including:</span></p>
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><span>Ground source heat pumps:</span><span> A ground source heat pump (GSHP) system uses pipes buried in the ground to exchange heat with the earth. This exchange of heat can be used to provide heating and cooling for your home.</span></p>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><span>Direct use: </span><span>Direct use of geothermal systems uses hot water from springs or reservoirs to provide heating directly for homes, businesses, or other buildings.</span></p>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><span>Geothermal power plants:</span><span> Geothermal power plants generate electricity using the steam created by hot water below the earth's surface to spin turbines.</span></p>
</li>
</ul>
<h2 dir="ltr"><span>3. Hydropower</span></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><span>Hydropower is a renewable energy source that can be used to heat your house. It uses water stored in dams to make electricity, so it relies on the water cycle.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>There are many benefits to using hydropower; mainly, it&rsquo;s a clean and renewable energy source. Additionally, hydropower is very efficient and can be used to heat your house in a variety of ways.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>One way to use hydropower to heat your house is through a hydronic heating system. This type of system uses water to transfer heat to your home. Hydronic heating systems are very efficient and can be used in radiators, towel rails, and more.</span></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><span>4. Wood-burning stove</span></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><span>If you're looking for an environmentally friendly way to heat your home, a wood-burning stove is a low-carbon alternative to using fossil fuels. Wood is a renewable resource, and wood stoves are very efficient at heating a space.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>There are a few things to remember if you're considering a wood-burning stove.&nbsp;</span></p>
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><span>Make sure that your stove is certified by the local building authority department; this means that it meets strict emissions standards.&nbsp;</span></p>
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<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><span>Be sure to burn only dry, seasoned wood in your stove; wet or green wood will create more smoke and pollutants.</span></p>
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<p dir="ltr"><span>With these tips in mind, a wood-burning stove can be a great way to green up your home heating.</span></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><span>5. Pellet stoves or pellet fireplaces</span></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><span>Pellet stoves are a great way to heat your home in a green and sustainable way. Pellet stoves burn wood pellets, which are a renewable and sustainable resource. Pellet stoves are also very efficient, meaning they will use less fuel than other types of stoves.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>Pellet stoves come in various sizes and styles to fit any home. They can be used as a primary heating source or as a supplemental heating source. Pellet stoves can also be used to cook food, making them a versatile addition to any home.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>If you are interested in adding a pellet stove to your house, you should keep a few things in mind.</span></p>
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<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><span>Pellet stoves require electricity to operate, so you will need to have an electrical outlet nearby.</span></p>
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<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><span>Pellet stoves produce ashes, so you will need to have a place to dispose of the ashes safely.&nbsp;</span></p>
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<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><span>Pellet stoves should be cleaned regularly to prevent a build-up of creosote, which can be a fire hazard.</span></p>
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<p dir="ltr"><span>Keeping this in mind, pellet fireplaces are a highly efficient, green way to heat your house.</span></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><span>6. Heat pump</span></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><span>If you're looking for green ways to heat and cool your home, you may consider a heat pump. Heat pumps are electric devices that transfer heat from one place to another and can be used for both heating and cooling.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>While traditional heating and cooling systems rely on fossil fuels like natural gas or oil, a heat pump doesn't use any fuel at all. They simply move heat from the ground or air into your home. This makes them a very efficient and environmentally-friendly option.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>There are two main types of heat pumps: air-source heat pumps and ground-source ones (which we already mentioned above).&nbsp;</span></p>
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<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><span>An air-source heat pump is the most common type. Air-source heat pumps work by transferring heat from the outside air into your home.&nbsp;</span></p>
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<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><span>Ground-source pumps (also known as geothermal heat pumps) transfer heat from the ground into your home.</span></p>
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<p dir="ltr"><span>There are also water-source heat pumps.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>All three of these types of heat pumps are extremely efficient and can save you significant money on your energy bills. They might save you up to &pound;1000 annually in heating costs.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>However, they are considerably</span><a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/boilers/guides/11-gas-boiler-ban-myths-debunked"><span> </span><span>more expensive to install than gas boilers</span></a><span>, so it will take some time before you really feel the savings.</span></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><span>7. Biomass boilers</span></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><span>As the name suggests, biomass boilers burn organic matter to generate heat. This can be anything from wood chips and logs to plants.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>The great thing about biomass is that it's a renewable energy source, so it doesn't strain the environment. It also tends to be cheaper in the long run than other green heating options, like solar panels or ground source heat pumps.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>Installing a biomass boiler is a big investment, so you'll need to ensure it's the right option for your home and your lifestyle.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>Here are a few things to consider before making the switch:</span></p>
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<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><span>Do you have enough space to store the fuel? Wood needs to be dry and well-ventilated, so an outdoor shed or garage is ideal. If you're using food waste as fuel, you'll need a specialised digester unit which takes up less space.</span></p>
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<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><span>How much time are you willing to devote to maintaining the boiler? Biomass boilers need regular cleaning and servicing to stay efficient. If you don't have the time or expertise to do this yourself, you'll need to factor in the cost of hiring someone else to do it for you.</span></p>
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<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><span>What are the local air quality regulations? Burning wood can produce smoke and pollutants, so there may be restrictions on how often and when you can use your boiler, depending on where you live.</span></p>
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</ul>
<h2 dir="ltr"><span>How to improve the efficiency of your home heating system</span></h2>
<h3 dir="ltr"><span>Insulation</span></h3>
<p dir="ltr"><span>Not strictly a way to heat your home, but a sure fire way to ensure your home retains heat to help save money. In the winter, insulation keeps heat from escaping, and in the summer, it helps keep your home cool.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>There are several types of insulation available on the market, including:</span></p>
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<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><span>Fibreglass</span></p>
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<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><span>Cellulose</span></p>
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<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><span>Rock wool</span></p>
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<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><span>Spray foam</span></p>
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<p dir="ltr"><span>Each type of insulation has pros and cons, so be sure to do your research before making a decision. Once you've selected the correct type of insulation for your home, the next step is to install it properly.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>Improper installation can reduce the effectiveness of insulation, so it's crucial to hire a professional if you're not confident in your ability to do it yourself. Insulation reduces your carbon footprint, and if you want to start living greener, you can start by insulating your home.</span></p>
<h3 dir="ltr"><span>Green home building materials</span></h3>
<p dir="ltr"><span>Again, not strictly a green way to heat your home, but something to keep in mind if you&rsquo;re looking to live a greener life. There are many green home-building materials that offer good insulation available on the market today. Some of the most popular include:</span></p>
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<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><span>Recycled materials: </span><span>Recycled materials are a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and save money. There are a number of recycled materials that can be used in construction, including recycled steel, glass, and insulation.</span></p>
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<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><span>Sustainable wood: </span><span>Sustainable wood is another great option for green home building. There are a number of sustainable forestry initiatives that supply builders with certified sustainable lumber. This lumber is typically harvested from responsibly managed forests and is often FSC certified.</span></p>
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<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><span>Natural stone: </span><span>Natural stone is an excellent choice for green home building because it is durable, low maintenance, and recyclable. Stone can be used for a variety of purposes, including floors, countertops, and walls.</span></p>
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<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><span>Bamboo:</span><span> Bamboo is an extremely versatile material that can be used for various applications, including flooring, cabinetry, and furniture. Bamboo is also one of the most sustainable resources available, as it grows quickly and does not require pesticides or herbicides to thrive. It's 100% biodegradable.</span></p>
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</ul>
<p>There are some more unusual materials like <strong>cork</strong>, <strong>sheep's wool</strong>, and <strong>cob</strong>, which can all be used to insulate your home. Take a look into these alternatives to see if they suit the style you are going for.</p>

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<h2 dir="ltr"><span>Final thoughts</span></h2>
<p>There are a few different options for a heating system, but<a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/boilers"> gas boilers</a> are still the best option if you are seeking efficiency and reliability. If you are looking for a way to heat your house that is both efficient and environmentally friendly, then consider one of these green heating systems discussed above.</p>

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