Not only are consumers seeking to live more sustainably, but more cost-efficiently too. Over the years, many of us have been brought up in homes with centralised heating systems, believing that they are somewhat of a necessity to heat up our homes and our water supply.

But is it now time to consider more carefully all the options readily available to us?

Breaking tradition

I am sure I am right in assuming that many of us have centralised heating systems within our homes, but, why? Well, there is no particular reason other than that is all that was available at the time, along with fossil fuels. Since then, it has become the traditional way to heat our homes and is now somewhat habitual. 

However, with the installation of gas boilers set to end in any new build domestic properties from 2025, change is happening, and consumers will need to be on board with a low carbon future, fuelled by governmental-led policies around climate change.

Homeowners have always been sceptical about undergoing changes, particularly with something as big as home heating. However, with fossil fuels now well on their way out and renewables beginning to take over the heating and energy industries, it is time to discuss the misconceptions of central heating.

Many homeowners think that heating and water systems must be part of the same entity, when in actual fact, they don’t. It is simply an old hat method implemented by the centralised heating system. 

Therefore, if you’re looking to contribute positively to both the environment and your pockets, then this should be something to reconsider within your home.

Currently, central heating is relatively expensive, isn’t very efficient and if it breaks, homeowners are left with no access to heating or hot water. 

In addition, those homeowners using old back boiler systems rather than central heating would need to heat their house with a fire during the summer months in order to gain access to hot water, making the temperature of their homes extremely uncomfortable.

As a solution to the heating and hot water dilemma, consumers should be considering air source water systems, separating the hot water from the heating.

A future of sustainability and cost-efficiency

By installing an air source water system, homeowners will be able to eliminate all of that. Not only will you be utilising a renewable product, but you will be making your home a more efficient one too. This is because air source water heaters can be up to three times more efficient than that of a conventional water cylinder.

Unlike heating, which is seasonal, we use water 365 days a year, so it makes sense to separate the two. In doing so, this guarantees that we only pay for what we use, and we only use what we need, ensuring a reduction in costs. 

Air source water heaters compress the air, and once the tank is heated, it maintains its temperature, something a normal water cylinder often struggles to do. This also means that if you forget to order oil, or your boiler breaks down, you will still have access to hot water as it does not run off a single unit.

This also assists in maintaining our health as opposed to hindering it, as the air compressor system emits less pollution than gas and oil to heat up water.

Another benefit here is that your water system is not co-dependent: consumers have the ability to use it independently to their heating. So, as well as saving energy and money, you won’t be left without one or the other if either of them breaks or requires maintenance, providing reliability and security.

With the number of eco homes on the rise, combined with the introduction of the Future Homes Standard, we are expecting to see more people swap out their traditional central heating systems for electric radiators and air source water heaters.

Homeowners are continuing to look for new ways to heat their homes in a way that is kind to both pockets and the planet, and underfloor heating is proving to be incredibly popular. With the industry growing at more than 13% annually, it makes perfect sense for people to install air source water systems into their homes simultaneously.

It’s time to move on from tradition and old habits and look towards a brighter, more sustainable, and cost-effective future.