With summer finally here, many homeowners may want to get ahead of the next seasonal change by reassessing their current heating situation. After all, once spring starts to heat up, the memory of using the heating is still fresh. Around 60 per cent of energy bills is spent on space heating and a further 15 per cent on hot water. With so much money going towards keeping the home warm during autumn and winter, helping homeowners find green alternatives to gas boilers is important. Not only will you be helping them save money, but they will trust you and come back to you for your services in the future. With this in mind, here are some alternatives you may want to suggest!
Infrared heating panels
Unlike convection heating systems that warm the air, these panels emit infrared energy. This is then absorbed into solid energy that causes molecules to vibrate, which warms the environment. Infrared panels are a proven effective method of heating. They take up little space, require little maintenance, operate silently and are great for those who suffer from seasonal allergies.
Of course, be aware that they may not be as effective if objects placed between the panels and people. It also doesn’t warm up the air so the room will feel colder once switched off. Finally, be sure that the client faces the infrared heating panels away from windows as the energy will travel through and be less effective.
Solar thermal panels
Solar thermal panels are a great eco-friendly alternative to gas boilers. Be aware that they are often used in conjunction with infrared heating panels or heat pumps. As with all renewable energy tech, the upfront cost will be high, but your customers will be grateful for the investment when they see the returns!
It’s important to make your customers aware that solar panels, although advanced, are still weather dependent and cannot meet the heating demand of an entire house. It should be used as a secondary heating system, but will certainly help to push those bills down!
Biomass boilers and stoves
Biomass systems are great for many homes as they can run on logs, wood chips and sometimes even food and industrial waste! A stove can use a single room, but a biomass boiler can heat the entire home. The biggest setback with biomass boilers and stoves is that they require regular cleaning to remove ash, but some do come with self-cleaning systems.
Biomass boilers can be used to fuel the home evenly via a central heating system and can heat water. Although the initial cost is high, they’re certainly a great alternative to gas boilers due to the returns. Just make it known that they must have a flue that meets regulations.
Heat Pumps
A heat pump uses a small amount of electricity to absorb the natural heat from a cold space and bring it to a warmer one. It’s a similar method to how fridges keep cool, only in reverse. Additionally, reverse heat pumps can also keep homes cool during summer. They’re extremely efficient, producing 3 or 4 times more heat than conventional electric heaters using the same amount of electricity. They’re reliable, run all year round and offer great savings on energy bills. What’s more, heat pumps are quite sustainable as the natural heat is constantly replenished by the sun. Finally, heat pumps don’t produce greenhouse gases due to there being no combustion.
What’s the best alternative for your customer?
This is something you can discuss with your customers when they come to you for installation services. Remember, every home is different, so it’s important to be as knowledgeable as possible to provide fair and unbiased guidance. This will prove that you are a trustworthy professional, you know what you are doing and that you are the person they should turn to for future services.
If you want to keep your knowledge fresh and up to date, then you need the right training. With a variety of training courses from ECTA, you can keep your business on top of its game. Get in touch to find out more.