What about renewable energy sources?

Ground source heat pumpstake natural warmth from the ground and can potentially use it to meet all your heating needs at home. Loops of pipe are buried underground, and transfer heat from the earth into the home. There, this transfered natural warmth can be used to heat rooms and, in some cases, water as well. A typical system is able to produce all the heat necessary for a well insulated average home. It could also save you between £400 and £800 a year on heating bills - and cut your CO ₂ emissions by up to 8 tonnes a year.

A ground source heat pump could save you between £400 and £800 a year on heating bills

Biomassis made up of plants and untreated wood or wood waste. With a special biomass boiler, this fuel can be a cost-effective way to heat a home. In fact, a detached house in an area with no gas supply could save around £200 a year on heating bills and cut your CO ₂ emissions by 8 tonnes a year. Above all, biomass is a carbon neutral fuel. Although the fuel produces CO ₂ when it is burnt, this is balanced out by the amount of CO ₂ the plants absorb in their lifetime.

A biomass boiler could save you around £470 a year on heating bills

Solar water heating uses heat from the sun to work alongside your conventional water heater. It works via solar collectors on the roof, which soak up the sun's energy, then transfer it to the hot water cylinder - warming it up throughout the day. Solar water heating in the average home with south facing roofs could take care of around a third of your hot water needs, and save around £40 a year in energy bills - cutting your CO ₂ emissions by up to 350kg a year.

Solar Water Heating could save you around £40 a year in energy bills

Air source heat pumpsabsorb heat from the outside to heat buildings. There are two types of air-source heating systems. Air-to-air systems provide warm air, which is circulated to heat the building. The other type, air-to-water, heat water to provide heating to a building through radiators or an underfloor system. A typical 5kW domestic system, suitable for a well insulated detached property, costs in the range of £6,000 to £8,000 installed (ex VAT).

Hot tip

To find out more about renewable energy technologies, accredited installers and any grants that may be available, call your local advice centre for free on 0800 512 012.