During the wintertime, utility expenses can really destroy our budgets. And the worst part is that most traditional heating systems are also awful for the environment.
From solar panels and pellet heating to wind power and geothermal heating, there are various options you can choose as the perfect way to heat your home during the winter.
All of them are environmentally friendly, and made with efficiency in mind. This means providing your home with enough warmth all year round while keeping environmental impact minimal – let’s take a look at the best options for your home!
Why Choose Eco Friendly Heating Systems?
The choice to opt for environmentally friendly heating systems can make a significant impact not only on the environment but in other ways. Here are several compelling reasons to make this choice:
Longevity and Sustainability
The typical oil boiler will last 10 to 15 years. It means that a house with a design life of 90 years will need seven or eight of them during that time. Let’s not forget that each replacement requires money and time and is not good for the planet as well. In contrast, many environmentally friendly heating systems, such as geothermal heat pumps, can last up to 25 years or more with proper maintenance. This longer lifespan reduces the need for frequent replacements, minimizing both financial costs and environmental impact.
Emission Reduction
An environmentally friendly heating system makes savings on emissions that outweigh the CO2 produced by manufacturing its replacement. For instance, air source heat pumps can reduce carbon emissions by up to 23% compared to gas boilers. Over their lifetime, these systems significantly decrease the overall carbon footprint of a home.
Energy Efficiency
Many eco-friendly heating options, like heat pumps and solar heating systems, are highly energy-efficient. For example, geothermal heat pumps can be 300-400% efficient, meaning they produce 3-4 units of heat for every unit of electricity used. This increased efficiency translates to lower energy consumption and reduced utility bills.
Renewable Energy Integration
Environmental heating systems often work well with renewable energy sources. Solar thermal systems can provide up to 70% of a home’s hot water needs, while heat pumps can be powered by electricity from solar panels or wind turbines. This integration further reduces reliance on fossil fuels and decreases overall emissions.
Improved Air Quality
Unlike traditional fossil fuel-based systems, many environmentally friendly heating options do not produce local emissions. This leads to improved indoor and outdoor air quality, which is beneficial for both human health and the environment.
Government Incentives
Many governments offer incentives, tax credits, or rebates for installing environmentally friendly heating systems. These financial benefits can help offset the initial installation costs and make the transition more affordable.
Future-Proofing
As environmental regulations become stricter, homes with eco-friendly heating systems are better positioned for the future. They are less likely to require costly upgrades or replacements to meet new environmental standards.
Increased Property Value
Homes with environmentally friendly heating systems often have higher property values. They are attractive to environmentally conscious buyers and can command premium prices in the real estate market.
By choosing an environmentally friendly heating system, homeowners not only contribute to a more sustainable future but also enjoy long-term benefits in terms of cost savings, improved home comfort, and increased property value. The initial investment in these systems pays off both financially and environmentally over time, making them a wise choice for forward-thinking homeowners.
But First, Insulation
Before deciding to invest in a fully environmentally friendly heating system, you should consider investing in your home’s insulation. Having the proper insulation can be both energy-saving and money-saving.
You should start with your loft and then move to cavity walls to see if they need to be insulted. Remember that insulation will also help you with cooling your home during the summer. Having a good AC is always a great thing; make sure to choose one of the most popular HVAC brands to be sure you are purchasing the right product.
8 Most Sustainable Heating Systems
1.Heat Pump
Heat pumps are highly efficient and environmentally friendly heating systems that work by transferring heat from one place to another. They can extract heat from the air, ground, or water sources, making them versatile for various climates and home types.
There are three main types of heat pumps:
- Air-source heat pumps: These are the most common and extract heat from the outside air.
- Ground-source (geothermal) heat pumps: These use the constant temperature of the earth to heat and cool homes.
- Water-source heat pumps: These extract heat from a water source like a lake or pond.
Heat pumps are particularly energy-efficient because they move heat rather than generate it, using electricity to run the pump rather than directly heating the air. In moderate climates, they can reduce electricity use for heating by approximately 50% compared to electric resistance heating.
One of the biggest advantages of heat pumps is their ability to provide both heating and cooling, making them a year-round climate control solution. They also have a long lifespan, typically lasting 15 to 20 years with proper maintenance.
2. Solar Heating
Solar power is one of the best ways to power homes as solar energy is the most energy-efficient. The truth is you need to invest a lot initially, but the best part is that you are getting free energy for the rest of your home life.
The same goes for solar heating. It comes in two formats:
- Hydronic Collectors: They heat the liquid to warm up the house
- Air systems: They work like traditional HVAC systems.
The correct format for your home generally depends on whether you currently have a forced-air or radiant heating system in place. The former means you will need a solar air heating system and the latter, a solar liquid heating system.
2. Pellet Heating
The pellets used in pellet heating systems are created from a mixture of switch grass and waste products, both of which are eco-friendly for the environment. These pellets are affordable, especially if you compare them to woods.
Besides saving money on the fuel source, pellet stoves are easy to install and budget-friendly. The amount of money you need to spend in the beginning may sound scary, but the money you later save on pellets will pay for the additional units over time.
You can always consider purchasing the quietest pellet stoves, so your home will be environmentally friendly and calm. What else could you ask for?
4. Wood Burners
Wood burners are one of the oldest ways to heat your home during the winter. They are also probably the most popular way. While they received a bad reputation in the past decade, there are new, modern versions of wood burners that are eco-friendly and more efficient.
The best part of new wood burners is that they are powerful enough to heat your entire home. And there is, of course, the bad part of this heating system. You need to think about chopping and placing your wood in the winter. It is recommended to keep the wood away from the house as pests are attracted to the wood. This means you will need to go outside whenever you need to refill your stock inside the home.
It is very important to install your wood burner in the right location in a home, along with helping to circulate air between rooms, which can help raise temperatures across a whole house.
5. Wind Power
Most people don’t know they can use wind power to heat their homes. But yes, you can use wind, and you don’t need a massive windmill to get the job done. These systems work together with a water tank, with the wind providing energy to run the heater.
The catch with this way to heat your home is that you need to live in a windy area. You need enough airflow to turn the turbine.
6. Geothermal Heating
Geothermal heating is a more recent innovation in environmental heating systems. This heating system is both eco-friendly and efficient. But it also requires an upfront investment into the geothermal heating system.
This type of heating system literally uses the constant temperature of the earth to heat your home. It is installed beneath the earth’s surface, where the temperature is higher than the outside air temperature. This means it needs less energy to get the temperature of your home to the desired level.
As we said already, the geothermal heating system is quite pricey, but it typically pays for itself within eight years, at the most. And it also decreases your monthly heating bills. You will definitely make your home greener by installing this type of heating.
7. Masonry Heater
Masonry Heater is similar to pellet stoves. It is a much smaller heating system that looks more like a traditional fireplace. The most significant difference between these three types of heating is that the masonry heater traps the heat within the bricks of the twisty smoke chambers, providing warmth for up to 24 hours.
Although they use wood, they are more environmentally friendly than traditional wood stoves and produce less pollution. Due to how slowly they burn and the trapped heat, these heaters produce more heat than other heaters that use wood.
Like the others from our list, you need to make a big investment to start heating your home using a masonry heater. But keep in mind that the cost is definitely worth the savings in the long run.
8. Hydronic Heat Systems
Hydronic heat systems work by running hot water through the pipes placed under the floor in your home. They can also run water through baseboards or via radiators. These systems usually have a boiler that heats up the water and a pump that sends hot water throughout the house. Boilers use solar or geothermal power.
Copper fin-tube radiators are probably the most common application of residential hydronic heat systems. They’re cost-effective and easy to install, and they also provide the premium comfort that hydronic systems are known for.
Take a look at this video by ProHome for more detail on how hydronic heating systems work:
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvRDk9Ez3yo[/embedyt]
Conclusion
We have come to the end of our little guide about the most environmentally friendly heating systems. Hopefully, we have given you an idea of what to choose next for your home. Whatever you choose to heat your home sustainably, make sure to consult with a professional when making your final decision. This winter, your home will be warm and comfortable, and you will 100% be sure that you are doing your part for the environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the greenest way to heat your home?
Geothermal heating systems are the most eco-friendly way to heat your home. Energy Star reports show geothermal heating is the most environmentally friendly and efficient way to heat your home. This requires, however, a big, upfront investment, but it pays off. Your home will be warm, and you will produce no pollution. Read the full guide for more on geothermal heating systems.
Are there any disadvantages of geothermal heating?
Yes, there are disadvantages to geothermal heating. Some of them are: generates waste, location restricted (meaning you cannot use it everywhere), reservoirs require proper management, and high initial cost. In the most extreme cases, it can also cause an earthquake. Geothermal heating has the potential to become a major global energy source; it just requires a bit high upfront cost which is holding it back. Read the full guide for more info on geothermal heating and other eco-friendly heating alternatives.
What is the healthiest method of heating your home?
A hydronic heating system is the healthiest way to heat your home. It is healthy, clean, and the most comfortable way to make your home warm during the long winter months. You will heat your home without sacrificing comfort or energy efficiency. This heating system doesn’t blow allergens around your house. And it also doesn’t give them a place to hide in the ductwork. Read the full guide for more on hydronic home heating systems.
References
Create the Future: Wind-powered Heater
Energy.gov: Wood and Pellet Heating
EPA: Geothermal Heating and Cooling Technologies
InterCounty Supply: Everything You Wanted to Know About Hydronic Heating
SEIA: Solar Heating & Cooling
Wikipedia: Masonry Heater
