Good Energy Advocates Heat Pump Transition: Carbon Savings vs Gas
Good Energy is advocating heat pumps as a replacement for gas boilers, highlighting reduced carbon footprints and lower running costs. Heating homes accounts for significant carbon emissions in the UK, with gas boilers being responsible for millions of tonnes of CO2 annually.
Good Energy notes that the average household gas boiler emits more CO2-equivalent emissions than taking seven transatlantic flights each year. Heat pumps offer a scope alternative.
According to Good Energy, heat pumps use electricity to capture and transfer heat. A heat pump powered by a standard electricity tariff can reduce a home’s carbon footprint by 65% compared to a gas boiler. Using a 100% renewable electricity tariff, or integrating solar panels, could reduce this further.
Good Energy claims heat pumps are three to four times more efficient than gas boilers. While even modern gas boilers average around 90% efficiency, heat pumps can deliver three or more units of heat for every unit of electricity used. They install their heat pumps to achieve a year-round average of 360%.
Because of their efficiency, Good Energy suggests heat pumps can have lower running costs than gas boilers, despite gas having a lower unit rate. Removing gas standing charges alone could save over £120 a year. Pairing heat pumps with a specialised heat pump tariff or solar panels may further reduce running costs. Read the running cost comparison.
Gas boilers typically switch on only when a home dips below a set temperature, leading to uneven temperatures, notes Good Energy. Heat pumps, on the other hand, maintain a consistent warmth. They also do not produce nitrogen dioxide or pose a risk of carbon monoxide leaks, and potentially improve indoor air quality. Concerns have been raised about the air pollution caused by gas boilers, particularly in urban areas. Inside your home, gas inside your home produces nitrogen dioxide, also gas boilers can affect indoor air quality.
Government grants of £7,500 are available through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, intended to make heat pumps more financially accessible.
For those considering heat pumps, find out more here.
