When building a new home, everything has to be just right and the same has to be said for getting the best heating system. Recent legislation now states that any new home built after 2025 will no longer be allowed to install gas central heating, which means that heating for new builds will have to be reconsidered. This is one of the many reasons why there has been an increase in interest for other heating alternatives. So, what is the best system for new builds now?
What is the boiler ban?
In 2019 the government announced plans to ban gas boilers in new builds from 2025 as a way to increase our chances of reaching net zero emissions by 2050. This does not mean pre-existing homes will have their central heating ripped out, as this ban only applies to new builds, but it is always worth re-evaluating a heating system to get the most eco-friendly solution. In fact, gas boilers are already being phased out in the UK with many people turning to more carbon friendly alternatives for better efficiency, something that needs to be considered with new builds as well.
The best way to heat a new build
Of course, there are a number of routes to go down for heating a new build but one of the most popular choices is electric heating. From electric radiators to infrared panels, electric heating encompasses a whole host of options that will perfectly suit even the most modern new build. There are also a range of benefits
- Easy to install – connects to electricity mains so pipework isn’t necessary
- Effective warmth – heats on a comfortable and deep level
- Energy efficient – electricity is renewable and can help to lower our carbon footprint
- Safe – no carbon monoxide leaks
- Low maintenance – no need for annual checks or callouts, just a casual dusting every so often
- Precision control – can be controlled individually or collectively, saving on energy and running costs
- Lot 20 compliant – weekly programming, adaptive start, open window detection and WiFi and voice control allow for a more efficient system and are available with many modern electric heating solutions.
With so many benefits, electric seems like the obvious choice. The question now is which type of electric heating is best?
Electric radiators
A great solution for heating new builds is electric radiators. They use a combination of radiation and convection to keep a space warm, providing the same level of heat as gas central heating only in a more efficient way. Electric radiators can be fitted throughout a property, from the kitchen to the bedroom and require no pipework, making installation much more practical, not to mention cheaper. They’re slimline and modern in appearance so they’ll fit in perfectly with the contemporary aesthetics of new builds. Plus, many now come with WiFi and voice control for ease of use and more advanced programming. Unlike standard gas central heating systems, electric radiators can be controlled on an individual basis or collectively, for better convenience.
Infrared Panels
Another sophisticated alternative is infrared panels. They do not use convection but instead use infrared radiation to provide gentle warmth that can be felt on a deeper level. It replicates the warmth you feel daily from the sun only without the UV rays and is even used in incubators for babies, proving just how safe and comfortable it is. This heat travels in a wave to warm people and objects directly, allowing for heat zones to be created throughout a property. With multiple styles, including glass and mirror options, infrared panels blend in perfectly in new builds. Just like electric radiators, they do not need pipework so installation is much more straightforward, and maintenance is easier. With a long lifespan, radiant panels offer heating you can rely on for an extended period of time.
Heat pumps
There is another alternative to consider that is also proving popular and that’s heat pumps. They transfer heat energy from one place to another, usually sourcing this warmth from the ground or outside air. Heat pumps not only provide effective warmth, they’re also a great solution for hot water in a new build so you can kill two birds with one stone using this system. Plus, they adhere to the rules of recent legislation regarding efficiency. The downside of heat pumps is that they are expensive to install as extensive work is required for fitting pipes underground which can also be time-consuming. As for the pumps themselves, they can take up quite a bit of room that you will have to factor in when building the house.
Lot 20
An important piece of legislation to consider when it comes to choosing a heating solution for a new build house is Lot 20. This was implemented in 2018 and again is intended to improve performance and reduce our carbon emissions. Lot 20 sets in place a list of environmentally friendly requirements for energy-using products to ensure the best efficiency is guaranteed. These requirements often include weekly programming, adaptive start and WiFi control. This recent overhaul just means that you will get very best heating for your new build.
These new regulations have certainly caused a surge in interest in heating alternatives and it’s true there are a variety of avenues to take. Modern homes such as new builds require the most up-to-date features so that there are fewer problems in the future. So, for hassle-free and efficient heating, why not consider going electric?
