Replacing a boiler is rarely a planned event, often it’s a reactive decision when something goes wrong. But with energy efficiency and low-carbon heating climbing the national agenda, now is the perfect time to take a more proactive approach.
Even if your current boiler is still ticking along, thinking ahead can help you avoid disruption down the line and give you more control over your options. With the UK targeting net zero by 2050, many households are starting to explore alternatives like heat pumps and hybrid systems.
But making the switch to greener heating isn’t always straightforward. Without some early planning, you might find your home isn’t quite ready when the time comes.
Getting your home “heat pump ready”.
If you’re interested in future-proofing your home with a low-carbon heating system, the first step is assessing whether your property is heat pump ready. There are tools available (the UK government has one tool here) however broadly speaking, you want to be considering the following questions:
- Do you have enough outdoor space for a heat pump?
- Is there internal space for a hot water cylinder?
- Are there any insulation updates that need completing first?
It might not seem like much, but roughly 47% of homeowners cited disruption as the main reason to not proceed with a heat pump installation.
Space constraints can often be overcome thanks to the range of heat pump solutions available from Alpha. Hybrid heat pumps, for example, only require a smaller space outside for the heat pump and are linked with a combi boiler inside the home. This eliminates the need for a hot water cylinder and any pipework alterations.
Insulation, however, is more pressing.
What’s “fabric first”?
A phrase common in the building industry, going fabric first means improving the buildings fabric, or exterior, to ensure it’s as insulated as possible. Doing this lowers the heat demand for the home meaning your heating system can run more efficiently.
Certain insulation improvements are supported by grants so it’s worth checking whether you’re eligible to help save on the cost. Get the essentials sorted now and you’ll be in a better position for when you want to switch to a heat pump or hybrid system
Funding support for greener heating
The UK government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme provides financial support to help homeowners transition to heat pumps. By upgrading your home’s insulation first, you’ll not only be more energy-efficient, you’ll also be in a stronger position to take advantage of available grants.
It’s important to note that while hybrid heat pump systems are ideal for most homes that rely on combi boilers, they are not currently supported by the scheme. However, they can still be a practical and low-disruption path to more sustainable heating.
So if you’re looking to move towards renewable heating, now is the time to start planning. By understanding your home’s needs and exploring your options now, you can avoid costly surprises later and move one step closer to a more energy-efficient future. Find out more about our product range.