On September 20, 2023, the UK government announced that it is relaxing its plans to phase out gas boilers. The government has said that it will continue to invest in low-carbon heating technologies and that it will review the decision to relax the boiler phase-out plans in 2026.
While this measure may seem like a step backwards in the fight against climate change, UK citizens are still encouraged to consider switching to a low-carbon heating system as soon as possible, in order to reduce their carbon footprint and save money on their energy bills.
Worcestershire County Council has also recently launched its new climate change strategy, which sets out a number of targets that the council aims to achieve by 2030, including a 75% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and a 100% switch to renewable energy.
Whether the boiler phase-out will strike on time or not, starting to prepare for it today is a must. Here are five tips for you so that the Net Zero pursue doesn’t catch you off-guard.
Take good care of your boiler
Regularly servicing your boiler is crucial to ensure its efficient and safe operation and gauge its remaining lifespan. However, if you need to replace your boiler in the near future, consider biomass or hydrogen-friendly options.
Even though hydrogen boilers are still in the early stages of development, they have the potential to play a significant role in the UK’s transition to a net zero economy. According to the UK government, hydrogen boilers could reduce the UK’s carbon emissions by up to 60% as well as save homeowners up to £1,000 per year on their energy bills.
Worth mentioning the cost of hydrogen boilers as they are currently more expensive to purchase than traditional gas boilers. However, the cost of hydrogen boilers is expected to come down as the technology develops and becomes more widely adopted.
Yet another challenge is the availability of hydrogen. Currently, there is a limited supply of hydrogen available in the UK. However, the UK government is investing in hydrogen production and infrastructure projects. This is expected to increase the availability of hydrogen in the future.
Switch to renewable energy
This is one of the best things you can do to reduce your carbon footprint. Solar panels together with solar panel batteries are a great option for homes and businesses in the region, as they can generate enough electricity to meet the needs of most households and can be installed on a variety of roof types.
In addition to solar panels, there are a number of other renewable energy options available in the region, such as wind turbines and biomass boilers. These options can be more suitable for larger homes and businesses, or for those who have specific energy needs.
It’s essential to thoroughly research each option’s pros and cons to determine the most suitable solution for your home and requirements. To ensure you get the most competitive price, obtain quotes from multiple installers once you’ve made your choice.
A local heat pump or solar engineer can guide you through the heat pump, solar panel or solar panel battery cost in the UK to get a clear view of the price to a more sustainable life.
Reduce your energy consumption
There are many ways to do this, such as turning off lights and appliances when you are not using them, unplugging electronics when they are fully charged, and making sure your home or business is well-insulated.
You can also reduce your energy consumption by making simple changes to your daily habits, such as taking shorter showers, air-drying your clothes, and cooking with the lid on your pots.
Apply for a grant
If you own a home or business in the UK, you’re good to opt for a grant to help you install a low-carbon heating system. There are a number of different grants available, so it is important to do your research to find the best grant for your needs.
Here are some of the boiler/heat pump/solar panel grants that are currently available in the UK:
- Boiler Upgrade Scheme. This scheme provides grants of up to £7,500 towards the cost of installing a heat pump in a domestic property in England and Wales.
- Clean Heat Grant. This scheme provides grants of up to £4,000 towards the cost of installing a heat pump in a domestic property in Scotland.
- Home Energy Scotland. This scheme provides grants of up to £6,000 towards the cost of installing a heat pump in a domestic property in Scotland.
- Solar Thermal Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive. This scheme provides payments to homeowners who install solar thermal panels on their property.
- Smart Export Guarantee. This scheme provides payments to homeowners who generate their own electricity from renewable sources and export it back to the grid.
You can contact your local authority to find out more about any available grants.
Reduce, reuse, and recycle
This is one of the simplest ways to reduce our waste and help the environment.
There are many ways to reduce our waste, such as composting food scraps and yard waste, avoiding single-use plastics, and buying products in reusable packaging.
We can also reuse items whenever possible, such as repairing clothes instead of throwing them away and using reusable bags when shopping.
In addition to the five tips above, here are some other ways to go greener in the region:
- Support local businesses that are committed to sustainability.
- Get involved in environmental organizations in your community.
- Attend events and workshops to learn more about sustainable living.
- Drive less and walk, bike, or take public transportation more often. This will help to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
By implementing minor adjustments in our daily routines, we can significantly impact the environment and be well-armed for the forthcoming environmentally-focused governmental initiatives.
