With gas prices rocketing to 30 percent increases in some parts of the country it has never been more important to heat your home prudently and efficiently. No doubt that wood-burning stoves are possibly the cheapest way to heat your home, or moving to a sunny climate might be even more cost effective but for those of us stuck here, this article analyses domestic heating with everything from underfloor heating to open fire places.



There are certain unequivocal truths that are accepted across the board such as cost-efficiency and energy efficiency go hand in hand and investing in insulation will increase cost-effective performance. The real issue currently facing consumers is the continuing rocketing price of crude oil and despite cuts in the market price, energy companies are still sucking all they can out of consumers by not passing this saving on.

Many people are being sucked into what is now being referred to as fuel poverty and using the old philosophy, you have to spend money to make money, are investing in new domestic heating systems such as underfloor heating. When looking at the consumption of gas central heating the price of maintaining a comfortably ambient home is becoming unmanageable so what other options are available to us?

More common in some countries than others, wood burning stove central heating systems are being employed. In countries such as Canada where the winters are savage and there is an abundance of fuel for wood burning stoves, they are practical and efficient. They do have a heavy CO2 output however and are not as sustainable as underfloor heating or other well insulated and easily controllable systems.

A large percentage of heating bills go on the heating of water for which it is generally accepted that gas is more cost effective. In fact some surveys show that gas water heaters can save 70 percent when compared to electric. This is because the gas heating systems are easier to control and therefore less unnecessary heat is used. One of the easiest ways to control heating is with electric underfloor heating.

This is an excellent replacement for a gas driven radiator heating system as it is cheaper to install and maintain, is more responsive and easier to control. The initial outlay depends on the size of the area you are wishing to heat, however it is easy to install and can be done by you with the only professional requirements being that of an electrician to do the wiring. Underfloor heating evenly spreads heat from under different types of flooring.

Underfloor heating can be used with carpet however it is advisable to insert a thin piece of wood in between the carpet and the heating system. Underfloor heating insulation is also advisable for energy efficiency purposes. Most underfloor heating insulation is in fact made of polystyrene with fibreglass mesh making it extremely effective and efficient. Due to the easily controllable thermostat and energy efficient nature of the system, underfloor heating is one of the fastest growing heating systems available.