With the new HIPS coming into force all across the board what is the best Energy according to the Government?

Question

If you have a house that has no heating in at the moment what is the best one so you do not install something that is not acceptable. How do you get it right.

Answer 1

The requirement to provide a Home Information Pack has been introduced to inform prospective purchasers, not the Government.

If I were installing heating for the first time I would start by getting the insulation as good as possible.  The cost of fuel is likely to rise greatly so expenditure on insulation will be money well spent.  I would aim for a pay back period of 10 years or more at current prices because as energy prices rise the pay back will be much quicker.

Next I would maximise the contribution of solar energy with a solar panel or heat pump.  Again a 10 year or more payback period will soon be shortened by fuel price rises.

Finally you will need to decide which fuel to use to supplement your solar heating.  The main choices are wood, coke, oil and gas and you will need to balance efficiency, convenience and probable future prices.  In assessing convenience do not forget to include how easy it is to get reliable supplies and whether you have adequate storage.  As to future prices my guess is that they will all increase quickly with oil and gas increasing quickest.

Best wishes