Homeowners are becoming increasingly involved in the selection of their home heating and hot water solution. This increase in involvement is due two primary factors:- the rise in the cost of fossil fuels, and home fuel bills, has made homeowners increasingly look for energy efficient products. Secondly, increasing awareness of climate change encourages consumers to seek products which minimise environmental impact.
These factors can make it difficult to understand which product solutions are suitable, which are not, and what product selection criteria should be used so we have produced a useful product comparison table. The table provides guidance to the homeowner. It outlines different product alternatives and their advantages and disadvantages. However, this table will only provide an indication of which products may be suitable. A correct product selection can only be made with full knowledge of the particular situation. In addition, if more than one product is integrated into a heating and hot water solution: for example a solar panel and boiler, how these products are connected and the controls used will affect the total installation cost and on going running costs of the system.
Therefore it is recommended that any home heating and hot water solution is defined together with a competent installer.
