Comparison of heating alternatives

As energy prices keep rising, selecting an alternative source for heating your home becomes important. You have the choice between these major alternatives:

Panasonic Energy Saver Our Panasonic Energy Saver can be supplied and installed for approx. £ 2,400 - £ 2,800 (depending on model), and it reduces space heating costs by 63%. Installation cost £ 2,400 - £ 2,800. Annual saving £ 600-£ 1000 (depending on heating bill, see our savings calculator) Payback less than 3 years more information

Air-to-water heat pumps These are more intrusive as you have to connect to your "wet" system. Expect to pay £ 5,000 for installation. You will also need underfloor heating (another £ 2,000) as these only give a water temperature of 40-50 degrees C, which is not enough for normal radiators. Installation cost £ 7,000. Annual saving £ 1,000 Payback 7 years more information

Ground source heat pumps With these you need to dig a large hole in the ground (50m²), so you need a big garden. Expect to pay £ 15,000 - £ 20,000 for installation. As with air-to-water systems you will also need underfloor heating. Installation cost £ 20,000. Annual saving £ 750 Payback 27 years more information

Microgeneration You can have a wind generator installed for about £ 2,000. They give about 1 kW at 12 m/s, but it is rarely that windy for a normal house, so expect 100-200 w, enough for a couple of light bulbs. Installation cost £ 2,000. Annual saving £ 20 Payback 100 years more information

Water based Solar heating This involves installing 10-20 m² of panels on your roof, as well as extensive plumbing to connect them up to your "wet" system. You will also need a new hot water tank (dual core). They work reasonably well in the summer, but not all that well in winter. Installation cost £ 5,000. Annual saving 15% or £ 180 Payback 28 years more information

Air-recovery systems These distribute warm air to the rest of the house from a heating source such as a fireplace. They require extensive ducting to every room you want to heat. Installation cost £ 3,000. Annual saving £ 200 Payback 15 years more information

Disclaimer: Savings are estimates and based on an average 3 bedroom house of 130 m2 (1,500 square foot) using gas central heating. Different savings may be achieved when using other energy sources such as electricity and heating oil