As England is a cold country and has cold weather for 2/3rds of the year, having a well-heated home off grid is essential, and yet about 15% of homes in the UK do not have a link to a mains gas grid. The duration of these homes is off-grid.
In this article, we will give you all the essential information you need for off grid heating in your home, both in the winter and summer. We will also suggest methods you can easily use to help keep your home warm at low, affordable prices.
We will explore the following:
The traditional ways in which people heat their homes is through gas or electricity. However, off-grid homes do not usually have this luxury; if they do, it is at an excessive price.
So, what are the best ways for off grid home heating without mainline gas or electricity?
Whilst living off-grid has many perks, such as avoiding overspending on gas and electricity, as well as other utilities, it can be a good price to buy to live a life of solitude. However, installation and pricing can be the biggest issue when installing a new heating system, but this is only a one-time concern.
Here are some of the most popular and recommended heating systems that might be suitable for off grid heating in your home:
Biomass is an alternative form of renewable energy, created by burning organic matter like wood, household waste and plants. Using a biomass boiler is also an efficient way of burning less carbon dioxide, unlike fossil fuels.
Traditionally, wood pellets are used as a fuel source which helps provide hot water and heating.
Pros | Cons |
It uses more natural methods to produce heat, such as logs and wood pellets. | Steep upfront costs but it is only a one-time payment. |
Cheaper to run. | They need more space than standard boilers. |
Better for the environment. | |
Biomass boilers operates at an efficiency of 89-91%, like that of normal boilers. | Need to keep fuel stored nearby. |
Click here to find Biomass Boilers available to buy
Underfloor heating is a great, practical way of saving on heat and can transition over from typical radiator systems.
You can get hot water underfloor heating and electric underfloor heating, but these depend on what suits you more, but both are exceptional towards heating your off-grid home more.
Additionally, you will find that underfloor heating has become increasingly effective considering the current cost of living crisis. Installing underfloor heating will help reduce heating bills massively.
Underfloor heating can be run off-grid, and can also be connected to solar power, for example, to make it more efficient for your heating at a cheaper price.
Underfloor heating equipment we have to offer
Pros | Cons |
Minimum effort is needed to keep the running | Variable installation costs |
No maintenance required | |
Take up less space compared to radiators | Time and effort (will only be a one-time issue) |
Practical for all floor coverings | |
Easy to install | Retrofitting: can affect floor heights |
Although heating pumps do not produce heat, they help to redistribute heat from the ground or air, alongside a refrigerant that helps to circulate the heat within an indoor fan coil unit to compress the heat. This method is useful for off grid heating since heating pumps also works vice versa, so that when in cooling mode, the pump can absorb heat from inside your off-grid home and release it outside.
There are two types of heating pumps you can usually find: Air Source Heat Pumps and Ground Source Heat Pumps.
Heating pumps available:
Pros | Cons | |
Air Source Heat Pumps | Cheap to run. Energy-efficient up to 300-500% | There is more effort needed to install as it has indoor and outdoor components. Need space on external walls for a fan unit to operate. Installation price ranges between £9,000 – £15,000 |
Ground Source Heat Pumps | These can last up to 20 years. Operates quietly. They need minimum maintenance. | Takes up more outdoor space. Installation price ranges between £12,000 – £20,000 |
Solar heating works by capturing and converting energy from the sun. You can retrofit solar panels onto your roof, and this process directs heat into individual rooms or preheat them using the air from the heat recovery ventilator.
Solar heating also works better for hot water rather than just heating but can help preheat other heating systems, and is therefore an adequete option for off grid heating in your home.
Pros | Cons |
This helps to reduce your carbon footprint. | It can give unbalanced levels of heating and hot water. |
Cheaper than heat pumps to install; between £3,000 – £6,000 70-90% efficient. | Work better with traditional/biomass boilers, meaning you also need to take time to have these installed. |
Overall, living off-grid can be a challenge to get away from the hubbub of the city, but those willing to adapt know that it will be worth it towards living a greener and more energy-efficient lifestyle.
There are various options towards improving off grid heating in your home, and it is up to you, which option you want to consider, although our experts suggest that underfloor heating is the most productive way to make the most out of heating in your off-grid home.
Check out our wide range of electric underfloor heating materials.
Heating pumps will provide 300 – 500% efficiency for off-grid homes. With the right financial requirements, insulation and other features, you can also implement underfloor heating to store more heating and keep all off-grid flooring surfaces warmer too.
You can leave your temperature on a low setting when your house is empty at around 12 degrees. When there are occupants inside, your home should be set at an adequete temperature of 18-25 degrees.
Wood stoves, propane heaters, and electric heating systems are commonly used for heating off-grid homes.
Off grid heating can be fueled using natural materials including wood and coal. Other sources include propane, natural gas, and even fossil fuels including heating oil and biodiesel.
Adding underfloor heating to your off grid home depends on the type of heating system that you wish to use. Traditionally, simple tubing layouts and wires will be needed for your underfloor heating, and have it connected to a local heating source.
Rural Energy. (n.d.). Domestic Biomass Boilers [Online – accessed 01/12/22]. Available at:: https://www.ruralenergy.co.uk/product/domestic-biomass-boilers