Let us help you go 'green'

22 September 2022

How can we help you go green? 

Many homes appreciate the importance of recycling, saving water and turning off lights to 'be greener' and look after the planet. 

There are many benefits to renewables, such as lower energy bills and lower dependence on non-renewable energy, whilst simultaneously helping to reduce the production of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases.

Yet, many homes have a secret that hugely contributes to their carbon footprint, their heating and hot water systems.

At Swale Heating, we are dedicated to protecting the planet through sustainable and renewable energy options. With decades of experience under our belt, we are the experts. Offering options such as solar panels and air source heat pumps, we are on course for a greener future and most importantly, one that keeps your family warm.

Alongside the award-winning, high-efficiency condensing boilers we supply, we provide renewable and sustainable energy solutions for heating and hot water provisions in your home, making going green a walk in the park. 

Solar thermal panels

Solar thermal panels harness the power in both direct and indirect sunlight, converting this energy into heat and hot water for the home. 

Our solar panels are designed to work adjacent to existing heating systems, using a store of hot water in a cylinder. The panels are typically fitted to your roof and connected to your current hot water cylinder or a new hot water cylinder. When the sun shines, water is heated in the panel and then pumped around a circuit of pipes. The heat from these pipes is used to heat the water in the hot water cylinder.

There are two common types of solar thermal panels:

Flat plat collectors: Typically, of a more straightforward design, they are cheaper per square meter but operate less efficiently than their more technologically advanced counterparts.

Evacuated tubes: Perfect for applications with smaller amounts of space available but typically more expensive, these efficient panels make the most of the solar energy available. 

Most solar thermal panel systems are designed to provide around half of your hot water demand from the sun, meaning the rest must come from the existing central heating or immersion heater. 

Benefits of these solar panels

Reduced energy bills: Once you have paid for the initial installation, your hot water costs will be reduced - they eventually pay for themselves! 

Hot water all year: The system will work all year, although a boiler or immersion heater will be needed to supplement during the winter months. 

Lower carbon footprint: Solar hot water is a green, renewable option that can reduce your carbon footprint.

To learn more about solar thermal panels, and if they would be suitable for your home, look at our summary here

Air source heat pumps

Simply put, air source heat pumps take heat from the outside air and convert it into heat which can be used with a standard heating and hot water system (usually underfloor heating or oversized radiators). 

They utilise a refrigerant circuit (similar to how a fridge operates) to increase the temperatures to a functional level for your home. Air source heat pumps are so effective that they can extract heat from the air even at temperatures as low as minus 15 degrees centigrade, making them perfect for British weather.

Heat pumps use electricity, so is not yet a zero-carbon option, but it runs efficiently and can be cheaper to use, whilst being a low carbon output option for your home. 

Benefits of an air source heat pump

  • Minimal maintenance 
  • Low carbon footprint
  • Will reduce your fuel bills in most cases
  • Can heat your home and your water

To learn more about air source heat pumps and whether it would be suitable for your home, look at our summary here

If you would like a personalised quote or just a chat on what's best for your home, please do not hesitate to contact our Sales Team on 0800 731 33 44 or use our contact form here.