A home in the country conjures up positive images for many people. Visions of idyllic homes, peace and quiet, plenty of space and a throwback to simpler times are just some of the reasons people make the move to country life. Many countryfolk wonder why people live in cities at all. Alongside the positives of country life, come a range of considerations that can give the enthusiastic tree-changer pause for thought. Accessibility to shops and services, mobile connectivity, where schools are, more driving – albeit at speeds above ten miles an hour and often on more rugged roads than they’re used to, and power and electricity. And gas.
Approximately 40% of rural homes aren’t connected to the mains gas grid meaning rural people need to find alternatives to heat their homes. It’s compounded for many by the higher proportion of energy inefficient homes in the country.
What are the heating alternatives?
For most people, it comes down to a decision between oil or LPG (liquefied or liquid petroleum gas). So what are the pros and cons of both? Click here for suggestions and food for thought.
LPG or BioLPG
Bulk storage tanks for both LPG and BioLPG are a more sustainable heating solution for homes when compared to oil and solid fuels. There is also an option for the tanks to be set-up out-of-sight – commonly underground, so the garden view will be left unspoilt. Both options are kinder to the countryside. By using 100% of BioLPG, one could reduce up to 80% carbon emissions versus oil and by up to 50% compared to LPG. BioLPG’s largest provider in the UK – Calor, offers a 60-40 blend of LPG and BioLPG at the moment, which helps reduce carbon emissions by up to 38% when compared to oil. The LPG or BioLPG option offers the environmentally-conscious rural homeowner peace of mind as well – as they embrace the eco-home energy concept.
The difference between BioLPG and LPG. BioLPG is essentially an ‘eco LPG’ designed for twenty-first century use (and thinking). It’s made from a range of sustainably sourced materials, including waste. It works the same as ‘regular’ LPG, is as efficient energy-wise and ticks the sustainable box. LPG/BioLPG is also versatile, so, unlike oil, you can use it for heating and cooking.
Oil heaters
Portable oil-filled radiators are a common and affordable solution. Easily moveable from room to room they can heat a space quickly – though are more effective in smaller rooms and spaces. They work well as a solution in single-person homes or where people may only want to heat one or two rooms at a time. They can take up quite a bit of room – particularly if the homeowners purchase a few. Storage can be a consideration in warmer months when the heaters aren’t needed.
For anyone concerned about costs there are various types of financial support on offer. Homes in the country are a dream for many. They come with different considerations to an urban home though, though those considerations aren’t a drawback and a rural home can be as efficiently heated as a city home – the options just need weighing up.
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