Rising energy costs and climate concerns have led homeowners to seek more sustainable heating options. A comprehensive study has identified air-to-water heat pumps paired with solar panels as the most efficient and cost-effective solution.
Researchers from the Technical University of Munich analyzed 13 different heating systems, combining Life Cycle Analysis and Net Present Value calculations to determine their economic viability and environmental impact. The study found that air-to-water heat pumps with solar panels reduced carbon emissions by 17% compared to traditional gas boilers while cutting overall costs by 6%.
This setup is effective due to the heat pump’s ability to harness ambient air energy, minimizing electricity consumption. Pairing it with solar panels reduces dependency on the grid, leading to lower electricity bills and a smaller carbon footprint. Optimizing self-consumption of solar power can further enhance efficiency.
The study also found that wood gasification boilers were a close second in eco-efficiency, producing 42% fewer emissions when sustainably sourced wood was used. However, other systems with high complexity and cost failed to justify their environmental benefits.
Gas boilers, despite being economically viable, produce the highest greenhouse gas emissions of all analyzed systems. The study’s findings support the growing consensus that air-to-water heat pumps paired with solar energy offer the best balance between cost and sustainability for homeowners looking to reduce both their energy bills and carbon footprint.
Source: https://glassalmanac.com/science-has-finally-settled-on-the-most-efficient-and-cost-effective-heating-system