Keeping Warm: The Latest in Heating Innovations

Sally Perkins, Freelance Writer and Content Manager

With temperatures topping an incredible 30C in June 2017, the British summer had the country sweating its way through one of the greatest heatwaves to strike in years. Since then, experts have been turning their attentions to the fast-approaching winter with predictions that we’re about to experience one of the snowiest winters in years.

Luckily, heat innovation is an area of technology that’s showing no signs of slowing down. In fact, according to Scottish Development International, it’s thought that the global market for low carbon heat technologies will grow to £308 billion by 2050. So, before the snow begins to arrive, it’s probably a good idea to take a look at the variety of clever directions that home heating is taking.

Ventless wall-mounted fireplaces

Not all rooms need central heating, particularly when they’re not used all that often. But if guests are staying over or you want the option of creating a calming, natural ambience in a conservatory in the winter, then a ventless wall-mounted fireplace is a viable and attractive option.

Many designs are not only stylish, but they also generate heat by burning ethanol biofuel, which is one of the most eco-friendly options around. These heating solutions eradicate the problems associated with chimneys, cords and pipes. Unlike electric heaters, you don’t even have to worry about dealing with cords and plug sockets. They’re easy to install and they don’t emit soot, smoke, unpleasant odors, or harmful, toxic gasses like other heating solutions can do.

Geothermal heat pumps

Despite having been around since the 1940s, and so not what you might class as a new technology, geothermal heat pumps are slowly gaining ground. Growing popularity is mainly attributable to the general shift towards both energy security and environmental sustainability that we’re seeing across the globe. This is great news for this sector of the industry, as geothermal heating solutions actually lessen energy consumption and minimise greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

A geothermal heat pump works by drawing on energy that comes from deep beneath the earth. The energy is channelled through an underground looped pipe that absorbs the heat and carries it into the home.

The main reason why it’s taken so long for geothermal heating solutions to get off the ground relates to high installation costs and a lack of both consumer awareness and confidence in geothermal technology. Denmark, Sweden and Switzerland are the largest consumers of geothermal heat pumps at present. Time will tell as to how these sector of the industry progresses.

The Samsung eco heating system

Not content with exploring tech solutions in the electronics industry, Samsung has turned its attention to heating and has come up with an eco-conscious, advanced-technology system that serves as an alternative to traditional heating methods. It’s a solution that allows homeowners to turn up the heat, take care of the planet and make considerable cuts to their home heating costs.

The Samsung EHS Mono works in a similar way to a refrigerator in reverse. It taps into air source heat pump technology, using cold air from outside to heat water in the home. When compared to a standard boiler, it has the power to reduce harmful emissions by approximately 40-59%.

So, whether it’s a ventless wall mount, a geothermal pump, or an eco-conscious boiler, courtesy of Samsung, heat technology innovation is doing everything possible to keep us warm and free from harmful by-products this winter. Which solution would you consider for your home?