How Builders are Heating New Homes

The requirement of low-carbon heating systems has become more relevant since the introduction of the government backed scheme ‘Future Home Standard’ which was implemented in 2025. Whilst the most popular low-carbon heating solution is air source heat pumps, there are plenty of other alternatives available.

Ground Source Heat Pumps

Whilst Ground source heat pumps are not as common as air source heat pumps, they are still proven to be an effective form of energy efficient heating. Even though the initial installation can be more expensive, the results can often exceed the energy efficiency targets of new build homes and the long-term savings speak for themselves. Ground source heat pumps utilise the earth’s temperature by laying pipes buried within the garden or outdoor space. Inside the pipes, is a mixture of water and antifreeze, known as ‘brine’. The brine absorbs the heat from the ground which then passes through a heat exchange into a refrigerant. The refrigerant is then compressed, raising the temperature, then it gets transferred into your central heating system.

Air source heat pumps

With natural gas boilers being banned in 2025, air source heat pumps are set to lead the way in energy efficient heating. Air source heat pumps work by extracting heat from the air (even in cold weather) and transfers into a fluid refrigerant. The fluid then passes through a compressor, raising the temperature, before transferring the heat into your central heating system. Homeowners can expect to save a significant amount of money on energy bills as well as improving their carbon footprint.

Solar panels

Solar panels are not currently mandatory for all new build homes, however they are becoming increasingly popular due to the requirements of Future Homes Standard, where developers have to meet certain energy efficiency standards. Solar panels, also known as photovoltaic (PV) panels, are devices that convert sunlight into electricity. They are composed of numerous solar cells. When sunlight strikes these cells, it creates an electric current. To utilise all of the electricity, batteries allow you to store your solar energy to use when your panels are not generating and also reduces the need to import and pay for electricity from the grid during peak times.

Heat recovery

A heat recovery system (HRV), also known as Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR), extracts stale and damp air from areas like kitchens and bathrooms, recovers the heat from that air and then uses it to pre-heat fresh air delivered to the rest of the home. This style of heating with a ventilation system allows for a healthier living environment too.