As winter approaches and the weather turns colder and more unpredictable, keeping our homes warm and comfortable is a top priority.
However, the way we heat our home also affects our carbon footprint in terms of environmental impact.
For households relying on fossil fuels, maintaining warmth through winter can have a higher environmental footprint than using lower-carbon heating options.
Fortunately, several lower-carbon alternatives are now available to Irish homeowners, including air source heat pumps for new build and deep retrofit projects and hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) biofuel-ready condensing boilers for households upgrading an existing older oil boiler.
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One company leading innovation in this area is Irish heating technology manufacturer, Grant, with over four decades of experience in developing highly efficient, sustainable home heating technologies.
From the Grant Aerona R290 air source heat pump to the Grant Vortex oil and HVO-biofuel compatible condensing boiler, Grant has focused its research and product development to help homeowners reduce their carbon emissions without compromising on comfort.
Heat pumps – the all-electric alternative
For new builds and well-insulated homes, air source heat pumps are among the most efficient, low-carbon heating solutions available.
These systems extract renewable heat energy from the air outside and use it to warm your home through underfloor heating or radiators.
While many air source heat pumps are designed for milder European climates, the award-winning Grant Aerona R290 air source heat pump was designed and tested in Ireland, specifically for the Irish and UK climate.
This ensures reliable and consistent performance, even when temperatures fall below freezing.
In cold or damp weather conditions, some heat pumps may struggle to maintain efficiency, which can increase energy use.
The Grant Aerona R290 heat pump, however, is designed and tested to perform effectively down to -5°C outdoor temperature, providing water flow temperatures of up to 55°C. Its innovative design minimises energy losses from defrost cycles, helping to maintain consistent warmth and comfort indoors.
When paired with smart heating controls, such as the Grant Aerona Smart Controller, homeowners can set personalised schedules that help maintain comfort while improving energy efficiency.
Together, these Grant technologies are supporting Ireland’s move towards electrification and renewable energy.
HVO biofuel – a renewable way forward
For homes that may not yet be ready for full electrification, upgrading to a modern boiler which is HVO biofuel-compatible, like the Grant Vortex condensing boiler, offers a practical and immediate way to reduce carbon emissions.
All new Grant Vortex condensing boilers are designed to be compatible with HVO biofuel – a renewable liquid fuel produced from used cooking oils and other sustainably sourced materials. Using HVO in place of kerosene can immediately reduce carbon emissions by up to 88 per cent.
Even homeowners with older Grant condensing boilers can make the switch, as a minor modification made by a service engineer can adapt the system compatible with HVO biofuel. This will enable many households to decarbonise their heating systems without extensive or disruptive upgrades.
How to prepare for a more sustainable heating system
If you’re considering upgrading or changing your home heating system this winter, there are a few simple steps that can help you make the right decision:
- Assess your insulation: A well-insulated home makes any heating system more efficient. Check your attic, walls, and windows to reduce heat loss before upgrading.
- For boiler upgrades: Homeowners looking to replace or upgrade an existing oil boiler should contact their local installer or plumber. They can advise on the correct sizing and installation of a new Grant Vortex HVO biofuel-ready condensing boiler, and adapt the system to run on HVO biofuel, offering a straightforward way to reduce carbon emissions.
- For new builds or deep retrofits: If you’re planning a new build or a deep retrofit and are considering a Grant Aerona R290 air source heat pump, you can send your house plans directly to the Grant Technical Team and have your fully integrated home heating system professionally designed, free of charge. The service includes in-depth heat loss calculations, heat pump sizing, hot water storage sizing, design of the underfloor heating system for each room in your home and smart controls. Simply send your house plans to heatpump@grant.ie.
- Use smart controls: the addition of intelligent controls, such as the Grant Aerona Smart Controller, allows you to manage temperatures efficiently and maintain consistent comfort throughout your home.
Installation and maintenance
When installing a new Grant Aerona R290 heat pump or upgrading to an HVO biofuel-ready Grant Vortex condensing boiler, professional installation is essential to ensure performance and safety.
For boiler upgrades, your local heating engineer or plumber can advise on the required output for the model of boiler selected and can install and commission the system.
For new build and deep retrofit projects where a heat pump is being installed, homeowners should begin by sending their house plans to the technical specialists at Grant for the heating design and specification, to ensure the system is correctly sized and specified.
All Grant Aerona R290 heat pumps are also commissioned by Grant at no extra cost following installation and a full aftercare service provided.
The technical specialists at Grant recommend annual servicing of your heat pump or boiler to maintain optimal efficiency.
Typically, a boiler lasts between 12-18 years, and regular servicing helps ensure reliability, performance and safety over time.
A balanced path towards decarbonisation
Every home in Ireland is different, and there’s no single route to lowering carbon emissions. For some, an air source heat pump like the Grant Aerona R290 may offer the most efficient long-term solution.
For others, transitioning to HVO biofuel provides a realistic and immediate step toward decarbonisation.
By exploring these technologies and seeking professional advice, homeowners can take meaningful steps to reduce their carbon footprint – keeping their homes warm and comfortable throughout the winter while supporting Ireland’s journey toward a more sustainable future.
Visit grant.ie for more information on Grant’s range of innovative heating solutions.
Follow Grant on Facebook and X @GrantIRL, on Instagram @grant_irl and LinkedIn @GrantEngineeringULC. You can also follow Grant on YouTube @GrantEngineeringIE.
