Choosing the Right Heating System for Your Scottish Home

With Scotland’s cold winters and rising energy prices, the right heating system can cut bills and improve comfort. Start with insulation—warming leaky homes is expensive regardless of the system.

Compare popular options

Gas boiler

• Pros: lower install cost, widespread support, fast heat.
• Cons: fossil fuel, future regulation uncertainty.
• Best for: well-insulated homes with existing gas connection.

Air-source heat pump

• Pros: efficient (300%+), low-carbon, grants available.
• Cons: higher upfront cost, needs good insulation and emitters.
• Best for: well-insulated homes; ideal with underfloor heating or large rads.

Electric (panel or storage)

• Pros: simple install, no flue, pairs with solar PV.
• Cons: typically higher running costs than gas/heat pumps.
• Best for: small/flats, off-gas rural homes with time-of-use tariffs.

Insulation first = cheaper heat

• Roof: 25–30% heat loss — loft insulation is quick, impactful.
• Walls: 30–35% — cavity fill or internal/external wall insulation.
• Windows/doors: 15–20% — double/triple glazing and draught proofing.
• Floor: 10–15% — insulate suspended floors and seal air gaps.

Grants and support

Home Energy Scotland offers grants and loans for heat pumps and insulation. Check current eligibility and pair improvements for maximum impact.

Talk to a professional

Our heating engineers can assess your home and recommend the best mix of fabric upgrades and heating system.