Using Night Briquettes and Air Source Heat Pumps to Lower Energy Bills
The battle against high energy bills has become a familiar struggle in many homes. As winter tightens its icy grip, the question looms: How can we stay warm without breaking the bank? One of the most effective methods I have discovered involves combining the use of our air source heat pump (ASHPs) with night briquettes in our wood-burning stoves. We have two wood-burning stoves that radiate heat throughout our main living areas and bedrooms. In my experience, this combination not only offers a sustainable heating solution but also proves to be economically advantageous.
ASHPs are a popular choice for environmentally conscious homeowners due to their efficiency in converting air into heat. However, their performance can take a hit during extremely cold weather, which is where briquettes come into play. Night briquettes have become our go-to choice for supplementing our home’s heating system. These briquettes are designed to burn slowly, releasing heat steadily throughout the night, ensuring that the house remains warm even when temperatures outside drop significantly.
Why Choose Night Briquettes?
While there are various options available on the market, Night briquettes stand out for several reasons. They are made from natural bark, making them a more sustainable choice as they are essentially made from a waste product. Their slow-burning nature means that we don't need to reload the stove frequently, which is a convenience on chilly winter nights. In fact, when we put two briquettes in the wood burner before going to bed and we often wake up to some embers still glowing.
Long-Term Savings
The investment in a wood burner (if you don’t have one already) and the cost of the briquettes themselves might seem like an additional expense. However, the long-term savings are evident in reduced electricity bills. Over the course of a harsh winter, these savings can be significant.
Furthermore, wood burners and briquettes prove to be lifesavers during winter and storm-related blackouts. In times when power outages can render heating systems useless, having a wood burner fuelled by reliable briquettes ensures that we can keep our home warm and comfortable. This aspect of self-reliance is particularly crucial in severe winter conditions, where maintaining warmth is not just about comfort, but also about safety. The efficiency and dependability of these briquettes in such scenarios truly underscore their value as an essential part of our home heating strategy.
Furthermore, the lifespan of the ASHP is extended as it's not overworked during cold spells. This reduction in wear and tear translates into lower maintenance costs and delays the need for a replacement, which is another financial benefit.
Tips for Night Briquette Usage
To maximise the benefits, it's crucial to use night briquettes efficiently. Here are some tips:
- Proper Storage: Keep the briquettes dry to ensure they burn efficiently. Moisture can reduce their effectiveness.
- Controlled Burning: Adjust the air supply to your stove to control the burn rate. A slower burn rate ensures the briquettes last longer, maintaining a steady temperature throughout the night.
- Regular Maintenance: Keep your stove clean and well-maintained. A clean stove improves the burning efficiency of the briquettes.
- Integration with ASHPs: Use briquettes primarily during the coldest parts of the day or night, relying on the ASHP during milder temperatures. This balanced approach optimises energy usage and cost.
The combination of night briquettes and ASHPs is a practical solution for cost-effective home heating. As someone who has personally experienced the benefits, I can vouch for the effectiveness of this method. Lekto’s briquettes, in particular, have added a layer of efficiency and sustainability to our home heating system. By embracing this approach, homeowners can enjoy a warm, comfortable home environment while keeping an eye on both the environment and their wallets.
Buy Bodge Buster – Homeowner Air Source Heat Pump Installation Guide: https://amzn.to/3NVndlU
From Zero to Heat Pump Hero: https://amzn.to/4bWkPFb
Subscribe and follow our Homeowners’ Q&A heat pump podcast
- 22 Forums
- 2,052 Topics
- 44.7 K Posts
- 23 Online
- 3,283 Members
Join Us!
Trusted Installers
Struggling to find a reliable heat pump installer? A poor installation can lead to inefficiencies and high running costs. We now connect homeowners with top-rated installers who deliver quality work and excellent service.
✅ Verified, trusted & experienced installers
✅ Nationwide coverage expanding
✅ Special offers available
Latest Posts
-
RE: Aira Heat Pump: Stylish Scandinavian Heating
I’m an Aira customer with a 6kW Outdoor Unit in a small...
By KevinPotts , 6 hours ago
-
RE: Tariff and charging strategy advice please
We pay 30p 0830 - 0130, then 13p 0130 - 0830. A smart...
By Johnmo , 6 hours ago
-
RE: Is your heat pump insured?
@richard24738 good to hear. I’ll also review them this ...
By Mars , 6 hours ago
-
RE: Hydronic plinth heaters and ASHPs
@benson will you be proceeding with the plinth heaters ...
By Mars , 6 hours ago
-
RE: Solar Power Output – Let’s Compare Generation Figures
You’re on an insane FiT rate 😂 I don’t think we...
By Mars , 7 hours ago
-
RE: Warm weather and heat pumps.
Just looked at my WC setting, it is programmed for 25 D...
By Johnmo , 9 hours ago
-
RE: How to disable radiator heating in LG HM161MR
Just to add to above,when adjusting WC heat pump should...
By JamesPa , 15 hours ago
-
@johnmo yes I can believe that. It seems to be human na...
By SUNandAIR , 19 hours ago
-
RE: Help optimising my system!
I would be doing things a little more simply. Your heat...
By Johnmo , 19 hours ago
-
RE: Yes, the "zoning with ASHP" topic again...
@johnmo Thanks, Johnmo — fair points as always. I ...
By HarryRea , 19 hours ago
-
RE: Renewables & Heat Pumps in the News
If you want to read a huge amount of speculation, fabri...
By Judith , 1 day ago
-
-
IVT Greenline high pressure switch and electrical cassette errors
I have an IVT Greenline HT Plus C heat pump that is con...
By tdudgeon , 2 days ago
-
RE: Volumisers in Heat Pump Systems: Does Placement Matter?
Not sure if you have the defrost cycle and what happens...
By Johnmo , 2 days ago
-
RE: Additional Battery v Wind Turbine v Ripple
There was a call today for Ripple investors and amongst...
By Judith , 3 days ago
-
-
RE: Commencing on an ASHP Installation Process
I think you may very well be right and of course A2A ca...
By JamesPa , 3 days ago
-
-
RE: Agile: average import cost vs other tariffs?
@old_scientist We are with SSEN and our G99 application...
By Toodles , 4 days ago