Central heating in UK homes comes in several different forms. While they all aim to keep your house warm, the way they generate and distribute heat — and how much they cost to run — can vary hugely.
Most homes use wet central heating, but electric systems, warm air heating and solid fuel options like wood burners still play an important role depending on the property, fuel access and lifestyle.
Understanding how each system works makes it much easier to choose the right setup — or decide whether an upgrade is worthwhile.
Wet Central Heating Systems (The UK Standard)
Wet central heating systems use hot water to carry heat around the home. Water is heated by a boiler or heat source, then circulated through pipework to radiators or underfloor heating before returning to be reheated.
They can be powered by mains gas, oil, LPG, electricity or biomass. In practice, gas-fired wet systems dominate, accounting for well over 80% of UK homes connected to the gas grid.
Why wet systems are so popular
Wet systems provide even, controllable heat and work well with modern thermostats and smart controls. They scale easily from small flats to large family homes and pair perfectly with underfloor heating, which runs efficiently at lower temperatures.
For a typical UK home, gas-powered wet heating usually costs around £1–£1.50 per hour to run, depending on insulation and usage.
Downsides to be aware of
They aren’t maintenance-free. Over time, sludge can build up in pipework and radiators, pumps wear out, and systems need servicing. Installation can also be disruptive if pipework needs altering, especially in older houses.
Dry (Electric) Heating Systems
Dry heating systems generate heat directly using electricity, without water or pipework. This includes electric panel heaters, electric underfloor heating mats and storage heaters.
They’re often used in flats, extensions, bathrooms or kitchens, where installing wet pipework would be impractical.
Where electric heating works well
Electric systems are simple to install, need little maintenance and don’t suffer from leaks or sludge. Zoning is easy, as each heater operates independently.
The cost trade-off
Electricity is far more expensive than gas for space heating. Whole-house electric heating can cost £2.50–£5 per hour, which is why it’s usually reserved for smaller or well-insulated properties.
Warm Air Heating Systems
Warm air systems heat air directly and distribute it through ducts and vents rather than radiators. They were commonly installed in 1960s–1980s homes, particularly bungalows.
When switched on, they deliver warm air within minutes rather than waiting for radiators to heat up.
Why some homes still use them
Warm air systems heat quickly and can include air filtration, which helps households with allergies. Ducted systems can also heat multiple rooms simultaneously.
Why many are being replaced
They can feel draughty, stir up dust and are expensive to modernise. Converting a warm air system to a wet radiator system often costs £5,000–£10,000, although grants such as ECO4 (available through to 2026) can help.
Wood Burner and Solid Fuel Heating Systems
Wood burners aren’t just decorative. Models with back boilers can contribute heat to radiators and hot water, either alongside an existing boiler or as part of a standalone system using a thermal store.
A typical stove might produce 5–30kW of heat, with part heating water and the rest warming the room it’s installed in.
Why they appeal
For off-grid homes, wood burners offer independence. Logs can be relatively inexpensive — often £300 for a winter’s supply — and modern DEFRA-approved stoves burn much cleaner than older models.
The reality
They require hands-on involvement. Fuel storage, ash removal and regular use are unavoidable, and professional installation (including chimney work) typically costs £2,000–£5,000+.
Which Central Heating System Suits My Home?
If you’re unsure which system actually makes sense for your property, this quick guide will help you narrow it down.
1. Are you connected to the mains gas grid?
Yes
A wet gas central heating system is usually the best all-round option, offering the lowest running costs and the widest upgrade choices.
No (off-grid)
Move on to the next question.
2. What fuel do you already have?
Oil or LPG tank on site
A wet oil or LPG system is often the most practical solution for rural homes needing consistent heat.
No tank, but space for solid fuel
A wood burner with a back boiler can work well as a standalone or hybrid system.
Electric only
Continue to Question 3.
3. How big is your home?
Flat or small house (1–2 bedrooms)
Electric heating can work if insulation is good and heating is well controlled.
Medium or large home
Whole-house electric heating is usually costly long-term. A wet system — or preparing for one — makes more sense.
4. How do you like your home to feel?
Heat quickly when switched on
Warm air systems or responsive wet systems suit this style.
Steady, even warmth
Wet radiator or underfloor systems work best.
5. How hands-on do you want to be?
Set-and-forget
Modern wet systems with programmable or smart controls.
Happy to manage fuel and maintenance
Wood fuel systems suit hands-on households.
6. What matters most?
| Priority | Best fit |
|---|---|
| Lowest bills | Wet gas or hybrid systems |
| Simple install | Electric heating |
| Off-grid living | Oil, LPG or wood systems |
| Air quality | Modern warm air systems |
| Future upgrades | Low-temperature wet systems |
Quick Answers
-
Typical UK semi or detached house on gas → Wet gas central heating
-
Rural home without gas → Oil/LPG or wood-based system
-
Modern flat or extension → Electric heating
-
Older bungalow with ducts → Upgrade or replace warm air
-
Eco-focused off-grid home → Wood + solar + low-temperature wet system
Comparing Common UK Heating Systems
| System | Fuel | Typical cost/hour (100m² home) | Strengths | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wet gas | Gas | £1–£1.50 | Efficient, even heat | Needs servicing |
| Dry electric | Electric | £2.50–£5 | Easy install | Higher bills |
| Warm air | Gas/electric | £1.50–£3 | Fast heating | Dust, upgrades |
| Wood (wet-linked) | Logs | ~20–50p equiv. | Cheap fuel | Daily effort |
What’s Changing Beyond 2026?
Heating in the UK is gradually shifting toward lower-temperature systems. Warm air systems are increasingly being replaced with wet systems or heat pumps, and off-grid homes are combining wood, solar PV and battery storage to reduce fuel costs.
Wet systems remain dominant, but smarter controls, cleaner system design and lower flow temperatures are becoming standard rather than optional.
Final Thoughts
There’s no single “best” heating system — only the one that fits your fuel access, property layout and lifestyle.
Most UK homes are best served by a wet system, but electric, warm air and solid fuel setups still make sense in the right situations. Choosing wisely now can save thousands over the lifetime of the system.
I’m Penny North, a home energy heating expert. My mission is to demystify new boilers and complex heating systems to help you achieve a warm, cosy home with lower energy bills and a smaller environmental footprint.