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Heating Advice
I would like advice for what type of heating to use for a house boat – looking at poss. under floor water heating and warm air space heating, but want to go for most economical option possible.
Unfortunately this is a somewhat specialised area and I am therefore unable to give specific advice. There is a grey area between “marine” systems for boats that move around and systems for use on static boats, more akin to houses. I suggest that you contact a specialist installer for advice on the specific situation (see below)
The first issue is fuel choice/availability – I would assume that mains gas is unavailable, hence LPG, oil (possibly diesel) or electricity are the choices? The energy usage will be dependent on issues such as the level of insulation of the “property”, the occupancy level/frequency and the individual “comfort” preferences of the owner – hence it is difficult to advise on running costs, especially in the case of a boat, which is of unknown construction.
Electric heating systems such as panel radiators (or under floor heating) are widely available and would not, I assume, have to be of a specific type for boats. Wiring regulations for boats may have specific requirements but this is not in our area of expertise. Energy costs may be an issue, depending on levels of insulation, occupancy etc.
Oil heaters for boats is another specialised area and I regret that I cannot advise on this, however a number of specialised suppliers have websites (possible for moving rather that stationary craft). I suggest you contact OFTEC on this issue as they are the trade association for oil heating www.oftec.org.uk. Fuel storage may be an issue – from a pollution control regulations point of view.
If LPG is the fuel choice then “conventional” central heating types under floor/warm air etc can be designed and installed, but you should be aware that specific standards apply to properties such as caravans and boats (including houseboats)
Calor UK have a very helpful section on their website which also gives contact details for “marine” installers – it may be helpful to contact one of these in the relevant area for the boat as they will have up-to-date technical knowledge.
As a somewhat “radical” option, it might be possible to use a heat pump to take energy from the water around the boat (this would be ideal for under floor or warm air heating) – you would need to contact a manufacturer/installer of such systems, try www.heatpumps.org.uk .
Sorry I can only give pointers rather than specific advice.