Passive solar techniques are the cheapest as the installation costs are lowest and there are no running costs. The actual cost will depend upon the type of fitting, the construction and façade of the outer walls and the possibilities of enhancing the natural ventilation. In the UK there are a number of companies operating locally and nationally who can undertake such work. Many of the fittings can be installed by the home owners themselves.

In the same way that passive solar is beneficial to reduce solar gain during the summer in hot climates, thermal insulation is very cost effective for buildings with high heat loss.

Heat pumps are cost-effective if heating is currently provided by oil, bottled gas or direct electricity. Compared with piped natural gas, heat pumps may also be cost effective depending upon the available electricity tariffs.

Biomass boilers are cost effective if there is an existing chimney or exhaust gas flue can be easily fitted. About two cubic metres of space is required to store wood pellets (that is twice the volume of oil storage).

Communal housing/apartments/social housing

For communal buildings or social housing, a communal heating system or electricity supply can be beneficial. If such systems exist then similar economics will apply as for individual systems.

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