A graduate from the University of Strathclyde has conceived a system that can turn waste heat into electricity and may be incorporated among the flue accessories of homes in the future.
It is called Eco-Helix and was devised by Charles Urquhart. It can be connected to existing flue pipes, where it transforms thermal energy into electricity by channelling heat via a selection of fans, according to IBTimes UK.
The device was developed as part of Mr Urquhart's final year project and hopes to gain more value from domestic heating systems.
He believes that the tool can generate the electricity necessary to save a household up to £22 a year.
Atmos Heating Systems has also demonstrated a new device for household heating.
The company has built the Thermal Energy Storage and Saving Automobile, which is a Land Rover Freelander that features a prototype thermal energy storage and transfer system.