A central heating system is amongst the best heating systems out there. Different homes need different heating systems. It’s important to know which system suits your home. Look for a system that keeps you cosy and saves money. That’s the key!
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What’s central heating?
A central heating system warms up your whole building. It makes heat in one place and sends it everywhere through air, steam, or water. Most places with cold weather have central heating. In the UK, almost everyone has it, with 86% using gas. Some systems even heat water for taps.
Central heating can team up with other systems to create HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning). This combo can manage the whole building’s climate. Many modern places like malls, hotels, and offices have central heating.
How many types of central heating are there?
Central heating systems come in various types, each with its own way of making and spreading heat. You might have a wet central heating system, as 89% of homes in England do. But let’s explore the four types so you can know yours better.
District heating system
District heating systems produce heat in one place and send it to lots of buildings through pipes. This helps save energy and reduces carbon emissions. Buildings linked to this system get heat and hot water from the pipes. They don’t need their own boilers or pay for heating repairs. Currently, only 2% of UK homes use this, but it’s becoming more common. So, watch out!
Warm air system
Warm air systems, also called dry systems, were popular in older homes, especially in the 1960s-70s. They’ve been mostly replaced by wet systems now. But you can still find them in commercial buildings where they also cool the air.
In this system, cold air comes in from outside. A boiler heats it up, then it’s sent around the house through ducts and vents. Each duct can be opened or closed to adjust the heat. Dry systems need big ducts, so they’re usually put in when a house is built.
Storage heating system
Storage heater systems store heat overnight in special bricks. Then, they slowly let out the heat during the day. They mostly heat at night and a bit during the day using cheaper electricity.
These systems have individual heaters but rely on home wiring to use cheaper electricity. So, they’re kind of like a central system in some ways.
Boilers
The main thing to think about with central heating is what kind of boiler to get. Right now, there are three types.
A combi boiler is one unit that heats both the house and the water. It heats up water from the main supply as soon as you turn on a hot tap.
A conventional boiler needs a cylinder to store hot water and a tank for cold water (usually in the loft). The tank takes water from the main supply and sends it to the cylinder to heat up. Then, it goes to the taps and radiators.
A system boiler also uses a hot water cylinder, but it doesn’t need tanks in the loft. It gets water directly from the mains and heats it up in a pressurized circuit.
Radiators
Radiators are where we feel the warmth from our central heating. They’re often seen in many rooms, so they should look good and work well. When picking a radiator, make sure each room is warm enough.
Modern ones are made of steel or chrome, which heat up quickly. Old cast-iron ones are heavy and take longer to warm up, but they cool down slowly, giving a gentle heat.
The cool thing is, any radiator works with any heating system. So, you can choose any design you like, no matter what system you have. If you want to hide them, radiator covers can help.
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Bottom line
To sum up, knowing about central heating systems is super important for a cozy and efficient home. You’ve got to pick the right boiler and radiators. You also need to understand different heating methods like district heating and storage heaters. Whether you’re upgrading or getting a new system, knowing what’s out there helps you make smart choices. Also, keep in mind that central heating not only keeps us warm but also affects energy use and the environment. So, take your time to explore. Make sure your heating system suits your needs while being kind to your wallet and the planet.