A heating system is a mechanism designed to regulate and maintain a desired temperature within a space by utilizing thermal energy. It is a fundamental component of Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems, providing warmth to residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. Heating systems are classified into two main types: central heating and distributed heating. Central heating systems generate heat (electrically or by burning gas/coal) in a single location and distribute the heat through ducts pipes or radiators. Distributed heating systems involve localized heat sources, such as space heaters or electric radiators. Distributed heating systems do not rely on the use of ducts, pipes or radiators. These systems are critical to ensure indoor comfort especially in colder regions.
central heating system has pipework and radiators which are connected to a boiler. The boiler provides the heat and the pump moves heated water from the boiler through the pipework to the radiators, and back to the boiler for reheating. It also provides hot water to the hot taps in your home.
There are generally two types of boiler:
•A conventional boiler – this system has a pump, a programmer and a room thermostat. You can control the heating and hot water separately by using the programmer. It heats hot water and stores it in a cylinder, usually found in your airing cupboard.
•A combination (combi) boiler – this system has a programmer and a thermostat. It only needs to control the heating, as it heats hot water on demand. Hot water is available whenever you turn on the hot water taps and so does not need a cylinder to store it in.
Central heating controls
Depending on the type of system you have, central heating and hot water controls may vary.
Room thermostat
The room thermostat is used to set the temperature of your home. It does this by sensing the temperature around it and is usually found in the hall, lounge or dining room. When the air around the thermostat reaches the set temperature, it sends a signal to the central heating pump and boiler to stop sending hot water around the system. Your radiators will then cool down. When the air cools, the thermostat sends another signal to the system to start pumping hot water to your radiators again.
At different times throughout the day your radiators will feel cooler and warmer to keep the temperature constant.
Many people set their thermostat between 18oC and 21oC and then adjust it to suit them, depending on how warm or cool they feel. Remember, if you turn down your thermostat by 1oC, you can save about £65 per year on your fuel bill. Turn down the thermostat but make sure you are still feeling comfortable.
Thermostatic radiator valves
These valves are fitted to individual radiators and control the temperature of the room they are in. They shut off the flow of the water to the radiator when the desired temperature is reached. Valves are often fitted to radiators in every room, apart from the bathroom and hall or the room where the room thermostat is fitted.
They can be found at the side of the radiator, are usually white and have a dial with numbers *12345 running around them. People often set the valve to the middle setting (3), which is about 20oC and see if the room is warm enough.
It’s not a good idea to turn them fully ‘ON’ or fully ‘OFF’ to make the room warmer or cooler as this will waste fuel.
Boiler thermostat
This controls the temperature of the water going around the radiators and should be set according to the manufacturer’s instructions contained on the boiler itself. Combination boilers have two: one for heating and one for hot water.
Cylinder thermostat
If you have a hot water cylinder, it will be fitted with a cylinder thermostat to control the temperature of the hot water. This should be set to a temperature of around 60°C (140°F).
Programmer
The programmer is a control panel which allows you to set the time you want your heating and hot water to come on and go off. Depending on the type of programmer, you may be able to choose whether you want heating only, hot water only or both heating and hot water. Note: If you have a combi boiler, the panel sets the heating only.
You can set it to turn the heating on once or twice a day, on continuously or completely off. Most people set it to come on twice a day – once in the morning and once in the evening. Set your system to come on about 30 minutes before you want the house to be warm and 30 minutes before you want it to cool off.
There are 2 types of programmer:
•Digital/electronic – If you have had a new boiler in the last few years, you will probably have a digital programmer to set your central heating. This is often found in your airing cupboard, hall or kitchen
•Time clock – These programmers have a clock with either sets of pins or arrows to set your heating
Note: You may have to reset the programmer when the clocks change in the winter and summer, and also after a power cut.
If you need to reset your programmer, you can use your programmer user manual. If you haven’t got a programmer user manual for your system, search online for a copy or phone the Housing Repairs team and we can send you one.
How does a central heating system work?
The operation of a central heating system depends on the type of system, but they all share the same basic principle:
1.Heat generation: The heat source, such as a boiler, produces heat through fuel combustion, such as natural gas, propane, or oil.
2.Heat transfer: The heat generated by the boiler is transferred to a medium, such as air or water, which becomes hot.
3.Heat distribution: The heated medium circulates through a distribution system, such as pipes, to heat coils or emitters located throughout the building.
4.Heat transfer to ambient air: The heated coils or emitters transfer heat to the surrounding air or water via the distribution system. This process increases the overall temperature within the building.
5.Control and monitoring: A control system regulates the operation of the boiler and blower to maintain the desired temperature in the building.
There are two most common types of central heating systems for a home: forced-air and hydronic. Let’s see how they differ and operate
Forced-air systems
In forced-air systems, the heat source heats the air, which runs through pipes to radiators located throughout the building. The air outlets control the distribution of hot air into rooms and spaces.
In the context of central heating, forced-air systems are the cheapest way to heat a house but they don’t provide the same level of energy or comfort as hydronic systems.
Hydronic systems
In hydronic systems, the heat source heats water, which then circulates through pipes to radiators or underfloor heating throughout the building. The radiators or underfloor heating absorb heat from the water and transfer it to the surrounding air.
Usually, hydronic systems are regarded as more efficient, benefiting from water’s superior heat absorption properties. This provides more uniform heat distribution and represents a potentially healthier alternative for individuals with allergies compared to forced-air systems.
Efficiency and environmental impact
The efficiency of a heating system is typically measured by its AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) rating. Higher AFUE ratings indicate a more efficient furnace. Environmental impacts are a concern with heating systems, especially those that burn fossil fuels. The use of sustainable energy sources and energy-efficient systems is encouraged to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The main source of harmful greenhouse gas emissions is the type of heating systems being used. For example, central heating systems depending on what they use to burn/electricity consumed to heat the system. Another environmental impact is during winter months heating systems depend heavily more on fossil fuel based energy production.The use of coal, natural gas, and oil to power heating systems is a direct link to greenhouse-based gas emissions.
When do you need a new central heater system?
In general, several signs may indicate that you need a new central heating system. If you are experiencing any of the following problems, it is a good idea to have your system inspected by a qualified heating technician to determine if a new boiler is necessary.
1.Inefficient heating: First and foremost, if your central heating system is not providing adequate heat or is taking longer than usual to warm your home, it may be inefficient and in need of replacement.
2.High energy bills: If your energy bills are consistently higher than usual, it may be a sign that your central heating system is not operating efficiently.
3.Loud noises: If your central heating system is making strange noises, such as rattling, banging, or hissing, it may be a sign of wear and tear and may need to be replaced.
4.Recurring repairs: Also, if you are constantly having to make repairs to your central heating system, it may be worth considering replacing it with a newer, more efficient model.
5.Age: Central heating systems typically have a lifespan of about 15-20 years. So, if your system is older than this, it is more likely to have problems and it may be time to consider replacement.
6.Smells: This means that your boiler leaks CO (Carbon Monoxide) and poses extreme danger to your health and your home.
However, remember that these are just general signs. The best way to know if you need a new central heating system is to have it inspected by a qualified technician. They will assess the condition of your system and make a recommendation based on your specific needs and budget.
Undoubtedly, finding a seasoned heating engineer can be a daunting task – something a busy homeowner like you simply doesn’t have time for.
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