Central heating is a system that heats a whole building from one central source. In most UK homes, this is a “wet” system, where a boiler heats water that is then pumped around the house to radiators, and often also provides hot water for taps and showers.
How a Boiler System Works
Most homes in the UK use a gas boiler, although some use oil, LPG or electric boilers. The boiler burns fuel to heat water in a heat exchanger. A pump then circulates the hot water through pipes to the radiators, which give off heat into each room, before the cooler water returns to the boiler to be heated again.
Controls
A central heating system is controlled by a programmer or timer, which sets when the heating comes on, and a room thermostat, which turns the heating on and off to keep the house at the temperature you choose. Thermostatic radiator valves let you control the temperature of individual rooms.
Types of Boiler
There are three main types of boiler. A combi boiler heats water on demand, so it does not need a hot water cylinder. A system boiler heats water that is stored in a cylinder, while a regular or heat-only boiler also uses a cylinder and a cold water tank in the loft.
Heat Pumps
Heat pumps are an increasingly popular low-carbon alternative to boilers. Air source and ground source heat pumps use electricity to take heat from the air or ground outside and use it to warm water for radiators or underfloor heating.
Servicing Your System
Central heating systems should be serviced regularly to keep them safe and efficient, and gas work must be done by a Gas Safe registered engineer. For a range of Copper Pipe products, visit https://watkinspowis.co.uk/products/copper-pipe-fittings-and-press-systems/