What makes central heating reign in winter?

The boiler, the heart of central heating

There are many types of central heating systems but most feature a boiler. This boiler heats a fluid that is then piped to heat various rooms. This heat is distributed using radiators, underfloor heating and other methods in which warmer fluid heats the rooms.

Factors that limit the scale of central heating

So far it seems that having a large boiler intended for many spaces is advantageous, but, obviously, that has some limits. Otherwise, we could end up with only one for all the buildings on the planet.

Installation analysis

Before installing a central heating system, the aspects that contribute to its scale must be considered. Let's take a look at some of them:

• The thermal quality of the environment. The air in each room may have different physical properties. For example, you need to ensure there are no major differences between the places nearest to and furthest from the boiler.
• Air quality. The boiler and heating system can affect the composition and ventilation of the property. The size and location of the boiler must consider the needs of each room, based on their use. You don't need the same level of climate control in a bathroom as you do in your bedroom.
• The noise. If the boiler is too large, it can be a source of noise; if there is only one boiler for a lot of spaces, the heat distribution might be uneven. This will impact some homes more than others.
• Difficulties fitting pipework. There may be obstacles that make it difficult to fit the pipework connecting the boiler to the rooms: beams, walls, installations... The system must be checked by an engineer and pass its inspections. 

Mechanics

The size of the boiler has various effects on the mechanics. There are aspects that make it more difficult - in both installation and maintenance - as central heating systems are used that have many parts that can fail. In addition, a single problem can leave a greater number of rooms without heating.

However, larger installations also have more specialised resources and procedures. The projects and engineers responsible for their installation and maintenance are more specialist and greater effort is put into larger installations than smaller ones. In addition, they facilitate investments in new fault prediction and control technologies.

Organisation

The fact that many properties, which may have multiple owners, are served by a single boiler means organisation is required. It is necessary to combine the uses and needs of each space and of many people. This is one of the reasons why it is very common for heating being individual rather than centralised. In other words, there is a single boiler for the home without this serving the neighbours in the same building. Everyone has their own.

Likewise, some rules often need to be considered when planning a central heating system. Resources and effort need to be devoted to ensuring the users are happy with the service. The larger the boiler, the more difficult it is to reconcile all the interests involved.

Central heating substitutes and supports

Central heating can, in some cases, be replaced by other systems, such as electric radiators, fireplaces, portable heaters and other alternatives. In general, these options are used in cases where the climate is favourable, such as in sun-facing buildings with good insulation. It is also common in homes that have little winter use.

The main advantage is that, with these systems, in very favourable circumstances, the costs of installing and maintaining the boiler can be avoided.

These options can also complement central heating systems. These can help with special heating needs in particular rooms or be used when heating is cheaper with these methods.

It is always advisable to scale central heating systems and to plan from the outset how they are going to be used and maintained and whether additional systems might be needed.

The best maintenance for your gas system

If you are worried about maintaining your system, Endesa offers the best solutions, which are tailor-made to save you trouble.

Our Comprehensive Gas Maintenance service gives you an initial diagnosis of your gas and heating system, including your boiler, its pipework and radiators, two call-outs and repairs per year, and an annual revision, so you can anticipate any faults that might increase your energy use.