The advantages of a central heating system
Central heating is probably the most common heating system found in today’s homes. It allows you to enjoy a pleasant atmosphere in your home while displaying advantageous technical characteristics. Find out everything you need to know about central heating, how it works, the different types, but above all its main advantages.
What is a central heating system?
A central heating system is a device that allows heat to be distributed from a starting point (usually a boiler) to the entire house via a distribution network that can be composed of radiators, a floor or a heating wall. Thanks to the central heating system, the whole house only needs one heating unit from which the heat is produced. It allows you to heat all the rooms in your house to the temperature you want thanks to a device that adjusts the heating temperature range.
The central heating system generally uses electricity, gas, oil, wood and solar energy to heat water and distribute it through the network. With modern homes, it is customary to see a combination of several energy sources to maximize the efficiency of the heating system while saving on energy bills. The latest systems can even produce hot water for the entire house.
A central heating system requires regular inspection to ensure that each component is working optimally. Wood-burning appliances, in particular, should be swept once or twice a year. Routine maintenance should also be scheduled every 5 to 10 years.
How does a central heating system work?
The operation of a central heating system is relatively basic. A heat generator, which can be a boiler, a heat pump or solar collectors, runs on oil, gas, electricity or renewable energy.
Water is generally the heat transfer fluid used to transport heat to the emitters, which are radiators, floors or heated walls. The cooled water will return to the generator to be heated again, and so on. The emitters diffuse heat into the rooms by convection or radiation.
What are the different types of central heating?
There are several types of central heating systems. The main difference between them is the energy source used.
Gas central heating
Gas is one of the most efficient energies for central heating, offering optimal thermal comfort. Nevertheless, it is a fossil fuel that has a negative impact on the environment.
Central heating with wood
Wood is both an ecological and economical solution, as its cost remains relatively affordable and thanks to sustainable forestry, it can be inexhaustible. Wood is considered a biomass and comes in different forms, including logs, pellets or forestry chips.
The heat pump or PAC
Heat pumps are particularly economical, since they use a minimal amount of electricity to operate. They can use water or air to transport heat to the rooms of the house. Heat pumps can also act as air conditioners in the summer if they have a reversible function. There are also geothermal heat pumps that use the heat in the ground to heat the house.
Solar central heating
Solar central heating uses solar energy to transform it into heat thanks to solar collectors. It is an ecological and particularly economical solution, since the energy is completely free. Nevertheless, this type of heating is usually coupled with another type, since it finds its limits when temperatures drop sharply in winter and the sunlight is no longer optimal.
Oil heating
Less and less present in modern homes, oil heating was still widespread a few decades ago. It uses fuel to operate, and is increasingly being criticized for its negative environmental impact.
What are the main advantages of a central heating system?
Central heating is a huge success in homes around the world because of the many benefits it provides. Here are the main advantages of this system.
A cost-saving solution
If you choose your home’s central heating system wisely, you can save a lot of money on energy consumption. For example, if you combine a heat pump with solar heating, your electricity bill will be significantly reduced, while your home will be adequately heated even during the coldest periods of the winter.
Optimal heating comfort
The central heating system distributes the heat continuously via the distribution network. This keeps the temperature in each room of the house pleasant and even, giving you optimal comfort at any time of the day or night.
An ecological solution
As we have seen above, central heating can use renewable energies like wood or solar energy. With these solutions, you not only save on energy consumption, but you also contribute to the preservation of the environment.
Low cost of ownership over the long term
A central heating system can be relatively expensive to purchase and install. However, thanks to the savings you make on your energy expenses, your investment pays for itself after a few years and the cost of use becomes more attractive.
A possibility to supply the house with hot water
On some central heating systems, it is possible to use the water heated by the heat generator for the domestic hot water needs of the house. This allows you to save more money and optimize the use of your heating system.