Central heating is when the heating for the entire building comes from a central source. In days past large ducts under the floor pushed heat from a fire through the home. Water is most often used today as the central source of central heating. It is usually much less expensive to have central heating than a fireplace in each room of the home. You can actually save a lot of energy with a well designed and maintained central heating system. A Look at the Central Heating System
The main component of a central heating system is the boiler. Connected to the boiler will be various pipes and radiators. There is a pump that transfers heated water back and forth from the boiler to the pipes. These systems can be individually designed to fit your unique requirements. You will have a well functioning system that saves you energy if you properly install and maintain your system. There are several different types of central heating systems, including open vented, one pipe system, two-pipe system, sealed system, micro bore system and pump positions.
Boilers in Central Heating Systems
The boiler is what actually generates the heat for the system. In order to properly heat the building the boiler must match the size of the building. You will have much higher energy costs than necessary with an oversized boiler and a cool home with an undersized boiler. The size of the boiler will determine the rest of the components of the heating system.
Flue Boilers
In order to supply air to the gas burning part of the furnace and safely release the burnt gas your boiler needs a duct called a flue. The two main types of flue boilers are open flue boilers and balance flue or room sealed boilers. The most recommended type of boilers is the room sealed boilers. This type of flue uses two ducts, one to bring in fresh air and one to release the gas combustion products. The open flue boiler is not recommended as it leaves open the possibility of the toxic combustion gases coming into your home.
Ventilating Your Boiler
Boilers stored in a small compartment will need ventilation to keep them cool. The amount of ventilation required will depend on the type of flue and the heat of the boiler.
There are many different types of boilers including cast iron, combination, condensing, back, and low water. You will get increased safety and energy efficiently with modern boilers which feature fanned flues which are room sealed.
