There are different types of central heating systems in the UK, and figuring out which one is best for your home can be slightly confusing at times. Heating systems in the UK can vary according to the age and size of the house, for example. It’s also helpful to have an idea of exactly how a central heating system works, to understand the different types of central heating. For instance, pressurised central heating systems don’t function in the same way as conventional heating systems. Here is an overview of the different types of central heating in the UK.
There are three main types of central heating systems in the UK. These are conventional heating systems, combi boiler systems and pressurised central heating systems. Conventional heating systems are also known as gravity fed systems. You are likely to find these in older properties. Combi boilers are also common heating systems in the UK. They work slightly differently, by heating both the gas and the water at the source. Last but not least, pressurised central heating systems rely on a cylinder to transport water through the property.
There are advantages and disadvantages to each of these types of central heating. The best heating system for your property often depends on your home. Different types of boilers are more suitable depending on the age and size of your home, and the condition of your original system. If you’re considering an upgrade to a new central heating system, here is a more detailed description of each type.
One of the more traditional types of central heating systems is conventional heating. You might be curious to know how a conventional heating system actually works. A conventional heating system comes with a hot water tank, which is usually stored conveniently in the loft or in a cupboard at the top of the building. The boiler heats up the water in this tank.
Gravity helps carry the hot water throughout the house, hence the name gravity fed system. It heats the house through a network of pipes and radiators. If you live in a large home or an older building, you’re likely to have conventional heating. Conventional heating systems are gradually being replaced by more modern energy-efficient equivalents. In order to upgrade your heating you’d need to replace the entire system.
One of the reasons many people choose to upgrade from conventional heating to a newer system is lack of pressure. The water flow relies largely on gravity, and in order to increase the pressure, other systems need to be added. It’s also not the most environmentally-friendly of systems, as sometimes not all the hot water in the tank is used and goes to waste.
Combi boiler systems work differently to conventional heating systems. So, if you’re wondering how a central heating system works, it really depends on the type. The combi boiler is probably the most popular in the UK, and you can find it in many types of household. It doesn’t require a hot water tank. Instead, when you turn on the hot water tap a release allows the boiler to immediately heat up the water.
The central heating system works in the same way. There’s no hot water storage, and the heat is sent directly to the appliance. This is a much quicker and more efficient way to heat your home. You also save on space as you won’t need to store a giant water heater. It’s more convenient as you have hot water when you need it, but it’s not wasted when you don’t. This is a more eco-friendly option and could save you money.
The water still relies on mains pressure, so even though combi boilers work perfectly in smaller homes, it can depend on the water pressure in larger properties. Sometimes combi boilers can’t cope with multiple bathrooms in use at the same time, and conventional heating may be more suitable in this case. Combi boilers are pretty effective however in one or two bathroom family homes and work fine in standard houses and flats.
The third type is pressurised central heating systems. The hot water is heated directly when you run the tap, without the need for a hot water tank, the same way as the combi boiler system. There is a difference, however. With the pressurised system, water is heated in a cylinder. This is an external fixture, much smaller than a tank. It is easy to install and works in both large and small homes.
The water cylinder acts as way to increase pressure on the entire system. This means that multiple taps can be used at the same time all with the maximum mains pressure. Pressurised central heating systems are more convenient for larger properties due to this reason. The system is designed to allow more than one bathroom to be used at once, for example. This is the main advantage of opting for a pressurised heating system.
There are, of course, some drawbacks to pressurised heating systems. They are more expensive to install and maintain, so need to be carefully considered as a long-term investment. Their suitability for your property could also depend on your region. They aren’t recommended for areas of low water pressure in general. It’s best to do a bit of research on the area you live in before you decide which type of heating system is best for you.
If your boiler needs replacing, or you’re thinking about upgrading your heating then it’s best to get an expert opinion. There are several factors to consider when choosing between the types of central heating systems in the UK. Different types of central heating suit different types of properties. Speak to a certified engineer for more help and advice about which heating is best for your home. If you would like to know more about the types of central heating, contact us today.
