There are some important things to consider when selecting a central home heating system. You have to decide the type of heat best for your indoor heating requirement. This will help determine if a radiator, an underfloor heater, or both should be installed.
Radiator
This system is designed for quick and easy setup in the room. Its temperature control system makes it easy to control the room temperature. You can reduce the temperature using the heat adjusting valve of the radiator. You can increase or decrease the interior temperature based on weather, heating requirement, and other factors. Reduce the temperature when the weather is mild. The underfloor heating system increases the temperature to the required level quickly, but the room takes some time to cool with this setup.
Underfloor Heater
More and more homeowners now install underfloor heaters. This system takes more time to heat the space to the set temperature. Similarly, it takes time to bring down the temperature. The heating effect depends a lot on how underfloor heating is installed and the type of flooring material used on its heating pipes.
The pipe coil of the underfloor heater runs across the floor. The flooring is laid on top of it. The heated flooring heats the space above it. This is the way an underfloor heating system works.
Boilers
The size of your property is an important factor when selecting a boiler. The number of rooms you have affects what size of boiler should be installed for your home. Most homes now use condensing boilers that deliver high energy efficiency. Their efficiency rating can be as high as 90%, making them more environmentally friendly than earlier boiler models.
Boilers are available in two options – combination and system. The selection depends on the number of bathrooms you have in your house.
Combination Boilers
These boilers can deliver hot water on demand. They ensure a regular supply of hot water as per your requirements. Their drawback is that you can run them only for one application at one time. For example, when someone is using the shower, the hot water supply can be affected if a hot tap is opened in the kitchen, which happens to be the closest to the boiler. It happens because a combination boiler has heating limitations. If you need it to work for multiple water outlets, you must use a high output combination boiler.
The heating of the water supply is given priority over the heating of space. The space heating function of the heater remains switched off when a tap’s hot water is being used. The space heating function returns and starts working when the tap is closed.
System Boilers
These systems are installed along a cylinder full of water. This water is heated, and the cylinder is usually unvented.
Motorized zone valves control the central heating and hot water supply. A dedicated zone valve is used for the hot water function. On the other hand, the central heating system has the required number of valves for each zone that requires heating.
Heating Control
Both boiler systems use some type of control unit to regulate the temperature of interior space and water supply. A clock or programmer is used for this purpose. It works based on the heating requirements for hot water and central heating.
The heater thermostat ensures the most comfortable temperature in the room. It is installed in each room, allowing the occupants to control the temperature of their room independently. This thermostat can also be added to the radiator or underfloor heater to control the space temperature. The system with more temperature control systems runs more efficiently. You will save energy, and your electricity bill will be lower.
Different types of temperature control systems are available. A smart temperature controller lets you control the interior temperature through your smartphone.
Installation
Keep in mind some rules when finding the right installer for installing your heating system.
Look for a reputable company over the Internet. Check information related to it online. You can find such companies at trade sites that deal in heating products and services. Once you have narrowed down your search to a company, read its reviews posted by its customers. This information will help you check its record in the industry and market. After verifying the company, contact it for more information. You can invite the installer for a site inspection. The installer will evaluate your heating requirement before suggesting any heating system.
During the first meeting with the installer, discuss your heating installation requirements. This discussion will help you decide if that installer is the right professional to install your heater. If something looks amiss, move on and choose a different company.
If you plan to install a gas-operated boiler, you should also carry out some other important checks.
