Central Heating

Central Heating is a means of heating your home from one central source i.e. a boiler. The boiler heats water that is then 'pumped' to where it is required in your central heating. The type of boiler and fuel used can vary, however the end result is central heating for radiators and hot water. Choosing the right system is crucial in balancing energy efficiency with appropriate capacity for your home.


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Central heating for radiators and hot water is controlled via a set of controls, which usually includes a clock or programmer, plus room thermostats and thermostatic radiator valves. These ensure that heating and hot water operate at a suitable time and temperature to ensure comfort and reduce any wastage from your central heating.

In general, gas central heating is the still most popular form of central heating used in the UK. Gas heating offers the ultimate in controllability and tends to be less expensive than central heating systems with an electric boiler due to the lower fuel costs, particularly gas central heating systems powered by a modern, high efficiency boiler.

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Below are the three key types of energy efficient central heating system. When your Heating Advisor visits, they will advise you on the best central heating system for your home.

Diagram of a house explaining how a Solar, un-vented hot water system with high efficiency conventional boiler works in your home

The ultimate in home heating and the most energy efficient way to deliver excellent hot water performance to any home. Suitable for larger homes with more than one bathroom

Solar, un-vented hot water system with high efficiency conventional boiler

  1. An 'A' rated British Gas boiler, range rated and set to meet the specific heat requirements of the property
  2. Controls are selected to maximise energy efficiency whilst meeting the specific needs and comfort levels of the property
  3. A Solar-ready un-vented hot water cylinder will remove the need for storage tanks and deliver exceptional hot water performance, if the local conditions permit
  4. Radiators are appropriately sized to meet the specific requirements for each room. Each will be fitted with a Thermostatic control to improve comfort conditions
  5. Solar panels are available now and let natural sunlight produce around 50 - 70%** of your hot water for free at certain times of the year
Diagram of a house explaining how a Solar, un-vented hot water system with high efficiency conventional boiler works in your home

The most common type of heating system with stored hot water (usually via a cylinder in the airing cupboard) and a High Efficiency condensing boiler.

Conventional boiler

  1. An 'A' rated British Gas boiler, range rated and set to meet the specific heat requirements of the property
  2. Controls are selected to maximise energy efficiency whilst meeting the specific needs and comfort levels of the property
  3. A Solar-ready un-vented hot water cylinder will remove the need for storage tanks and deliver exceptional hot water performance, if the local conditions permit
  4. Radiators are appropriately sized to meet the specific requirements for each room. Each will be fitted with a Thermostatic control to improve comfort conditions
Diagram of a house explaining how a combination boiler system works in your home

Ideal for smaller homes, a combination boiler will deliver near instantaneous hot water and full heating control.

Combination boiler system

  1. An 'A' rated British Gas boiler, range rated and set to meet the specific heat requirements of the property
  2. Controls are selected to maximise energy efficiency whilst meeting the specific needs and comfort levels of the property
  3. Hot water is supplied directly from the combination boiler and is available on demand (as soon as you open the hot tap the water will heat up)
  4. Radiators are appropriately sized to meet the specific requirements for each room. Each will be fitted with a Thermostatic control to improve comfort conditions

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Notes

* Source: Energy Savings Trust

** Source: www.worcester-bosch.co.uk

~~ If you order your new boiler by the 23rd August 2008, you'll save £400. And if you're a HomeCare Customer we'll give you another £150 off the price, bringing your saving up to £550. £300 of the £850 saving is from the Government's Warmfront Heating Rebate Scheme. The Government's Warmfront Heating Rebate Scheme is available in England only to customers aged 60+ years not receiving benefits who privately own/rent their house; offer will not apply to everyone's boiler. Terms and conditions apply.