Central Heating As A Part Of Our Lives

The concept of central heating dates back to the rudimentary hypocaust system of ancient Rome that used hot air and flue gases travelling upward through wall cavities to provide heat for an inside space. However, it has not been until the last century or so that technological advances have added efficiencies and more availability to the mix.

Central heating systems for home use have evolved dramatically. At one time coal burning furnaces heated water either to circulate through a number of connected radiators to bring warmth to rooms remote from the furnace location, or to create steam to accomplish the same purpose. Then as natural gas pipe lines were built, natural gas displaced coal as fuel. In some cases, oil replaced coal. Natural gas and oil are still used as fuels for home heating systems.

Electric Central Heating Systems

Electric central heating has not been used nearly as much as natural gas, although that may change. The need for well insulated, energy efficient housing started gaining greater recognition after the oil shortages of the early 1970′s. For quite some time after that, use of electricity to heat a home was limited by its high operating cost because using electricity required using an electric resistance furnace in a forced air system. Such a furnace blows air across a thick, glowing wire, to create warm air. It is quite inefficient. However, new technology using electricity more efficiently is constantly coming to market, making electricity a very efficient alternative to natural gas.

Central Heating Installation

Central heating installation takes place at the construction site but planning begins with the architect and engineer. A system distributes heat. It does this by means of duct work in a forced air system, or pipes in a hot water or steam system. The duct work is connected to a furnace while the pipes attach to a boiler. A gas furnace has a burner with numerous flames of burning gas that heat the air as it passes over and through them in a forced air system, while in a hot water or steam system, fuel is burned to heat water, which passes through pipes to a radiator, or it creates steam to do the same thing. Duct work is typically run through interior wall cavities to strategically placed outlets. Pipes for a system using a boiler also are easy to conceal and lead to a radiator, or to radiant tubes concealed in a sub floor, to warm indoor living spaces.

Central heating boilers available now are smaller than previous models and use fuel–gas or oil–more efficiently. Central heating radiators for use with such boilers may be the vertical, iron style that has been in use over a hundred years, or they may be a copper tube with closely space, thin metal fins attached to distribute heat. The latter style intrudes less into a room space, weighs less and is easier to handle than a traditional style radiator.

Gas Central Heating

Gas central heating, particularly a forced air system, is the most widespread system in the United States. A forced air system circulates air through a vertical furnace. The air is heated by the burner and passes through duct work to the various rooms of the house. Forced air furnaces that can achieve 96% efficiency by rapidly cycling off and on are available for this type system. A gas fired central heating system may also use a boiler to create hot water or steam which moves through a system of radiators to heat rooms.

Newer building techniques that take advantage of the sun as a source of heat are being used more often on a wider front than ever before. The economic and environmental advantages of this approach are numerous. However, despite increasingly higher levels of thermal efficiency in building and new technologies to make use of sunlight for heating, it is quite likely that there will always be a need for a central heating system in public and private buildings.

Is a Chrome Radiator Right For Your Home?

Choosing the right central heating radiators depends on many factors specific to your situation. It is essential to consider what output is needed for your space, the style of the radiator, its fuel type, its size, and your budget. In addition, you need to take into account the finish of the radiator; do you want a chrome radiator or a stainless steel one? Radiators are one of the most important elements of central heating installation, so you have to get this procedure right.

Nowadays radiators have become home decorations in themselves and you have a wide variety of colours, styles, and materials to choose from. First, it is necessary to determine how much heat the room requires. You can do it by using one of the radiator manufacturer’s heat loss calculations. Radiator heat outputs are measured in Watts or in British Thermal Units. The starting point is getting the right heat output from your radiator. Much more complex methods for calculating the exact heat requirement of a room are adopted by architects and technical experts, who take into account several factors and variables in detail.

It is essential to avoid buying radiators that work by convection, because they circulate air and cause dust to be circulated around the room. Choose radiators that work by radiating heat, as they cause less dust and air movement. Keep in mind that chrome radiators have lower heat outputs, because chrome plating creates an additional layer of metal that insulates the radiator and reduces the heat output.

Next, you have to determine the right location of the radiators in your rooms. It is highly recommended to place your chrome radiator in the coldest part of the room, which is usually under a window. If you already have a central heating system, you should try to maximize the use of existing pipe work. This warms up the cold air that comes in. Also, you need to consider such matters as the colour and the space and contours of the room. So, after measuring up for your needs and deciding on location, you may order your new radiator.

If you have decided to enhance the value and beauty of your room by adding a chrome radiator, it is time to choose some colours and designs that you feel will suit the overall ambiance of your place. Now you can decide whether you want a traditional or designed radiator and decide on factors such as material and style. Consider different looks that will blend into the style of your home.