Central heating

Q: I'm building a new home and thinking about radiators. Any advice?

A: Radiator heating is becoming the system of choice for many new and renovated homes. That's because hot water (or hydronic) heating systems have several advantages over other options. They are quick and efficient and, because they have few moving parts, they are reliable and durable, lasting for many years. They are also quiet, and provide even, consistent heat that is clean and dust-free.

Central heating systems can warm your home by providing an efficient but gentle heat with full temperature control features.

In a hydronic heating system, a boiler heats water by means of a gas-, oil- or wood-fired burner. The water travels through pipes to radiators, towel rails or convectors that give off heat and warm the room. The system is sealed so no water is consumed once the system is filled, although a small top-up system is usually installed to compensate for any evaporation. The water is treated with an anti-corrosive agent and sometimes an antifreeze agent.

Control and speed of response is the key feature of radiator heating systems. Each radiator is equipped with a thermostatic valve that allows you to select the desired temperature for the room, or turn it off completely if the room is not in use. Correctly matching the boiler to the total radiator output is essential for the optimum performance and economy of a successful heating system.

Boiler and radiator systems have long life and low maintenance, but they should still be serviced annually to ensure trouble-free operation. You can easily learn to check valves and gauges but, for safety reasons, heating system maintenance should be done by a qualified service professional.

Routine annual service should include checking the controls and gauges and inspecting and adjusting the burner. The boiler flue should also be inspected for blockages or leaks.

Q: Is underfloor heating a good option for my new home?

A: This form of heating is a popular choice for new homes, particularly in the living areas. The principle of underfloor heating is simple and very effective. The floor is heated and, in turn, it radiates heat into the living areas and rooms in your home.

Radiant heating gives comfort at a lower overall room temperature, leading to lower running costs compared to alternative forms of heating.

Underfloor heating has the added advantage of being completely out of sight, so there is no restriction with the placement of furniture, and no possibility of direct damage to the heater.

Options for control of underfloor heating are more limited and less responsive than other heating systems. The large thermal mass of the slab prevents fast heat up and cool down times. For this reason, it is more practical and economic to maintain the slab at a constant temperature night and day throughout the cooler season.

The use of a simple room thermostat compensates for variations in outside temperature and sunshine. Control systems can range from a single controller for the whole home to an individual controller for each room or 'zone'.

An underfloor heating system heats your home using warm water passing through piping which is laid in the concrete floor. The layout of this tubing is designed to take into account features that may be unique to your house. The water temperature is warm rather than hot, as the surface temperature of your floor seldom needs to exceed 24°C to provide a comfortable living temperature.

Q: I'm considering putting a ducted gas system into my old villa - can you tell me more about it?

A: This type of system can be installed during construction stage, or retrofitted into an existing home like yours. Ducted gas central heating works by convection (the heat is distributed by a fan). The warm air moves through heat ducts installed in your home, and enters the room through vents in the ceiling or wall.

The level of heat is controlled by a temperature control panel, and areas of the house can be zoned so you don't always have to heat the whole house. Two key advantages of ducted gas central heating are that it can heat the whole house and the warmth is almost instant.