What is Central Heating?

Central Heating means heating from a central source. Most modern central heating systems use water as the medium to get heat from the central source (boiler) to all the areas to be heated.

The correct term for a boiler is a Heat generator because the water is not "boiled", it peaks at 82-90°C. In addition a lot of modern systems are pressurised.

There is no such thing as a standard central heating system, you can tailor the system to suit your needs and with advanced controls the central heating system will be able to constantly monitor and adjust your central heating (without you having to do anything). However even a basic Central Heating system when programmed should look after itself with regards to turning itself on & off automatically, and should use no more fuel than necessary for your needs. Central heating systems when optimized and programmed correctly or additionally with advanced controls, should keep your house at the correct temperature. It should also provide all the hot water you need, when you need it. All this will be achieved whilst burning the minimum amount of fuel.

A centrally heated house will normally be cheaper to run than any other form of heating. For instance independent fires, even just one fire can be more expensive to run than a well designed central heating system with good quality controls.

Central Heating Advice

Gas central heating is currently the most widely-used method of heating the home.

Before deciding to go ahead and have a boiler/system fitted or replaced it may be advisable to find out what type of central heating system you have. Before you contact anybody you should decide what you want from your system – as this will make it easier for your installer to understand what you require from a system. Ideal provide boilers for all types of heating systems and try to match every customer requirement. If you are unsure about what central heating system you have it is a good approach to ask somebody to help you understand what central heating system you have.

You should start by asking family, friends or work-mates:

• What type of system do they have?
• How long have they had it?
• What they like/don’t like about it?
• How often have they had to call someone out to repair it?
• What are the fuel bills like (dependent on type and age of property)?

...And by asking yourself "What do I want?"

• Instant or stored hot water?
• Mains pressure hot water?
• Different zones heated independently? If so, how many?
• A more efficient boiler?
• Boiler capable of being hidden away?