30. Heating

Heating systems provide warmth and comfort to residential and commercial buildings by generating and distributing heat. Here is a breakdown of different types of heating systems: 

Mains gas 

• Mains gas heating systems use natural gas supplied through a network of underground pipelines. Gas boilers or furnaces burn natural gas to produce heat, which is distributed through radiators, underfloor heating, or air ducts. 
• Mains gas heating is widely used in urban and suburban areas where natural gas infrastructure is available. It is efficient, convenient, and relatively cost-effective compared to other fossil fuel options. 

Electric heating 

• Electric heating systems use electricity to generate heat directly through resistance heating elements or heat pumps. Electric radiators, baseboard heaters, electric furnaces, and heat pumps are common types of electric heating systems. 
• Electric heating is versatile and can be installed in various building types, including properties without access to gas infrastructure. It provides precise temperature control but may be more expensive to operate than gas heating, especially in areas with high electricity prices. 

Oil heating 

• Oil heating systems use oil-fired boilers or furnaces to burn heating oil (e.g., diesel fuel, kerosene) and produce heat. The heat is distributed through radiators, baseboard heaters, or air ducts. 
• Oil heating is common in rural areas without access to mains gas and is suitable for properties with existing oil storage tanks. It provides reliable heat output but requires periodic fuel deliveries and may be subject to fluctuations in oil prices. 

LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) heating 

• LPG heating systems use propane or butane gas stored in tanks or cylinders as a fuel source for boilers, furnaces, or heaters. LPG is a versatile and portable fuel that can be used in both residential and commercial heating applications. 
• LPG heating is commonly used in rural areas where mains gas is unavailable. It provides an alternative to oil heating and can be stored in tanks on the property. LPG heating systems require regular fuel deliveries and may have higher operating costs than mains gas. 

Biofuel heating 

• Biofuel heating systems use renewable fuels derived from biomass sources such as wood pellets, logs, or agricultural residues. Biomass boilers or stoves burn biofuels to produce heat for space heating and hot water. 
• Biofuel heating is environmentally friendly and sustainable, utilising renewable resources and reducing carbon emissions compared to fossil fuels. It is suitable for properties with access to biomass fuels and may qualify for government incentives or grants. 

Ground source heat pump 

• Ground source heat pumps (GSHPs) extract heat from the ground or groundwater using buried pipes or loops filled with a heat transfer fluid. The extracted heat is transferred to a heat pump unit, which amplifies the temperature for space heating and domestic hot water. 
• GSHPs are highly efficient and environmentally friendly, providing consistent heating and cooling throughout the year. They require a ground source such as a garden or land area for installation and may have higher upfront costs but offer long-term energy savings. 

Air source heat pump 

• Air source heat pumps (ASHPs) extract heat from the outdoor air using refrigerant and compressor technology. The heat is absorbed from the air and transferred to a heat exchanger for distribution via radiators, underfloor heating, or air ducts. 
• ASHPs are versatile and can be installed in various building types, providing efficient heating and cooling year-round. They are suitable for properties without access to ground sources and offer energy savings compared to conventional heating systems. 

Other Types 

• Other types of heating systems may include hybrid systems combining multiple energy sources, district heating systems utilising centralised heat generation, or innovative technologies such as solar thermal heating or hydrogen boilers.