Planning your heating system
Your central heating has an important role to play in creating a year-round comfortable living environment. Here’s where to start
This Build It Special is jam packed with advice on all the different elements that go into a home’s central heating, whether you’re installing a new system or updating an existing one. ere are a range of options and products to consider, from the part powering the setup and the controls that allow you to adjust the temperature, through to the emitters that disperse the warmth throughout your property.
The basics
Every property’s central heating system consists of a fuel source, heat-generating appliance (such as a boiler or renewable tech) and the emitters that pump the warmth into rooms (usually underfloor heating or radiators). On top of that, you’ll also need a means of supplying domestic hot water for washing, cleaning etc. Self builders will have access to all the major options and the luxury of choosing a completely bespoke setup based on their lifestyle and their property’s heat demand – although there can still be restrictions. Does your plot have access to mains gas, for instance? If so, then this may prove to be the most affordable option (for info on gas boilers see page 11). Or if you’re considering a ground source heat pump, do you have enough garden space on the plot to accommodate a collector loop? Discover the off-grid options on page 6. Renovators may well face a few additional restrictions. Can you actually insulate well enough to enable the use of renewable technologies, for example? And even if you can, does it make financial sense to do so? en there are considerations such as the condition of the existing appliance and pipework. And if you want to use renewables, you may need to change the emitters. If you’re extending, you’ll need to install heating in the new areas, but how do they link up to the rest of the property? Learn about how to successfully achieve this on page 17. Whatever system you choose, you’ll want efficient, practical controls. Most of us are used to fiddling with thermostats on boilers and radiators, but modern smart devices offer greater control. Some allow you to alter your heating and hot water remotely from your smart phone or tablet, while others can even react intelligently to your usage patterns and external conditions. Find out more about heating controls overleaf.
Fabric first
You’ll want a system that maximises efficiency while minimising energy bills. e first step to achieving this is to take a fabric first approach by creating a well-insulated and airtight house shell that will retain the warmth you pump into it. e most notorious elements for leaking warmth outside (and letting cold draughts in) are the roof, doors and windows – so look to address these areas before choosing your heating system. is is pretty straightforward for self builders creating a new home from scratch, as you have complete control over the specification of the structural envelope. In fact, you may wish to take the opportunity to minimise the need for heating as much as possible (think Passivhaus and similar eco standards). ings get trickier if you’re dealing with an existing house, especially if it was built before the development of cavity walls. Older, traditionally-constructed properties were designed to ‘breathe’ to manage moisture, so it’s not as simple as sealing everything up with modern damp proof courses and insulants. e best places to start are loft insulation, leaky floorboards and ill-fitting windows and doors.
Choosing products
With so many options for your heating, how do you choose between different systems? e decision comes down to what works best with your project, and the in-depth guides contained in this Build It Special will arm you with the knowledge to ask the right questions of suppliers and installers before you commit.